Struggle: SIGNIFICANT or insignificant?
I’m in the middle of some pastoral conflict right now and it’s become a damned if you do, damned if you don’t situation. I won’t go into more detail than that except to say that I have been wrongly and falsely accused of having ill will toward someone.
I’m in the process of discerning how significant this conflict is to my ministry and if it even needs my attention. 40 years from now, after I’ve retired, will I look back and laugh or will I look back and cry?
There are wonderful people in every church I’ve attended or worked in. I’ve learned that the difference in churches is the outspokenness of those good people and their placement in leadership is what makes all the difference. Every church/community of Christians have a shot at doing great things for the Kingdom - it’s just a matter of who’s driving the bus.
Here’s my prayer:
May I always do things with the best of intentions and according to God’s will and grace. And may I never back down from a fight when I have done the will of God, but let me be humble and repentant when I am in sin.
May we all live our relationships this way.
Remember two things. One, if you have done nothing wrong, then you shouldn’t feel burdened by it. I was accused of something similar in my first appointment. You just have to let it go. Two, there are great people at the church and in the community. They need to hear about Jesus Christ. Don’t let a few misunderstanding people prevent you from proclaiming the good news. You are too good of a preacher!
By the way, you will laugh.
very good!