"DEAR PASTOR..."

Dear Pastor,

Somewhere along the way we've lost the notion that a pastor is a servant. Pastor, have you forgotten that we are simply containers of the Living God? We are servants for a living not CEO's. We've transformed the pulpit into something twisted that is more about us and less about the ONE who the pulpit belongs to.

We've morphed into mouthpieces that tout self-promotion, goals and dreams, and call it "vision." We've fallen in love with building our own personal brands under the guise of "ministries." We've created disciples that look more like us and less like Jesus. Programs and business strategies now bear more weight than Biblical relationships. We've transformed ourselves into 'smooth talking' politicians with something to gain instead of Holy Spirit preachers who lose themselves.

Our own passions have surpassed THE Passion. Instead of exegetically illustrating the Word of God, we reproduce creative zingers and memorable quotes of our own fancies instead. What a cheap imitation. Our name has risen above THE Name. We've forgotten that God has called us to be under-shepherds, not kings. As a result, the sheep now see the image of man rather than the image of God.

Repentance and humility is the only solution before a Holy and Just God. As soon as we get out of the way Jesus will once again preside within His beautiful Bride.