Superman!!?? I think not! Ministry in this culture has taken a real toll on me in the past 30 years. Oh please, I'm not the victim by any means. I recognize mistakes I've made along the way and the ever changing attitudes, healthy and unhealthy in many churches. Edward Bratcher wrote a book several years ago called The Walk on Water Syndrome. He addresses some of the pitfalls in ministry. He postulates two problems. 1. People can put pastors on pedestals to only be let down when that "human" fails to walk on water, and 2. Pastor's sometimes start to believe all the hype and get themselves in deep water and discover they cannot walk on water. It's a frustrating venture to say the least.
There have been and are today some great ministers and preachers of God who are doing a fabulous job of reaching a lost and dying world. God has richly blessed them. I am, however, concerned about a new phenomenon of the "celebrity" pastor. It is very real in the area I live.
I'm reminded of Matthew 20:21
"What is it you want?" he asked. She said, "Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom"
Wow, I suppose this has always been an issue for a long time when we cast our own will and desires into what we think ministry should be and including God in our plans as an afterthought.
I'm no hero by any means - I have learned my lesson. I have been pastor to several congregations, both large and small. All I want to do now is just serve Him everyday in whatever way HE wants to use me.
Oh, by the way -- concerning the above scripture verse...this mother wanted her sons to be equal to Jesus...Is that what a generation of "celebrity" pastors are doing? Pastor friends of mine...come down from the left side and the right side and sit with me at the FEET of Jesus and let's learn of Him together.
Blessings,
Charlie W.
