In the late 1800’s British reformer names Samuel Plimsol observed that too many merchant ships and sailors were being lost because the ships overloaded. He argued that they were so overloaded that if they experienced any kind of rough water they would never reach their destination. This is true for pastors as well.
In this post I want to introduce you to the concept and a tool a discovered that can help you find a better way. The tool is part of a Three Hour Retreat series created by Tommy Kiedis, current president of Lancaster Bible College. It is called, The Plimsol Line: Drawing the Line that Contributes to Personal and Organizational Health. You can find it at leaderslifeandwork.com.
The concept is best pictured by the result of Plimsol’s advocacy. Eventually the British government passed a law requiring ships to have a capacity line painted across every hull. No ship was allowed to be so loaded that the “Plimsol line” became submerged. In other words they created a legal load limit for the sake of the sailors lives!
If only there were such a thing for pastor’s lives. For ships that line can be determined through engineering and science. For pastors we find it in a deepening thoughtful, obedient relationship with Jesus. Our redeemer repeatedly says that rest AND fruit come from continually following Him. He has a yoke, a purpose for each of us. This tool uses scripture examples and key questions to help you discover your line.
To whet your appetite I’d like to give you three to reflect on:
1. What is your capacity?
Often when I have been overloaded I have either taken on things that I was not created to carry. We all have limits in our capacity. Most are God designed or God given. They include our core make-up, talents and weakness. Our learning opportunities, experiences and all define the kind of capacity Jesus has in mind for us.
Eph 2:10 reminds us that we are created in Christ for good works that He has planned for us! We are shaped for the work He has in mind!
2. What is your calling?
Jesus promised that His yoke is easy and his burden light. When that is NOT true in my experience it is because I have taken on things outside of His yoke for me. Embracing His yoke involves submitting to His pace & direction. I create stress by altering the one or both! Learning to accept his way of life helps us discern where the load capacity lien lies for us. Jesus did not walk the entire planet when he was on earth in flesh. He did not heal everyone. He did not have thousands of disciples. He had a focused calling for that season. So do we!
We discover our calling only through following Him. We trust him for eternal life. Can we not also learn to trust him for our earthly calling?
3. What are you carrying?
This is an easier question to answer. Simply take time to reflect and list all that you are attempting to carry in any particular season of ministry. Then compare how it fits in light of the capacity & calling Jesus has given you. Prayerfully ask Jesus to help you see what is over the line. Ask him to help you see what should be off loaded. In light of the lines of calling & capacity He intends for your life.
If this provokes you I encourage you to check out this resource. If I can help you process this for yourself or your team, please let me know.
The Pastor's Life 