Confessions Of A Pastor, Part II

I’m on a journey too!

My beliefs change and evolve. I’m growing, adapting, and learning. I’m not where I want to be but I’m also appreciative that I’m not where I used to be. I’m not embarrassed by things I used to believe years ago; I’m thankful because those beliefs led me to what I believe now. I’m also aware that my beliefs may change in the future. In fact, I think they should. One of the biggest problems in the church today are people who’ve attended services for years but stay the same over those years…never adjusting, never questioning beliefs, never actually growing. Many people who have been in church for 20 years haven’t grown for 20 years. They’ve only grown one year, 20 times.

The biggest hurdle to your journey is thinking you’ve arrived. Another hurdle is thinking you know everything about certain topics around theology, the Bible, or that certain beliefs shouldn’t change because you learned them from respected and trusted leaders. I think you mature when your beliefs can change but your attitude towards those who taught you “wrong” or “different” don’t. Remember, everyone is on a journey. We arrive at different places at different times at different speeds.

I really care about how I lead. I listen to leadership podcasts every month and read books on leadership regularly. I practice and apply what I learn. I’m disciplined in many areas of my life but I still get caught in the moments. 

I really care about what I learn and teach. I study all the time. I dialogue with other pastors and friends all the time. I read opposing views all the time. But just because I’m a pastor doesn’t mean you should hang on everything I say. Or just because I said I believed something years ago, doesn’t mean I’m confined to those beliefs today. 

I really care about how I parent. I’m figuring out what works with one kid doesn’t with the other. I also sometimes get embarrassed by how my kids act in public and worry about how people view me as a father because of it. 

I really care about my wife. I’m learning that being a good husband has less to do with my intentions and more to do with how I actually love, even on the days I don’t feel like it.

I’m thankful I have people in my life to challenge me, encourage me, and help pick me up on my journey. Just remember, every person you look up to is in process just like you.