Patrikin – Kinship through The Father

Eugene Peterson

For every man shall bear his own burden. – Galatians 6:5

Eugene Peterson, Pastor and Author of The Message Bible tells of a realization discovered early in his ministry.

His denomination required probationary monthly reports outlining ministerial activities, congregation health, and personal spiritual growth.

But the young Rev. Peterson began to feel his superiors weren’t paying attention so he tried an experiment — on his report he indicated he was having serious doubts about his faith and needed help. After no response he increased the fictionalized problems, eventually reporting illicit affairs then experimental drug use during the eucharist, each month getting wilder — still nothing.

At the end of his probationary period he was asked to evaluate the supervision he received. When he mentioned his reports weren’t read he was assured otherwise — that is until he pointed out the details. There was then “a splendid vaudeville slapstick of buck-passing and excuse-making”.¹

He uses that illustration to point out who is, really, responsible for our spiritual growth — we are!

“I was quite mistaken to look for spiritual nurture and expect vocational counsel from the institution.”¹

Each of us is responsible and accountable for our own lives — vocationally and spiritually.

— fritz@langgang.com
1. Under the Unpredictable Plant An Exploration in Vocational Holiness by Eugene H. Peterson, page 80