Follow The Leader
This great book that I am almost finished reading has been setting off so many thoughts to advance this "parable" of special operations and Christian service. One insight to come from my reading is just how frustrating and confining it usually was to be a military Special Operator over the past 25 years. Recently, things have apparently changed to give SOF more control over their own usage, but in the "early days" it was difficult. Special Operations Forces have always been considered a supporting force. This means that they were subject to the plan and discretion of the regional commander. In other words, a commander who did not truly understand - and often did not appreciate - the unique abilities of Special Operators, made all the decisions about how, where, when and if they were used on the battlefield. According to my reading, things like petty jealousy, personal vendetta and ladder-climbing, butt-covering kept SOF on the sidelines during many important conflicts.
I know so many Christians who have been hurt, offended, misused, abused, misunderstood, mistreated, and so on by a pastor / leader, who did not take the time to understand their unique gift or contribution. I know for certain that this kind of insensitivity (or deliberate neglect) does happen in the church. It is very frustrating and can be discouraging to the point of just throwing in the towel - completely giving up. Giving up for some people means leaving a church and then wandering for the next several years, never finding a spot that fits and never investing themselves ever again. For other people, giving up looks a little different. They stay where they are, but they unplug in every other way. They give up on ever doing something that they are passioate about. They might do what they are asked to do, but they do it with a critical attitude, and they are only going through the motions.
I have so much to say about this... I won't try to dump it all on you right now. If you fit into a category like I have described above, consider this: You may have a "special forces" type call on your life. You can't find satisfaction in the "conventional church" because you are not made to fit the convention. This does not mean that you are stuck, or trapped. I would love to hear from you, because I think that God has done some things in me that could be used to help you. There is nothing like serving the Lord from a position of passion - the passion that he has given you. Don't give up because a few little adjustments and a few more tools can make a huge difference!
email me: scottjbane@mac.com
skype me: scottbane
call me: (513) 652.8096
Scott Bane
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