Pastoral Counseling in Growing Churches & A Poem by my Son + New Perspectivalist Podcast on Art and Beauty

Pastors cannot do everything, and they also need to be discerning with their time and counsel.

Nuntium

I have arrived safely in Seattle and made my way to Olympia, WA, where I will spend a few days with the saints of Trinity Church, pastored by Rev. David Hatcher. I left at around 7:30 am Central Time and arrived at the hotel around 10 pm Pacific Time. It was a long day! Nevertheless, I was treated to a beautiful view of Mt. Rainier and glorious weather in the 60s.

I will be offering four lectures on the Book of Jonah. You can find the commentary on Athanasius Press, but I have since added a few areas of thought to my studies on the book that may be of great interest to some.

Additionally, on my flight from Dallas to Seattle, I had the opportunity to listen to a lecture by Leithart on Jonah from the 90s. Peter Leithart explores Jonah as both a historical prophet and a symbolic figure, especially in relation to exile, idolatry, and the mission to the Gentiles. Jonah’s flight is not due to cowardice, but rather a conflicted patriotism. He loves Israel—even in its idolatry—more than he loves God’s broader plan. Jonah’s refusal to go to Nineveh reflects his discomfort with God's mercy toward Israel’s enemies, especially given Assyria’s growing threat and eventual conquest of the northern kingdom.

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The Weight of Growth and the Need for Discernment

As churches grow, so do the number and complexity of pastoral issues that arise. Our flock in Pensacola has over 400 members. Naturally, the shepherding care increases, and more qualified voices need to be put in place to meet the demands.

When our congregation had fewer than 200, ecclesial life was intimate. But in a mid-size congregation, pastors need to make proper adjustments. If he does not, he will quickly fade into the statistical resignations common in our evangelical culture. No minister is built to fight all battles. It is one thing to focus on counseling concerns for a flock of 20 families; it is an entirely different thing for a flock with over 100 households.