dismantle

I find it fascinating that a verb such as this is able to have two opposing connotations. While both definitions have similar implications, one implies an almost violent or destructive tearing down while the other implies a thoughtful, careful removal. Another way to put it is that it is the difference between using a sledgehammer and a screwdriver.

I am coming to a place in my life where I see my role as a professional pastor both exciting and a little absurd all at the same time. The "office" of a Christian minister in an established congregation is a rewarding place to be. Yet simultaneously, it is a very strange role that we as ministers are asked to take on. My assumption (and sincere hope) is that there are others out there who might be aware of the oddity of the pastoral office. Some pastors very willingly accept the role and the expectation placed upon their lives as they are expected to be as apostle Paul claims, "all things to all people." While other pastors, like myself, wrestle with the paradoxical and inane parts of this job. (I can hear some pastors throwing penalty flags already for my use of the word "job," but this is a topic to be tackled later.)

So when I say I would like to dismantle the pulpit, it might help to clarify what I mean by dismantle. Am I talking about the tearing down and immediate taking apart of the pastoral expectation? Or am I talking about the gradual, systematic end to an established way of doing things? The answer: it depends on the day. Some days I feel like there are pieces and portions worth salvaging. Other days I feel like I want to smash the whole damn thing to pieces.

In Christ,