I have been doing some true soul searching in regards to the “Church” as it stands. I have viewpoints they don’t agree with and I am not going to keep going from Church to Church looking for people that completely agree with me. It will never happen. Reading this from a Pastor’s perspective has made me realize that I don’t want a Preacher that will only preach what will make the congregation happy, but will seek their spiritual truth and follow the path, even if I don’t agree with it. The Church should not be a popularity contest. It is a place of spiritual learning and communion with God and other Christians. There is a line though that I have when it comes to my spiritual differences. Preaching of hate, violence, degradation of another person or religion will not be tolerated by me and I would have to question the spiritual health and well being in the Church. What should always matter first and foremost is while rules are important and the commandments are important it is vital to ensure that overall the love, tolerance and compassion of Christ is first and foremost in their attitudes and message.
Pastor, be brave.
Believe me, I know it isn’t easy.
I never wanted to be a pastor myself. Eighteen years ago I was drafted, pulled into ministry later in life while in the middle of a successful career as an Art Director. What started out as a few seemingly harmless hours a week volunteering with students has led to nearly two decades in full-time service in the Church.
I’ve been where you are. I’m still there now.
One of the things I remember early on, was how strange it felt the first time I got paid to be a pastor. It made me feel legitimized for sure and it was certainly greatly appreciated, but I also realized that things had changed. I was no longer a free-lance believer. I was no longer autonomous. My spiritual life had been leased out and appropriated by a crowd. There was now an ever-growing, ever-changing list…
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Because I can... 