But God is a gardener

Isaiah 27:2-3 In that day, sing about the fruitful vineyard. I, the Lord, will watch over it, watering it carefully. Day and night I will watch so no one can harm it.

John 15:1-5 [Jesus said] “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. … Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”

Acts 20:28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.

“Sozinho, não!”

“Solito, no!”

This is the rallying cry or slogan of my husband Dave’s ministry, Discipling and Pastoring of Pastors in Brazil and Latin America (see dppastores.com). It means “Alone, no!”

A Pastoring of Pastors retreat in Brazil

Many pastors in Latin America do feel alone. They’ve been taught that the success of their church is on their shoulders. Denominational leaders tend to communicate demands more than support. They don’t have anyone with whom to share their burdens and receive encouragement, either personally or ministerially. Often, they are afraid of potential consequences if they tell anyone they are vulnerable or needy in any way. Sometimes they are afraid to admit this even to their spouses. They don’t have help in “watching over themselves.”

And sometimes all that explodes into a scandal of one kind or another. Sometimes that’s because the pressure the pastor feels becomes overwhelming. Especially the pressure of loneliness.

Other times, the pastor simply quits. The stats on this are not pretty. The loss of pastors is part of what has been called “the great dechurching”**—in the US as well as Central and South America.

Over the years, Dave has had the privilege of participating in the restoration of pastors. The process is different, of course, in each case. But it always involves this basic concept: You can’t do ministry alone. It must be a team effort, with encouragement, support, and accountability. You must be connected to the vine AND to the other branches.

Sozinho, não!

I encourage you—and myself—to pray for your pastors, support them however you can, and be very careful about gossip and a critical attitude. Resolve conflicts directly and with love. Don’t “church hop” because of disagreements over nonessentials. Don’t turn your worshiping community into a political battlefield. And maybe most important: God didn’t ever intend us to be loner Christians. We need each other. Each of us needs to be a part of a body of believers submitted to Christ as Lord, growing in grace, and caring for each other. Alone, no!

When I started writing this post, I didn’t realize it would become so long. So I’m breaking it into two parts, with an exciting announcement next time!

**For example, in this book. You can Google other books and articles and discussions.