Interesting article. I have been through this in a church. Terrible hurt. Has a lot more to do with the heart of the pastor than Rick Warren though. Steve U.
The purpose? I think of the Three Greats in Matthew:
1) The Great Confession -- You are the Christ. 2) The Great Commandment -- Love One Another 3) The Great Commission -- Go Make Disciples of All Nations
If this is not a place where tears are understood, Then where shall I go to cry? And if this is not a place where my spirit can take wings, Then where shall I go to fly? I don't need another place for trying to impress you With just how good and virtuous I am. I don't need another place for always being on top of things; Everybody knows that it's a sham. I don't need another place for always wearing smiles, Even when it's not the way I feel. I don't need another place to mouth the same old platitudes; Everybody knows that it's not real. So if this is not a place where my questions can be asked, Then where shall I go to seek? And if this is not a place where my heart cry can be heard, Where, tell me where, shall I go to speak? So if this is not a place where tears are understood, Where shall I go, where shall I go to fly? -- Ken Medema
I wonder if this belonged to one of the apostles? Simon the Zealot strikes me as the kind of guy who would wear an earring. I recall the time, when I was graduating from seminary, I received an invitation to start a new congregation in a college town. In the letter, they outlined the vision, the demographics of the community, and their expectations for the pastor. The letter ended with a p.s. -- "and of course, your wife will not be permitted to wear earrings." They forgot say anything about ME wearing earrings. For a while, I was tempted to go ahead, take the position, and get my ear pierced.
Interesting article. I have been through this in a church. Terrible hurt. Has a lot more to do with the heart of the pastor than Rick Warren though. Steve U.
ReplyDeleteHmmmmm...
ReplyDeleteWhat should be the real purpose of a pastor and leaders in a church?
The purpose? I think of the Three Greats in Matthew:
ReplyDelete1) The Great Confession -- You are the Christ.
2) The Great Commandment -- Love One Another
3) The Great Commission -- Go Make Disciples of All Nations