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I've pastored the same church for 22 years. This is the only church I've pastored. I began with the conviction that I would not treat our congregation like a products, brand or corporate strategy. I wouldn't create something to entertained people if God wasn't present. 1/
For me, my pastorate has been a conversation with God. I have decided to see if the presence of God is really enough to sustain a church. I want the story of our church to be God's strength, not my strength. 2/
I've also tried to facilitate a space where the fruit of the Spirit was and is our primary expression; not partisan politics, not legalistic rallying cries, just the good news of Jesus expressed through love. I wanted to see if Christ's love could bind us together. 3/
And to do no harm, to never bully people, yell at people, to be safe in agreement and disagreement, to part ways demonstrating love and kindness to each other. To never use position or power to win an argument or force the hand of anyone. 4/
I wanted to see if God could do a miracle through tender obedience, to see if he could grow a church through my willingness to offer my weaknesses into his hands. To see if people would love and accept me during the best and worst of times and to see if I would do the same. 5/
I grew up surrounded by so many churches doing amazing programs, offering amazing sermons & really providing excellent opportunities for people to grow. But as I got older, I didn't see much change. In fact, some who received the most, became the most self-centered & selfish. 6/
I believe pastors and Christian leaders are supposed to be radically different than other leaders. We are to be more gracious, kind, gentle, long-suffering and loving. We are to be the servants of all...or at least not know-it-all jerks. 7/
I thought my from of church expression would be more popular. However, I've found it difficult to maintain or grow a body of believers based on some of my simple views of abiding. It has been hard to discover that what I love is not attractive or even respected by others. 8/
It has been difficult to see my expression devalued by fellow pastors, denominational leaders and even the people I have given my best to serve. There have been times I've cried out to God and questioned my convictions. 9/
Even so, I will not bow down. I will not create a system or structure to substitute for the resurrected presence of Jesus. I will try my best to simply make room for Jesus and settle my heart that it would be better to fail at this then to succeed at selling rubbish. 10/
Jesus met me as a child. I found his presence. His presence is all I can truly offer. Or at least I will make room for his presence; point the way to a river of life we can all drink from. I will be satisfied with this task, regardless of the outcomes. This is my offering. 11/11
