A Pastor's Week-Affirmation from Within

Trying to explain to someone what it's like to be a pastor is not an easy thing to do. So many are under the assumption that we preach a couple of times a week, attend a few meetings, and the rest of the time we play golf or have lunch with friends, that it's a pretty cushy gig. For some, I guess, it's just a job. For most, it's a calling. How do you explain a calling?

Their are times when every pastor questions whether they are meant to fulfil this calling. The three times a week I preach are actually the easiest times for me. I know this is the central part of the calling, to proclaim truth from God's word, and it is where I feel the most free. When you are preaching and teaching, it's wholly about what God says, and all I have to do is communicate that. I know many pastors who have constant nervousness about preaching, but I never have. It's the most comfortable part of being a pastor for me. It's something I know I'm called by God to do, and I know that when I communicate His word well, it has nothing to do with me. It's Him working through me. But honestly, that's just a portion of being a pastor. What being a pastor is truly about is dealing with people, and this.....this, can be a struggle of the nth degree.

Dealing with people is a tricky thing as a pastor. People come to you for advice, for counsel, to unload life's frustrations. Your words carry weight with them and you are always wary of saying something that may influence them in the wrong way. Many times they expect you to have the answers to the most difficult questions about their lives. They look to you for spiritual and day-to-day guidance, and so often do not realize how inadequate you can feel in dealing with things their are no easy answers for. Sure, you can quote the bible to them. Show them scripture to instruct, and pray with them from your heart, but far more is required if you are truly called to be a pastor.

Not to get to specific, but this week presented many such situations. A friend came to me on Monday with an excruciatingly difficult situation regarding a child. It's a situation no parent would ever want to find themselves in. What do you say? Is God's word and praying with them enough? Probably not, but you take comfort in knowing you are there for them, whatever may come. What else can you do?

Tuesday brings an extremely early morning as you are attending discipleship classes at another church at 6:00 AM to help edify yourself. It's good as a pastor to sit under someone else's teaching, as most of the time you are the teacher. It's an African-American church and you have openly shared with them that through this you hope to build some relationships for future cooperation, as the church you serve is in a largely African-American neighborhood and the cultural challenges are immense. You really enjoy it, but it is a challenge sometimes to just not blow it off. You need rest, but you know you need this personally and for the ministry in your care. You're refreshed as usual during a weekly prayer group at your church, but then, your day is full, preparing for a huge event Wednesday night.

On Wednesday your church is hosting it's largest outreach event of the year, our Fall Festival. We put a lot of effort in to this and have been working on things for weeks. Putting out hundreds and hundreds of fliers in the neighborhood. Organizing volunteers and food. Decorating and preparation of our facilities. Filling bags with candy. And then the night arrives, and you are simply overwhelmed by the crowd that shows up! Countless children and families, many faces you've never seen. It's exactly what you've hoped for, but you look around and know, you don't have the manpower to handle it. It was like herding cats or catching a butterfly, or hitting a knuckleball. They are right in front of you, yet somehow, out of reach. It's exhilarating and frustrating all at the same time. You attempt to share the gospel over the roar of more children than the building can hold who are all ready for their candy, knowing it's falling on deaf ears for the most part, yet you do it. You persist. It's a main reason you have such events, as if only one person hears God's truth, it's worth it, and some do! At the end you are ready for it to be over, yet when it is, and you see the names and addresses collected, the people you now have an opportunity to reach out to on a more personal level, though totally spent, you rejoice. You rejoice, with a full understanding that the work from this event has just begun.

On Thursday you mix in your normal duties. Website maintenance and updating it for November. Typing a church newsletter. Sermon prep for Sunday. You do your ministerial visits which can be draining. Spending time with a woman who has had a stroke and can no longer speak. A gentleman with Alzheimers disease. A dear homebound couple who in your heart you know should be in assisted living, but all the while knowing it's their decision.

On Thursday night you receive a call from a friend in the town you last pastored in to let you know that two of your former flock(is there such a thing?) are in the hospital in your current city. On your off day Friday you visit them and both are dealing with illnesses that could end their lives. You still love and care for them, and it hurts to see them this way, but you encourage, and prepare them as best you can. You get home emotionally spent. Your wife has had to work well in to the night unscheduled and comes home equally drained. Neither of you handle it well and you have a spat. At the end of the night you thank God you have an understanding wife and you go to bed with things settled, at least between the two of you.

Saturday brings the funeral of one of the children of a dear lady in your congregation. A child she has watched and suffered with as he has battled cancer for two years. Her pain has been palpable for what seems like forever. She is such a dear lady you wish there were something, anything you could do, but their is not. At least now it's over, and she has closure. But you know the healing will be long in coming.

Sunday brings the freedom of teaching and preaching. First a Sunday school class and then the morning message. It's well received and you are encouraged. Then a frequent visitor asks to speak with you. Problems in their marriage. Can you, will you help? Honestly, I don't know if I can. I'm a pastor, not a biblical marital counselor. You really like these people and with all your heart want to see them reconcile. So you agree to meet, all the while, planting the seed that they will probably need someone more qualified than you. Thankfully you know someone, and you immediately pray something can be worked out to transition them from yourself to them without breaking the trust and confidence they have in coming to you. A trip to the hospital follows to see your old friends and you've already arranged to meet the son of one of them there. It's a good, positive meeting under difficult circumstances. You have the assurance that they are saved and that the family is prepared, yet it still hurts to see someone you love dying.

You get home physically and emotionally exhausted but the evening service awaits so there is very little down time. And as you arrive, in the dark for the first time in months, you are greeted by 20-30 of your children and youth already at church 45 minutes before it begins, and it hits you. Wow! This is what it's all about. This is why you do it. You smile, and spend time with them as the adults arrive, and it's still like herding cats, until the workers in our children's ministry get there. You teach. You have fun doing so. You've endured, and you know, you could never do it on your own. But you don't have to, as being a pastor is not about you. It's about doing what God has called you to do.

This week was one of those challenging weeks. To be honest, I've felt totally inadequate at times. But as the night closed this evening and a long week ended, I felt an undeniable affirmation from within that I'm doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing. I guess that's how you know your are called. Most pastors I've known with any longevity would admit that they would often prefer to be doing something else, but inside, you know you can't. It wasn't your choice to be a pastor, it was God's. In that, you persevere, and yes, you enjoy. If you can simply admit you'll never have all the answers, but you can have a very positive influence, it's not such a bad gig.

Steven Furtick, Excess, and Discussing Another's Ministry-Appearances Mean Something

Colossians 3:5, "Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry."

This Sunday I'll be preaching from Colossians 3:1-11 as we continue an expository look at the book of Colossians at the church I pastor, Woodfield Park Baptist Church. Turns out the text is very timely in regards to a topic that is receiving much media coverage here in North and South Carolina, and is beginning to break nationwide. The topic of media discussion, a 1.7 million dollar, 16,000 square foot home located on a gated 19 acre lot, that is being built by Charlotte, NC mega church pastor Steven Furtick of Elevation Church.

For those with a short memory, let us harken back to the late 1980's, and the ministry of Jim and Tammy Bakker known as PTL. Spark any memories? Greed? Excess? Self indulgence? Self righteousness? Well, that occurred in the Charlotte area, so it should surprise no one that people in and around this area found it alarming that Furtick is building such an extravagant new residence. You see, Charlotte is ground zero for religious scams in the public eye. The PTL scandal was a nationwide phenomenon that brought laughs and scorn from across the nation and shame and harm to the body of Christ. Is Furtick's ministry another PTL? I am not saying that. Let's get that clear. But appearances do mean something.

As Christians, we talk of our "walk" with Christ very often. Our walk representing the life we lead and example we set before others. What exactly is the example being set when a pastor, a shepherd of God's flock, will be living in a home larger than the billionaire owner of the Carolina Panthers, Jerry Richardson? Appearances are important. This is the type thing we see on Dateline NBC exposes in regards to the "rock stars" of the ministerial wolfpack, people like Benny Hinn, Joel Osteen, Kenneth Copeland, Joyce Meyer. The religious "leaders" who revel in wealth and luxury, with gold bath fixtures, multiple million dollar homes, private jets, $6000.00 a night hotel rooms. Those who tell you you can have all they have "if" your faith is strong enough. Those who hide behind tax exempt status with veiled financial disclosure. Those who declare a gospel of prosperity instead of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is an opulent orgy of wealth all derived in the name of Jesus. It is, as Paul writes in Colossians 3:5, "covetousness, which is idolatry."

Understand, a pastor is deserving of a lifestyle as good as any church member. No one is saying because one shepherds God's flock you must take a vow of poverty. A pastor should be able to provide for his family, have his needs met, and yes, have some things that he enjoys. But when, is enough, ENOUGH!? Where do we draw the line? Christians, and pastors as much as any, are called to imitate Christ. Jesus Christ, who left the riches of heaven to dwell on earth as man, the God-man, God in the flesh. Who was dependent upon the kindness of strangers. Who had no place to lay his head. Jesus, who preached for us to store up treasures in heaven, not here on earth. Who warned that it was easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven. Ever wonder what that means? It means, that covetousness, greed, a desire for wealth and possessions that outweighs the desire for God is an idol. That those who gain wealth have usually placed the acquisition of wealth above all things. That in many if not most cases, it is idolatry, those of which who practice such will not inherit the kingdom of God.

So let us ask a question? What does it appear is most important to someone on the outside when a pastor pursues such things as a gated mansion in a secluded, private, wealthy area? For Steven Furtick, does it seem to you that money and possessions are a pretty high priority? Total tax value of the property is around 3 million. Actual cost with a bargain on the land 1.7 million. But how much will it cost to furnish and decorate this palace? I can't see Furtick and his wife calling Rent-A-Center for the $34.99 a week living room combo. How many servants will it take to maintain the home which will have 7 1/2 baths? No offense to Mrs. Furtick, but I can't see her as Granny Clampett organizing the family for spring cleaning. How much to maintain the property? Intsall security? Heat and cool it? How much is enough? Appearances mean something.

Let me go on the record here. I do not believe at all their is anything unlawful going on here. I do not believe that Furtick has embezzled from Elevation Church as the Bakker's did from PTL. I do believe the property has been purchased by money from sales of his books. I believe every "i" is dotted and "t" crossed from a legal standpoint. But does that make it right? Is this representative of Jesus or His teachings? A fundamental question for me regarding all of this is how does one who lives such an eye popping lifestyle actually make disciples for Jesus? That is the role of a pastor and all Christians. How can one teach with any authority or credibility the teachings of Jesus? That if we desire to follow Him, we must deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow Him? How does anything about this speak of denying oneself? Appearances mean something.

What has Furtick's response been to all of this attention? Well, it has not been full of grace. In a recent sermon Furtick stated almost defiantly, "it's not that great a house." It's larger than the house of the richest man in North Carolina! He stated that the investigative reporter from the Charlotte NBC affiliate who is pursuing this story was out to "hurt the church." I would highly recommend searching www.wcnc.com and their I-Team reports on this story. They reveal a lot. Some may say, but it's the media! Yes, it is, so use discernment. But still, the facts presented are beyond troubling, and now extend far beyond just the house. You decide if the reporting is fair, if questions should be asked, and remember, we're not talking about a businessman, we're speaking of a pastor!

And speaking of questions, perhaps more troubling to me is this. This has obviously been a hot topic on social media. Facebook has been full of posts, links and conversations and I have engaged in several. Most of the posts and responses I've seen have the same questions I do, and view this the same as me. It is excess and not the example a pastor should set. Some have disagreed, or questioned the questioning. Some have been fellow pastors. So what troubles me? Well, in 3 different conversations I've engaged in with fellow pastors they have later deleted their parts of the conversation. Is it wrong to now discuss things that appear so out of line with what the bible teaches? Can Christians no longer engage in civil discourse in the public forum regarding a controversial subject in the church?

Pastor John MacArthur recently hosted an event named "Strange Fire," discussing and putting forth a view contrary to the Charismatic movement in the church. Looking at it's excesses and how they actually compared to scripture. He and his fellow speakers were respectful but clear that they believed these excesses were not biblical. And the expected has happened, MacArthur has come under a lot of fire. One of the primary offenses of the Charismatic movement is the so-called prosperity Gospel, propogated by such charlitans as the aforementioned Copeland, Osteen, Meyer, Hinn and many others. They dominate the airwaves of Christian televison. These people lead lifestyles of the celebrity elite. Most in conservative, Christian circles recognize not only the unbiblical example their lifestyles establish, but also the false teaching involved with many of them. Tell me, who does Furtick resemble? This is a man after all who has partnered with Joyce Meyer and T.D. Jakes, who preach and model this prosperity gospel. Is Furtick teaching false doctrine? I don't know. I've never studied what he teaches. I've read things, but we all know how fickle others opinions can be. But one cannot argue what the appearance is of this boondoggle house in the Charlotte suburbs.

So how is it wrong? How is it offensive? How is it anything but biblical to look at a supposed brother and say, you know, this ain't right. You want to know why things like this happen in the church? WE THE CHURCH do not deal with it! We set it aside and say, "well, he can do what he wants." But brothers, what he does impacts the church of Jesus Christ whether we will recognize it or not! It reinforces the church's critics opinion that we're all about money! That it's about us! Me! Me! Me! Is not the biblical thing for someone who knows him to speak with him about this? To enforce church discipline if necassary? To establish some form of accountability? Is simply ignoring such things and avoiding them the answer?

The Church! The body of Christ is not the church I serve, or Elevation, or any other individual congregation. It is HIS church and we are all one in HIM! And until we begin to hold each other accountable, and can actually discuss such things in the open, these types of things will just continue and continue. We are each other's accountability, from the new convert to the most public of God's shepherds and servants. We must be civil and not leap to conclusions. We must show grace, but also speak the truth in love. We must be honest and be able to say, "this doesn't look right." And then have the courage to ask questions and act if needed. That's the biblical way. It's obvious to most, that money changers are in the temple in many, many places. If one is truly determined to be one after investigation, giving oneself over to covetousness, the old question applies. What would Jesus do? My plea to Steve Furtick is to sell this property and donate all proceeds and profits to his church. Remove the questions and set the example. I certainly pray he does. Appearances mean something.

The Battle(The Life and Death of George Jones)

I remember reading a review of George Jones album "The Battle" many years ago in Rolling Stone magazine. The album, recorded shortly after his divorce from Tammy Wynette, was a chronicle of love lost and a marriage is ashes. The review went something like this: "the album cover(see picture at right) shows a an empty bed with 2 cowboy boots at the foot of the bed and a sense of loss and loneliness all around. The picture seems to say it all, and then, he begins to sing..." In my opinion, George Jones is the greatest country singer of all time. His rich, booming voice capable of a thundering bass or a soaring tenor had uncommon range. His songs are some of the greatest in not just country music history, but the history of all music. Jones could do a lovelorn ballad, a catchy, hook ridden pop song, a boozy honky tonk rouser or a gospel hymn with equal adeptness and true artistry. His career spanned 60 years and he was the definition of what classic country music is and was for most of that career. But Jones, like so many of our stage, screen, sports and music heroes was a walking contradiction. His remarkable critical and commercial success as a performer was haunted by a personal life marred by substance abuse which spanned most of his life and an inability to sustain personal relationships. Jones was a heavy drinker, who once got a DUI on a riding lawnmower after his drivers license was suspended, and also was a user of cocaine and prescription pills. His continual abuse of such things led to great personal pain and multiple divorces, the most famous from fellow country icon the afor mentioned Wynette. Jones life was yet another of uncountable examples of where addiction leads and the pain it causes, not just to ourselves, but also those we love the most. In the title song of that album, "The Battle," the anguish in Jones voice is heartbreaking. He loved Tammy with all his heart, and knew it was because of his substance abuse issues that divorce had come. In short, in his personal life, Jones was his own worst enemy. Some may call the behavior narcissistic. Others tragic and sad. In spite of his emmense God given talent and well deserved success, Jones life, in the end, was marred by personal pain and unfulfilled promise. Jones has always been one of my personal favorites. In my life before Christ, when I was bound by many of the substance abuse issues that haunted Jones, I sang many of his "drinking" songs around late night campfires. When I became a Christian I truly came to appreciate his skill and seeming joy in singing gospel songs, most of them classics we've sung in churches for years. When my dad died he had a George Jones gospel CD on play in his truck. I can honestly say I loved George Jones the singer as he brought great joy to me through his craft. But as I look back at this "greatest" of country singers, I can't help but feel sad. Was George Jones a Christian? Will I meet him in heaven? I can't judge his heart so I simply don't know. Unlike other artists, such as Johnny Cash, who also fought their battles with substance abuse, Jones had no real Christian testimony I am aware of. Cash was a vocal Christian who witnessed his faith to millions even through his struggles. I will say this, the grace of God is greater than we could ever know. If Jones truly had Jesus in his heart, I know he is in heaven right now. If he did not however, the words of Jesus ring in my ears as clearly as the voice of my all-time favorite singer. "What good does it do a man to gain the whole world, yet lose his soul." Jones found fortune and fame here on earth. I just hope his nickname here on earth, "no show Jones," will not be his epitaph in eternity.