Of course, nearly everyone loves John Piper (well they should at least). History will show Piper to be one of the most influential pastor/theologians of our time just as current students of theology agree today. Last week, Dr. Piper posted an open letter of thanks to his congregation, staff, and elders at Bethlehem Baptist Church for the two month writing leave he was granted from the church. There is much that we as pastors can all learn from this letter: Pregnancy, Labor, and Birth–Of Books.
- We can learn a great deal about scholarship and the process of writing a book as pastor spells out five similarities between pregnancy, labor, birth, and writing books.
- We can learn a great deal about leadership. One of the most important rules of good leadership is good regular communication and Piper is a great communicator. This letter is a letter of thanks, but its also a letter of leadership as he communicates things important to the ministry of Bethelehem and Desiring God through this letter.
- We can learn a lesson about gratitude. Pastors are ultimately under the authority of God and I understand that, but pastors (at least in the Baptist tradition) are also called to submit to the authority of the church. Piper could not do what he does and could not have had this extended sabbatical for writing unless the church allowed him to have it. Realizing that, Piper openly and publicly thanks those who have given him the opportunity to expand his writing ministry.
I am confident that Christendom will be more richly blessed because of the two new additions of John Piper which are made possible because of the loving support of his church and elders.
