Confessions Of A Pastor, Part III

I need grace too!

Just because I’m anointed to preach doesn’t mean I’m more anointed to live it out. 

On my journey, I’m discovering why I react the way I do, why certain things tick me off, and why I do things I know I’m not supposed to. I’m working through anger, resentment, pride, and fear. 

I tend to overreact and allow circumstances to dictate my mood. I bring work stress into my home. I find myself speaking harshly towards the people I love the most. I say and do things as a pastor many people would be offended by. At the end of the day, the grace that’s available to everyone, includes me and every other pastor. 

As pastors, we often get judged for our family life, parenting styles, what we spend money on, and our mistakes. In my struggle, on my journey, I need grace. Trust me, I have accountability in my life. I have several men challenging me and calling me out where necessary. My wife needs grace. She didn’t sign up to be a pastor’s wife so don’t put unfair expectations on her. My kids need grace. I already hear “jokes” about them being pastor kids and what I have to look forward to in their teenage years (and I know, I am a PK). Instead of judging your pastor and their families, pray for them.

Yes, I love Jesus.
Yes, I love to talk about Jesus.
Yes, I need Jesus just as much as anyone else.

But…

Please take me and every other pastor off the pedestal that we’re trying to climb down from. We’re not saviors. We’re not superman. We’re just people who love Jesus, need Jesus, and try our best to love like Jesus. We fail and fail a lot. We love your support but don’t glorify the position. As Paul told the church in Corinth, “…by the grace of God, I am what I am.” (1 Corinthians 15:10). Let us be grace givers to every soul we encounter because we really don’t know what people are going through.