This short monologue by Justin R. Lester argues that society focuses on local, immediate concerns ("potholes", construction, profits) while neglecting high-impact governance like municipal AI policy. He urges listeners—both civic and religious leaders—to reclaim proper roles (particularly within fivefold ministry), stay "in their lane," and take responsibility for shaping the future rather than merely growing institutions. The tone is exhortatory and corrective.
Chapters
Amazing. We care so much about potholes and prostitutes, but when's the last time you sat down and talked about the air policy at your school board? On profits? Come on, profits. We care so much about the potholes and, like, what's going to happen in city council down here for a building being built, but we haven't gotten to the space where, like, what is the AI policy for your city? Because if not, they're going to be using these tools to make decisions about you. Come on, talk back to me, somebody. So where have all the profits gone? I think we've gotten lazy, empathetic to grow churches and not actually change the future. Shake the tree. Prophets. Because, pastor, you know what I think's happened? We got pastors who are trying to be evangelists, evangelists who are trying to be prophets, prophets who are trying to be teachers. And we got all out of our lanes. And we wonder why the world's falling apart because we. Not in the right lane. Come on, this is a. Come on, somehow. Talk back to me, somebody. This is not just a can I get a better chatbot issue. This is a. You are not operating in your gift, right? Come on, talk back to me, somebody. And if we're talking about fivefold ministry, you better stay in your lane. Because the prophet is called to shake the tree. And the king does not tell the prophet what to do. Come on, talk back to me, somebody. The prophet tells the. I wish I had somebody. The prophet tells the king, you are the man. I wish I had somebody. And so when you realize who you are, you get back in your lane and realign the future.