Rainey Prays on Some Days

Frank Reitzel is long-time spiritual leader as a pastor for many years and then as a denominational leader in the Assemblies of God for over two decades. But he has been observing spiritual leaders even longer, dating back to his childhood growing up in the home of his pastor father who often hosted evangelists, missionaries, and other ministry leaders, many of whom were extended family members. He wasn’t always impressed by what he saw. And now in his role as a denominational leader, he is often called on to a “crash scene” of spiritual leaders who have gone off course and not only inflicted harm to their own families but also their churches. The Spiritual Leader's Sacred Journey: The Adventure of Becoming The Spiritual Leader God Called You is Reitzel’s response that outlines the calling, priorities, and practices that will result in healthy spiritual leaders, which is the only way congregations can thrive as well. If I were naming the book, I would be tempted to call it The Car...

After the lengthy cultic interruption in Exodus 25-31, the narrative resumes in Exodus 32 with the people anxious because Moses has not returned from the mountaintop. This is subtly hinted at in the text, as the Torah commentary notes the transition in Exodus from “the man, Moses” in 11:3 to “this man Moses” in 32:1. People will not wait indefinitely when there is a leadership vacuum. This is why leadership transitions are so critical. Show me a church without a pastor, and I will show you a church at risk. In the absence of viable leadership, people will go back to what they know—to old habits and notions—and in this case the polytheism of Egypt. Despite their grand experience of deliverance under Moses' leadership, his absence up on the mountain with God leaves them vulnerable. It becomes obvious in this episode too that Aaron is certainly not a suitable understudy. Despite making a golden calf, Aaron clings to the notion that the calf represents God's throne. This is the...