We Need To Get SMART

Below is the response to my BLOG of two days ago. My pastor-friend Carl clarified his meaning with the following words:

"I must have been unclear in my presentation. I made passing reference to SMART specificially because the section of my church's constitution dealing with pastoral duties does not follow the guidelines of something like SMART, so I was essentially trying to say, "The duties outlined here for the pastor are NOT specific, measurable, achievable ('minister to all the world'), realistic, or timely." I would be much happier if they were, because then unrealistic expectations would not be laid upon me. The duties listed there are so vague as to be meaningless.

"It is possible for pastors to use the argument, 'I am called to preach the Word and administer the Sacraments' as an excuse for not really working very hard, or not thinking strategically, or not making long term plans. I wish that I would have made clear that that is not my position.

"SMART is just another way of articulating common sense. Models like SMART deal with tactics, how we decide what steps to take in achieving a mission, specifically how we should formulate goals. I would say that as a matter of the Kingdom of the Left Hand, every Christian should approach everything they do from such a framework, and it is wise (though not a moral requirement) for leaders in congregations to use similar common sense approaches from the business world in laying out plans, though I think this can be taken too far with 'pastor as CEO' models popping up here and there."

So far from Pastor Carl. . . I thank him for his words.

In my experience congregations do indeed put unrealistic expectations upon their pastors. They expect them to visit in every home, regardless of the size of the congregation. They expect them to be at the bedside of every sick person, regardless of when or where the sickness occurs. They expect them to be brilliant teachers, profound theologians, fluent and entertaining preachers, inspiring leaders, comforting counselors and shepherds, insightful businessmen, influential community leaders and model husbands and parents--all in one person and at the same time.

No pastor I have ever met is all of these. I know many men in the pastoral ministry, some close friends, who have many of these gifts. But I've never met a man able to fulfill all the expectations of every member of his congregation. This is why I encourage congregation members to recognize what they are doing to their pastors when they impose upon them what Pastor Carl calls "vague and meaningless" duties.

In turn, I believe it highly significant to hear Pastor Carl's other words. The church of Jesus Christ has a mission indeed. We are sent out into the world to make disciples, teaching the whole counsel of God and baptizing in the name of the triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. As churches go about this task they bring blessings to their communities, blessings that often stretch across cultural, racial and physical boundaries.

In carrying out this mission, it is always important to work SMART. There are other models, of course. But clear goals and the sharing of God-given wisdom are vital in the task. The "Kingdom of the Left Hand" is a reference to the tasks of this world, the business of business, if you will. The business of the "Kingdom of the Right Hand" (of the LORD) is to bring the Gospel of forgiveness and hope to bear upon the lives of people. As the church tells the story of God's love in Christ, the Holy Spirit creates and sustains faith, nourishes love and motivates people to continue the work. Such business requires us to both think and act SMART.