Right as I was planting our church, the pastor who coached and mentored me killed himself. And then over the years, every few months, I’d hear of another pastor disqualifying himself. Then Darrin Patrick took his life. He was the first church planter I met. A baseball guy. A dude. Big church. I decided then the scoreboard had to change: Just make it to the end. We get so caught up scoreboard watching...am I winning? *Successful ministry *Bigger church *More influence *Viral content But what if the scoreboard—the game we're playing—is simply finishing it? This year has been rough for the Church in DFW. Maybe eight, ten pastors disqualified publicly for inappropriate or abusive behavior. We’re all susceptible. I wonder if one thing would help though. Decide now what game you’re playing. Decide today what the scoreboard is. *What if the goal of ministry is just making it to the end? *What if the goal of marriage is just making it to the end? *What if the goal of Christianity is just making it to the end, faithful. 2 Timothy 4:6–8 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. [7] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. [8] Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day.
