Personal And Job Boundaries: Chapter Analysis

Leaders lead because they believe in what they are doing. If they did not, they would pass it to someone else. A leader must remain focused and motivated to keep going when the going gets tough. The author says, “But it can lead to the proverbial pitfall of running a race with blinders on.” (p. 213) There are limitations to what a person can do. Nobody can do everything all the time. In this chapter, the author wants to explore the area of personal and job boundaries. Boundaries are important to maintain the respect and honor of each person. In today’s society, boundaries are relative and sometimes non-existent. We demand, impose, and place expectations on others that they cannot meet. This is not only in the world but also in the church. There is a place to take responsibility for our actions, but many times, we allow others to make decisions for us since it is easier and less problematic. In the church, some people …show more content…
It may be unintentional, but the pastor can take too much responsibility for other people’s lives. He wants to help, but the help turns into a deeper involvement that is not healthy. A pastor who is on call 24/7 soon finds himself or herself being “loved to death.” Spiritual, psychological, and physical aspects are draining to unhealthy levels. Murren said, “I attracted many broken people who were perpetually in need.” (p. 214) This creates a downward spiral to exhaustion and maybe the end of a ministry. The author cites an example. He visited his supervisor and told him his problem. The supervisor with wisdom instructed him in the proper ways of effectively handling difficult people. Boundaries need to be set so both parties’ do not feel imposed by the other. Murren puts together some Scriptures he calls “one another” passages. They help us to relate to one another in a healthy and respectful way. (p.