Aug
9
2012

Lessons from the Fall: Distraction

An article by Matt

I recently tumbled down the stairs into our basement apartment. While the only damage was to the wall, and my pride, I did take four lessons away from my trip… this is one of them.

I was already running late that morning. A phone call lasted longer than planned followed by a last minute request from my father-in-law had me behind schedule, when the doorbell rang. I ran up stairs to find the FedEx man with my new laptop bag.

I was pretty excited about my bag (seriously, best bag I have ever owned), but a little irritated about being late to the Korean restaurant for my lunch appointment. By the time I ran back down the stairs the distraction was in full force. I was thinking about bags, traffic, lateness, errands, while contemplating world peace when it happened. Actually, I am not really sure what happened… all I know is that I ended up at the bottom of the stairs, my heel hurt, there was a hole in the wall, and Theresa came charging out of her office trying to figure out what just happened.

That’s how it happens, isn’t it?

Leading a church can be exhilarating, exhausting, frustrating, and incredibly fulfilling. Leading a church can also be a distraction. In the midst of all the responsibilities, relationships, disappointments, and celebrations it can be easy to forget that we are, first and foremost, followers of Jesus. When we allow ministry distractions to get in the way of relationship with Christ it affects everyone: our church, our friends, our family, and ourselves.

Distraction happens, but it doesn’t have to end painfully. By being intentional about building protective practices into our regular rhythms now, we can protect ourselves from the harmful effects that a prolonged period of distraction can have on us, our family, and our church. I am grateful for those who have coached and mentored me through the years, and have woken me up at the times I have been distracted.

What rhythms are protecting YOU from distraction?

About the Author: Matt Steen

Over the last fifteen years I have been a Church Planter, Youth Pastor, Executive Pastor, and now I serve as a Church Concierge with churchsimple.net. I love Jesus, my wife, the Redskins and Capitals and am currently living on Long Island striving to properly pronounce the word G'island.