ESPN the Magazine has a recurring column written by an anonymous NASCAR driver that details the sometimes ridiculous and often dangerous life behind the scenes of motor sports most popular series. Likewise there are blogs and articles from Player X contributed from the NBA, NFL, and MLB.
Ministry is always a struggle. Church members struggle with one another over the direction and leadership of the church. Personal conflicts get in the way of loving our neighbors. Mean spirited people and small minded church members sometimes attack their pastors. Committees wrestle for control and the esteem of men.
On the other hand, ministry often filled with great joy and incredible opportunities to express love and grace. We get to witness and participate in the changing of lives. We get to share in some of the most intimate and memorable moments in the lives of our church family. For those of us that are preachers, we have the awe inspiring privilege of being the spokesperson for the Lord, and we can boldly proclaim a timeless truth.
Vocational ministry is often a misunderstood profession. Within the church, the membership seems to think that the pastor is a benevolent uncle that is always there to help them in time of need, easily dismissed in time of plenty. Outside of the church, the pastor is considered at best an oddity, an intellectual that avoids the real world, a holier than thou ready to point the finger of condemnation, or at worst a charlatan hypocrite that is cloaking his own perversions behind the walls of a church.
In truth, I find ministers to be hard working men and women that believe deeply in a God that loves, a faith that heals, and a church that is flawed and less than perfect. We are misunderstood because often we misunderstand. We too, are impacted by the fallen nature of man. We too, are confused, hurt, rejected and abused. We too, have our hang-ups and histories. But in spite of the faults of the servants, the Word and work of the Master continues.
Grace abounds, lives are changed and the Image of God that remains in the soul of man grows strong enough to overcome.
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