Reading 'Creativity Inc' by Pixar co-founder Ed Catmull and I think I've identified one factor in clergy fatigue this year. On top of the usual 2020 stresses and on top of the steep learning curve expected as they (we) navigate lockdown ministry and online church, there's this...

Pastors have felt a shift from 'feeding the sheep' to 'feeding the beast.' They've gone from a tangible sense, pre-lockdown, of helping their flock and now shifted to an understandable (though unhelpful) sense that they're 'producing content'. >

All content producers feel dread about 'feeding the beast.' Just today I remembered a blog post from 2008 entitled "Feeding the Monster." Doing anything regularly sets up expectations — expectations that can feel overwhelming, especially when you can't see the tangible benefits.>

Check out the myriad YouTubers crying on camera because they feel overwhelmed by the need to upload 3 times a week (or else be ignored by the almighty algorithm). 'Feeding the beast' happens most when the distance between you and your audience is greatest. >

The best creativity (and the best ministry) happens from the overflow of a heart inspired and happy to help. It goes toxic when you feel drained by a process sucking you dry.
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Pastors have gone from feeding sheep on a Sunday, when you can see 'the end user', to creating content for a production deadline (cos you need the sermon in the can by Thursday latest). >

What's the answer? Partly it's remembering: I'm not teaching the Bible, I'm teaching *my people* the Bible. I'm not speaking to camera. I'm speaking to *my people* (via camera). I'm not hitting deadlines, I'm serving the saints. It's not the beast I'm feeding, it's the flock.

SIDE NOTE: Here's that old blog post. Check out the first comment by @TimVasbyBurnie — perfectly showing the way out of the mess... https://christthetruth.net/2009/08/17/feeding-the-monster/

SIDE SIDE NOTE: It turns out it's my blogging birthday. I started Christ The Truth 13 years ago today. Remember blogging?? I do! Happier times...