Transparency

Transparency... I have been in fulltime Pastoral ministry for twenty-two years. I'm currently pastoring my fourth church having spent the majority of my ministry, a little over sixteen years, at one location. Like most Pastors, I don't regret committing my life to the call of Jesus to serve His people, but I often wished I would have done better, reached more, failed less and succeded more in the things I felt Christ calling me to. I can't say that it has been easy or that it was always rewarding but yet I don't regret it at all. I have seen lives forever changed, missionaries, pastors and ministry leaders come from these years of service to the Kingdom of God. 

I have been hurt, offended, wounded so deep that I thought how could I possibly go another day. I have watched my wife and children weep because of the actions and words of those who claimed to love us. Ministry, NOT EASY, but worth it. Don't allow the struggle to cause you to retreat or withdraw into a mask of life. Don't pretend, be real even when you are struggling. There is a joy that arises from obedience, a passion to pursue because you know there can be no victory without the battle.

I remember twenty years ago as I came into the IPHC as a twenty-four-year-old young man. My wife and I were attending a conference in Columbus Ga where Bishop Tony Miller was speaking. One statement over those three days has forever stayed with me. "God has called us to help people get from point A to point B. We must be a bridge and every good bridge will be walked on". 

I long to serve Jesus as an open book. People need to see that we live where they live. We are real, broken, forgiven disciples of Jesus. There is no greater freedom than being who Jesus has called you to be. Be open, honest, real, and genuine. There is an old saying, "People don't care how much you know till they know how much you care." Consider your position, both naturally and spiritually.  Natural authority gives opportunity but without God's appointment spiritually it will be a colossal waste of time. I still believe God is looking for transparent people to rewrite their stories for the world to see. Choose today to be transparent, to be real so that you too can lead others to the Amazing Grace of Jesus Christ! All are valuable, important and precious to Jesus. So, don't quit! God has a plan for you and all that He has called you too.