My colleague, John Westerhoff, used to say, ''If you are a pastor who is spending more than fifteen hours a week working in projects outside the congregation, you are probably wasting your time. We need you in the congregation equipping the saints for their demanding ministry in the world.''

On the other hand Westerhoff said to the laity, ''If you are a layperson who is spending more than fifteen hours a week working in projects within the church, you are probably wasting your time. Your ministry consists not of running errands for the pastor but in sharing in Christ's ministry in the world.''

I remember the night I got ordained. One of the great moments of my life. Broad Street United Methodist Church. 1973. We had a great service that night. Gathered congregation. Gathered family and f…