The Perfect Pastor, the Perfect Church

Is there such a thing as the perfect pastor? When a man/woman signs up for the profession, should they take a course on how to meet the needs of each and every member of their congregation? What exactly IS the perfect pastor? Our experience is that there isn't such a thing, and thank the Lord because if there was we'd be living a deceptive walk. Our family has been here in Indonesia for 4 months, and we have found what we call our 'home church.' We tried about 6, some of which were awesome and some not so much. A few felt 'comfortable' but they didn't exactly teach all aspects of the bible that we have come to believe, study and follow ourselves. For example, we went to an incredible church where their outlook towards society, social justice, the Power of the Name of Jesus, worship, prayer (not corporate, mind you), the 4 main components of the gospel and such are preached. However, they don't teach on tithing and don't believe that it is biblical. Our personal experience has proved that no matter what, you give to God first, give a little more to missions/others/whatever, and your needs will be met. They may not be financial but God knows what we need most, and He sees, listens and responds accordingly. I realize the subject of tithing is controversial, but isn't being a Christian controversial?


I wish that we could take a little bit of this pastor and a little bit of that pastor here in Indonesia, a little bit of the "feeling" of this church and a little bit of the "spirit" of that church and combine them into what our family desires most. Even within our family of 4, there may be disagreement on that point. What do we desire in a church? The conclusion that I have come to about the church that we have just left (only because we've left the country...) is that no, it is not perfect, but it sure is lead by a strong, brave, committed leadership team. I realize that there are always kinks and flaws in any organization, but we sure were blessed by the church family that we were (and still are) a part of.

Take Pastor Scott for example. From what I've seen and experienced here, I sure hope that others back home realize what a gem of a pastor he is. Admittedly, he's not a hospital visitor, and I haven't seen him kissing very many babies (that's what Pastor Craig's municipal role is now...go Craig!) He hasn't been omnipresent at things like our past Good Samaritan Dinner or in the Free Store. Why? I think it's because he's a good leader, and good leaders delegate, trust those who have been apppointed or who have volunteered for the leadership role, and encourage those in said roles. As for the hospital visits, that's just not who God made him. I know enough about him that if he felt lead to go to visit someone, he'd do it, and he'd do it willingly. Pastor Scott is a visionary with a "go get'em" or "let's try it!" personality; pair that with his willingness to wait, listen and obey God's will, and you get what Northgate is today. Some may not like having to share him with other church (satellite) bodies, but that's where God has lead Northgate. As for his speaking, Pastor Scott is brave: he's not afraid to tackle issues that so many church leaders refuse to touch, such as homosexuality, sexuality, marriage, tithing, money, even discipline of one's children. Those can be touchy subjects, yet he tackles them, and I am proud of him that he does. He's ultimately not afraid to challenge his church family from the pulpit.

Why am I writing all of this? Nobody put me up to it. I have just been thinking on these things for a while, especially the last month when it was Pastor appreciation month. We miss our church family. We miss the worship. Matthew misses youth. Abby misses the sermons (she said the other day when we visited a Sunday morning church "I'd like to stay and listen to the sermon, even though I know it's not going to be as good as Pastor Scott's"). Tris and I miss Pastor Craig's sense of humour and Pastor Scott's bad jokes (Tris likes them...peas in a pod); we miss Pastor Ken's wisdom and Eunice's encouragement. I miss having my pastor's wife next door where I can visit, if only for 2 minutes across the lawn, and encourage each other each day. I miss Shanda's fervent prayers. We are learning to appreciate what God has provided for us here, and honestly, it took us 2 years before we REALLY felt like Northgate was our family. We realize it will take time here. However, it's unfair to the leadership of our church now, because although we try not to compare, they have some pretty big boots to fill, in our eyes.

Again, why am I writing this? Because we've been away long enough to see with hindsight and with a new perspective what we were a part of. We were blessed to grow along with Northgate, blessed to go through it's labour pains alongside the leadership, and are blessed to continue relationships we grew while we were in Canada. Please pray for us while we're here that we would be able to connect to the ministries God would have us a part of while we're here, and that we wouldn't just 'take something on' because it's a good idea. Life is full of good ideas but they aren't always meant for us.

By the way, I just want to mention that the admin staff at Northgate rocks!

Thanks for reading.