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The Struggle Of Pain
The truth is, most of us tend to try to conceal our pain. Why? It’s the work of our old friend, fear. I knew if I told my Mom about the pain, she would do everything possible to help me find relief. I also knew that there would be consequences for breaking family rules, and at this point, the fear of the consequences was bigger than the pain I was already experiencing. And so, I chose to numb the pain.
The Fear Factor
With very few exceptions, fear and anxiety are a regular part of most pastors’ lives. Oh, don’t get me wrong, we teach about how to overcome it. We have faith that we are stronger than our fears, but the wicked truth is, fear is a factor for each of us.
The Culture Of Biblical Restoration
In over 20 years of ministering to pastors, I have heard one statement over and over again, “If I ever did experience failure of any type, I could never go to anyone within my own denomination or fellowship, because I know If I did, I would be history.” This is a sad understanding of the truth behind the lack of fellowship and relationships within Christian organizations.
The Perfect Storm
I felt like I was going through the most difficult season of my life, and these were people that I had poured into when they went through tough times. I felt abandoned. Ministry became harder and harder.
Oh, I’m Stressed
See, I can’t promise you that you’ll never have problems. However, I can promise you that you will have problems. But here’s what you need to know: In the midst of your problems, you can have peace, and that is so important.
When Ministry Doesn’t Feel Like Home
We don’t always feel welcome here on earth. We wonder if there is a place here for us. People can make us feel unwanted. Tragedy leaves us feeling like intruders. Strangers in a land not our own. We don’t always feel welcome here, and the truth is we shouldn’t. This is not our home. To feel unwelcome is no tragedy. Indeed it is healthy.
God, I Had Different Plans
I’ll never forget one Sunday after church I went home, sat on my back porch, and cried. I felt like a failure because, after two whole years, we weren’t at Elevation Church status in our online participation or worship culture. We weren’t at Church of the Highlands status in our Small Group participation and weekly attendance. I thought to myself, “Man, I’m a failure!”
This Isn’t What I Signed Up For
One thing I’ve learned is that regardless of whether you’re a long-tenured pastor, a recent church planter, or a pastor of a recent church succession, you better have a “burning bush” moment if you’re going to say yes to pastoring, because at every turn you’re going to come face to face with some things that truly make you say, “This isn’t what I signed up for!”
The Culture Of Biblical Restoration
In over 20 years of ministering to pastors, I have heard one statement over and over again, “If I ever did experience failure of any type, I could never go to anyone within my own denomination or fellowship, because I know If I did, I would be history.” This is a sad understanding of the truth behind the lack of fellowship and relationships within Christian organizations.