Real Life Hero!

How often do you get to spend time with one of your heros? Lyle Schaller has been helping churches be more effective in living out God's plan and mission for many years. I think I have read every book he's ever written. A lot of who I am as a pastor comes from what I have learned from Lyle. 

Today he was at our church to meet with some LCMS staff, and I got to hang around with him for a while. It was amazing! He continued to speak into my life and ministry in a powerful way. He affirmed a lot of what we are doing as a church - and challenged me on some key issues with which I need to wrestle. 

Best of all - he made me laugh a lot. He may be in his 80's (the "6% club" he called it - because only 6% of people reach his age) but his sense of sarcasm is as sharp as ever.

I also got to sit in on his sessions with our denominational leaders. My favorite quote? "A lot of institutions are contracting because that is easier than changing."

Close second for favorite quote: When asked "what would you say to a church who has shrunk to only 17 in worship" he replied, "I'd ask them who they have lined up to turn off the lights at the last funeral."

What a great day!

(Check out Jack Giles' post on the day here.)

Comments

[Jack Giles]

It really was a great day! It's amazing how he is able to synthesize so much apparently unrelated information. Thanks again for hosting it at Trinity … you’re always most gracious!

[Dave Barber]

Mark, looking forward to hearing more! What a great opportunity.

[Marty]

How do we get in touch with Lyle or get a schedule of where he is speaking?

[Mark Schulz]

Marty - I'm not sure he does much speaking these days.

[Scott Christenson]

Man, I'm jealous! Wish I could have been there!

[Den Franzen]

(Did anyone ask about his tee shirt? "Old theology - new music"!! I loved seeing that on an 86 year old - uh, young- person!)