It was a week ago today, when I experienced one of the most moving moments in my ministry life. This is one of those TRANSPARENCY posts, a vulnerability moment for me. I am aware that we arent to share our story with everyone. Vulnerability means that you share your story with people who have earned the right to hear it. In my heart, you’ve earned the right because many of you have encouraged me so much. So here goes… This past Sunday morning I had the honor of ministering at my friend’s Jerrel and Shannah Giliam’s church in Pittsburgh. Something happened to me during worship that has really changed my life and changed my perspective about ministry. On Friday night I received a “Word” from Pastor Eric Butler and in that word, I felt the final layer of shame for ministry get ripped off me. So while I’m standing on the second row worshiping on Sunday, I noticed something has changed. Here’s too transparency… The church wasnt a large church in numbers, but they were sure large in heart. In the previous years in ministry my validation was connected to the turn out. That’s hard to say but honest to say. The truth is I would have been disappointed because of the turn out. This is one of those bad learned habits that many preachers need to deal with. The tendency is to be upset and preach at the people who arent there, instead of ministering to the one who are… And though I would have preached my heart out holding nothing back, I would have been disappointed that more people didnt come and taken it personal (so sad). If leaders arent careful and though our hearts are in the right place, what started pure becomes performance based. For the first time in many years and I mean many years, I noticed the disappointment had completely left me. I began to cry as I looked around at these precious people and began to thank God for honor of allowing me to minister to them. They had no idea, but they ministered to me more than I could have ever ministered to them. I shared this story with Pastor Jerrel and thanked him for the privilege, for trusting me and allowing me to minister with him. Ive experienced all kinds of freedom but I think nearly tops them all… So grateful that God gives us a second chance to serve Him. Never allow the gifts that have been bestowed upon you to eclipse the ONE who bestowed them!!! Happy Sunday Everyone.
Posted on: Sun, 14 Dec 2014 13:42:50 +0000
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