We are in the middle of a very challenging series called “Things I Wish Jesus Never Said.” CCC did it about 2 years ago, and it was one of the better series we did while I was there. We decided to domething a little different, though, when we got to the “Gouge Your Eye Out” week. We did 2 weeks, back to back, on the same scripture. And, we invited a couple who had a very personal story, to share it on the second week. The husband, Justin, was the pastor for a growing church in Indiana. But somewhere along the way, things got off track.
As the church got bigger, and busier, Pastor Justin began growing farther and farther from his wife. He began relieving stress in unhealthy ways. And, ultimately, he began an inappropriate relationship with a ministry partner. As this became public, he dropped out of ministry altogether.
As a church planter, this story is a real wake up call. It can happen to me. It is also a wake up call to our congregation. Pastors are not immune to these types of pressures. If we aren’t “real” enough to be transparent people in community with each other, we can hide all sorts of dangerous behaviors. And we will be left wondering, “how did I wind up here?”
I love being a part of a community of believers that are willing to be uncomfortably, and uncompromisingly “real” with each other. This could start a revolution!
