PLI Story - "A Pastor's Journal", Rev. Robert B. Donovan Jr.
PLI Story – “A Pastor’s Journal”, Rev. Robert B. Donovan Jr.
Spring 2000 – Conflict
I don’t know why I continue to journal my experience here. Sometimes it is so discouraging to re-read what is happening. I can’t believe God’s people speak to each other the way they did at the Board of Ed meeting. No one seems to really care about each other unless they want something. I don’t think I have ever been this discouraged about a group of people.
Winter 2001 – Finance
Today’s finance meeting did not go well. Instead of crafting a stewardship appeal and use the love of Christ as motivation they talked about posting a scandal sheet. I asked what that
was and they said in the 60’s they would post an accounting of contributions in descending order of value in the narthex. What are they thinking?
Summer 2001 – Marriage
The tension around here is affecting Jennifer. She told me today that I spend too much time with everybody else and don’t value her as much as I should. I told her she was overreacting – not a good idea.
Fall 2001 – Mission
I don’t think anyone really understands what we are trying to do. They all seem more interested in preserving the past than reaching the lost. Someone asked me at last night’s Voter’s Meeting, “It’s nice you are bringing all these new people in here Pastor, but what are you going to do for me?” Aaarrgh!
Winter 2002 – Fiefdoms
This was the most frustrating day ever. Not one person in that room was willing to yield to another person’s idea. They wouldn’t even agree to meet together. There is no concept of teamwork or common goals.
Spring 2003 – Personal
I got a phone call today about applying to PLI. I heard about it at seminary. Herman Otten doesn’t like it. That may be a good thing. I guess it is a continuing education opportunity to learn how to apply leadership concepts to a church community. They want the wives involved too. I will get more information.
June 2002 – First Conference
Jennifer and I just got back from Dallas, Carrolton actually. I can’t believe the week. It was challenging when Norb asked us toc onsider what our personal mission is. I thought I was a pastor. Leading from Within opened some new lines of thought. The other guys in my group all seem nice – I am not sure we will necessarily ever be best friends but it is only a couple of weeks a year.
The biggest thing was with Jennifer and I. I had no idea how much I had hurt her and for the first time in our marriage when we prayed together in the sanctuary, I felt the power of God’s forgiveness intervene and begin to change my heart.
April 2003 – Second Conference
What a great time I had this week in Houston. After spending a few weeks with the guys and getting together here with our wives it was like seeing old friends. The session about balance and alignment will be incredibly helpful to what we are doing at St. James.
The time spent talking with my group has been instrumental to processing how to deal with the congregation. I am certain I have made fewer mistakes in this last year because of their help and advice. I think Jennifer is appreciating the shared time with other Pastor’s wives. I had no idea she felt as isolated as she did.
April 2004 – Third Conference
I thought last years conference was excellent but this outdid it. Instead of forcing cooperation, the session outlining the dynamics of leadership will let me lead with more finesse and a greater understanding of when different styles can be utilized. The result at St. James is great.
The conflict is generally gone, the capital campaign finished this spring with a pledged total of $ 2.6 million! This was far greater than anyone expected. Today we hired a contractor for the school expansion. None of this would have been as effective without the opportunity that PLI has given me. But the best part is the support from the PLI community, especially the mentors.
April 2005 – Fourth Conference
I think I am depressed. I actually sucked up tears leaving King of Kings. It will take me a while to process what the past four years have meant. The repaired marriage, the collegiality of men I respect and have learned to trust, the personal growth I experienced and have been able to apply to St. James. Not to mention the focused information that has been useful in adding to my pastoral formation.
July 2006 – Mission Trip
Today we arrived in NYC from Krygystan. Everybody who passionately loves Christ and his mission should take an overseas mission trip. It sure makes me appreciate what we have in America and how fortunate we are to know Christ. I think in next year’s Ministry Action Plan we will begin to work toward development of groups to visit the world mission field and support our missionary’s work.
January 2008 – Responsibility
I was asked today to support a funding effort for PLI. Obviously as they expand the opportunities for more pastor’s to participate their funding model needs to expand. Given what PLI has meant for St. James and Jennifer and I, there is no choice. I told them yes. I imagine if I could get all the guys in my class to reflect upon what PLI has meant to them it would be easy to find personal and congregational support.