Art school gave me the chance to try out a variety of artistic mediums. I took classes in illustration, graphic design, photography, painting, and serigraphy. Looking back, I wish I had included something in the realm of sculpture or ceramics. I don’t know whether I would have had much ability in that space, but I think it would have been an interesting experience.
 
Think with me for a minute about the biblical metaphor of a potter and clay. Maybe you’ve seen an artisan at their wheel, patiently shaping a lump of clay into a bowl, a vase, or the like. As the wheel spins, the potter applies pressure on the clay in order to expand, shape, or texturize what will eventually become a work of art.
 
Now imagine, partway through, the potter pulls his hands away from his creation while it is still taking shape. He shuts off the wheel, walks away, and leaves the partially-formed hunk of clay to dry, unfinished. Who does that?
 
The answer—no one.
 
We expect that a potter will finish the work of art they have begun when they throw down a lump of clay and begin spinning the wheel. And this is just what God promises to do with his workmanship from the moment he puts his hand to what is yet formless (Ephesians 2:10).
 
Paul says so in his letter to the church in Philippi. "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6). And yet, we shortchange the ongoing work of God in ministry leaders when we relate to them as if the work is done. According to Paul, it ain’t done till Jesus turns off the wheel.
 
What if we did a better job of making room for life change in our leaders? What if we assumed there is no less work going on in our pastors than there is in us? What if leaders spoke more freely about the formation they knew needed to be done in them right now? What if we in the body of Christ celebrated progress more emphatically than we declared disappointment over the fact that our leaders aren’t complete?
 
At CT Pastors, we assume that life change is a way of life. We understand the high standards of a leader’s calling while recognizing the never-ending need for growth. The two aren’t mutually exclusive, just two realities which must be given Spirit-led attention. I trust you will find in this community the resources you need to personally grow as God intends and serve in a way that aligns with the ongoing workmanship of God in the world until he makes all things new.