When I went into the ministry 30 years ago, I entered with the sense that I could do no wrong. There was a confidence, I beleive from God, to go and do impossible things. The Word says, that if you can beleive all things are possible to him that believes. With a tremendous desire to serve Him and to see His kingdom grow I defied the doubts and disbelief of men and went forward confident in His ability to confirm his word. There are casualties though along the way. Just like in war we see friendly fire, when soldiers from the same side accidently shoot and kill one another. There have been sadly to say, casualties in my ministry over the years. I can honestly say from my heart that there has been no malice to anything done intentional to hurt or harm Gods special people. I can see though that some have been wounded in my attempt to serve God. No pastor enters into the ministry will any desire less than to serve and be a blessing to Gods people. The problem is that pastors are fallible and make mistakes. I have made my share of mistakes along the way. It's possible that some of my readers have been offended by something I said or did along the way, if that is so, I apologize. Sometimes people have come to me in the past sharing something I said or done that hurt them while others just disappear without saying a word. My suggestion to anyone who has been offended by a minister or someone in leadership to at least send a note letting them know how you feel. Most leaders will make an effort to change the error of their ways if communicated with. Being a parent, I have made mistakes with my kids, as a pastor I have made mistakes with some folks in my congregation. There is not doubt though that in my heart there is a love placed there by God to love and serve His people. I'd like to hear your thoughts, drop in a comment, if you want to do it anonimously. Give your minister a break! He is not perfect.
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Yes, people have been hurt. Way too many good people, on fire for Jesus with a passion to serve Him, have been hurt very badly. Why? Because control was the order of the day, not love. Love is what you lead people with; not an iron hand or fist. You can't love people in spurts. I understand that you're a man made of flesh and blood and that you have weaknesses. I don't expect for my pastor to be perfect, but I do expect for him to be kind and level headed and for him to be able to understand that those in his care are also weak and cannot be expected to be perfect, either. You are loved by us, your flock, Pat. As a man, you are awesome. As a pastor, you have broken our hearts.
ReplyDeleteHaving been previously attended a church where all there was was legalism as to what to wear and not to wear, attending this church is very similar to legalism. Scripture says that Christ is the Head of the Church and there is suppose to be order in the body of Christ.
ReplyDeleteThere is lack of order in this Church and no accountability. Decisions are made by Pastor without asking for input from the leaders or congegration. Decisions concerning construction, building a school, and who is asked to come minister.
There are plenty of local ministers who can minister.
Yes, people have been hurt in the church and no effort has been made by the Pastor to seek the lamb who is wounded and bring him back to the flock.
No home visits, no phone calls to church members from Pastor just to ask "how are you" or "how have you been".
But our sight is in God and not in man. Man will dissapoint and cause some of the flock to lay by the wayside and lose their way. Have seen it before and will continue to see it again.
We have all made our share of mistakes but when a person is a leader, especially a pastor, then it is expounded and seems to have a greater affect on a greater number of people. But thank God for forgiveness, right? And remember His word, "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it!" But thank you for this blog. Its nice to have a leader apologize to his people - most people find pastors unapproachable, so things don't get resolved and people disappear. But let's move forward, right? God has great things in store for all of us.
ReplyDeleteI really thank you Pat for all you've done both in my life and in the life of this church. I've seen people saved and discipled here. Of course, you're not perfect and and pastoring is probably not your calling(although I know ministering is). But for a guy who was willing to take a church that according to the previous pastor was about to close down in six months you've done pretty good. There was a leader's meeting the other night and I felt so priviledged to sit there and listen to all the loving comments being shared about you Pat. People's lives really have been changed because of your obedience. I'm honored to know such a man of God.
ReplyDeletePlease stay, Pastor Pat!
ReplyDelete-jimmy
dear pastor
ReplyDeletejust writting to say thank you for being such a mighty man of God and i thank God for giving us the time we have had with you i have learned more in the two years with you then my whole life as a christian rick and i love you and mrs becky very much as you go on your trips we will make sure mrs becky is well taken care of i do want to say that it will be very hard for us to break that soul tie it hurts because we love you very much we are also so sorry for not inviting you to our house i know i cant invite you any more as you being my pastor but i want to invite you as our friends and respected man of God!
love you always,rick,melissa&trisha lopez
I believe in you Pastor and i know you can do it...I think it's more challenging but you can touch many people lives specially in the world there is a lot of lost people your working with...Just wanna say good luck for that and we are continue praying for you.We Love you and we miss you.And also thank you very much for bringing such a good man of God in my life i really appreciate it Pastor Pat.Drive safely!!!
ReplyDeleteThe news of you not being our Pastors anymore just broke my heart. No one is perfect, but you both are the best Pastors I have ever had. I appreciate you both for teaching all of Gods word and not just fluffy sermons. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Love Karen S.
ReplyDeletehey man you said it if he's not lord of ALL he's not lord at all. its amazing how in your 30 YEARS OF MINISTRY you havent let him be lord of your childish temper. remember if he's not lord of all hes not lord of all
ReplyDelete