There's something I just don't understand, and maybe there's other pastors out there who have the same thing happen to them, but why is it that the messages that cause me the most stress, are hardest to pull together, take the longest and feel like they just might send most of the people in church out looking for another one, why is it that those messages seem to hit home with people?
It happened again yesterday and it's happened a few times since December. I think, research, meditate, question, share and plan the message for Sunday and then hit a wall where it seems like nothing makes sense anymore. I run things by the staff or my wife or other people to get back on track and it's like pulling teeth. I get frustrated, think about starting over, scrapping the whole thing, wondering if God's trying to tell me that I suck or the message sucks and I need to change it. I do the best I can, commit to at least getting through it and pray that it makes sense and connects. Then like yesterday we have sound issues (again - I hate equipment failure!!!) and I have people email me, write comments or hunt me down to tell me that the message really hit home!
I just don't get it. But then, I'm not God, I'm just the messenger. Thank God His words apparently are making a difference in people's lives. And that's part of the life of a pastor. Wanna sign up?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
I don't know man. But God has blessed you with a gift to reach people and it's happened almost everywhere you've been. I don't know what it is other than God's annoiting on your words and heart. We really love and appreciate the pain and frustration that you put into it. You're a good pastor.
Thanks Randy man. Check out Claude's blog to see how much he (and me and others) appreciate you. I guess I'll keep working at it.
Randy said it well, but I'll add my thanks. I guess people never realize how much thought, prayer, and time goes into the message each week as you make it sound so easy as if you were talking to a friend. You meet us where we are at and make it a comfortable place to learn and grow together. My life has been transformed and I know there are many others.
Thanks for all that you do!!
Don't fool yourself...It was Yoda
Keep up what you are doing. God is really using you in a powerful way!
Jon & Val
1) Yes, I do!
2) When the sound sucks and you're banging your head against the wall, how much more is God able to show Himself and be glorified in the results. It's awesome when things are working right, but there can be blessing throught the struggles too. I remember reading somewhere "When I am weak, then..."
Post a Comment