If we’re not careful we’ll develop a sense of FOMOOG: fear of missing out on gurus. Yes, I know that’s bad. But it’s true. We may labor under the sense that we’re not quite the leaders we should be unless we take another course and watch another video.

Let’s get this out of the way so I’m not misunderstood: if you’re in pastoral ministry, I hope you’re working hard. Really hard.

Paul worked hard (Acts 20:35). He was able to speak of his hard work to the Thessalonian church (2 Thessalonians 3:7-8). He could say, “For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:9). Nobody could accuse Paul of being a loafer.

We’re called to what Matthew Kruse calls “gospel hustle.”

I also hope you’re teachable. Paul’s words to Timothy apply to who pastor: “Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.” (1 Timothy 4:14-15). I hope that you’re refining your skills, studying the Word, and learning carefully from those ahead of you. Keep learning from every possible source.

So that I’m not misunderstood: work hard, and continue to grow. Learn what you can, and be diligent in your ministry.

Having said that, I want to give you permission to ignore the gurus.

The Glut of Gurus

A cottage industry of experts has developed to help you learn how to pastor better. Some of their material is really good. And the quantity of material increases every day, especially in this time of self-isolation.

You could spend every minute signing up for free videos, introductory courses, and programs with money-back guarantees. Some of them may help you. But all of these programs come at a cost.

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