OK, I didn't actually pass out Sunday, but that sounded better than "nearly pass out." But let me explain what I mean.
As pastors we can carry the weight of the world (or at least our church) on our shoulders. Often we think we must maintain a facade of being unmovable, unshakeable and unbreakable at all times and in all things. We think that we cannot show any weakness or vulnerability or we'll shatter our Super-Pastor status before the congregation. It's kind of like we're trying to tell them that we're the Wizard and they need to ignore that man behind the curtain. But as I've been reflecting on Sunday I'm beginning to think maybe it's OK, and maybe it's actually healthy, for our church bodies to see our frailty from time to time. Maybe it's encouraging to them to know that the leader needs God and them every bit as much as we preach that they need God and each other.
After I finished trying to analyze the risk assessment (who wouldn't return to the church) from what happened this past Sunday I realized that some positive things actually came out of the situation.
- As my prepared sermon went by the wayside, Jesus was immediately thrust back to the center-stage as we worshipped Him and prayed, asking for His help with the realization that we desperately needed Him.
- The church body got the opportunity to care for their pastor. That sounds weird to say, but sometimes it's easier (for me) to give help than to receive it. That day I had no choice but to simply be taken care of by our church. Not to mention the ensuing phone calls, e-mails and dinner invitations that followed. All of this care touched me greatly.
Ironically, the opening verse to the message I was going to deliver was:
"How grateful I am, and how I praise the Lord that you are concerned
about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but for a while
you didn’t have the chance to help me." (Philippians 4:10, NLT)
Can't wait to hear your pass-out stories!
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