DH and I have been pastoring just over a year now and have learned so much. Thought I'd share....
1. You can counsel, pray, encourage, be someone's cheerleader...and you still can't make a person do what's right. It's their decision.
2. People will leave. Let 'em go.
3. There's an email that went around that said not everyone is qualified to sit on the front of what is your life. When I realized that, I was able to let some things go.
4. There really are haters out there! Envious of an anointing that costs me something!
5. Keep my mouth shout. I'm such a people person but I can't share everything with everybody. That's why I thank God for this board.
6. It's me but it ain't me. This is to all the folk who knew me back in the day. Folk I used to worship with. I'm me but I'm not me. God has elevated me (I didn't do it myself!) and called me to leadership. Get used to it.
7. Stop seeking validation of men. This was hard. Because as a young pastor I wanted to be validated and received. Especially as a woman! As long as signs and wonders follow, as long as people are delivered when I open my mouth...there's my validation.
8. God has is own sense of timing. Learn to work by His clock.
9. When God has seperated you...don't go trying to rebuild bridges unless God says so. You look foolish trying to get someone to acknowledge you...love you when it's not in them to do. Hard lesson to learn. Some losses really, really hurt. You don't want it to be over but God says ITS OVER!
10. Embrace my calling. I hated wearing clergy collars, robes etc because of what it symbolized. I know some people don't wear either but for me I was running from what God had said about me. So if I have to wear a collar somewhere...big deal. I am who God says I am.
I really struggled with acceptance. Accepting what God said about me. He chose me and called me...who am I to argue? Why belittle this great call? I know I don't ever want to fall into pride and flesh. Seen those things in operation from behind the pulpit and it stinks! Vowed never to do such! But I think what God is really calling for is a sense of balance. Yes know who I am and be confident in that but don't dare get big-headed and think I am doing anything!
I'm still learning people and think a Psych 101 class is in order! I really am learning to keep my mouth shut. Not every thought needs to be expressed. People look to me for leadership...what do I look like if I display uncertainty and doubt? I really am learning to walk in the power and authority God has given me and at the same time not be puffed up.
This may easy for some of you but I have to practice and rehearse this often! Locally, I don't have a mentor. Some wise, sage woman to guide me through this process. So I have you all...(THANKS PASTOR DEANNA!) To continue to doubt God's work in my life, to continue to question his call is to insult Him. I don't want to do that.
I'm still learning. I willing to guess that the ministry is still small because I wasn't confident in the thing called me to do. Right now there are a few of us and we all pitch in with the upkeep up the church. But as of late, I've noticed that folk are content to let me vacuum while they sit or I'm picking up trash and they are chillin'! No more. I've got respect the place called me too. The people won't respect me either if I keep this unworthy attitude. I have to remember that yes I'm called to serve but its service to the sheep. It's ministering to them. It's laying out before God for a Word for the people. I seriously doubt King David was whipping up his own breakfast in the palace or dumping the palace trash. Work where God has called. He called me pastor...walk in that.
And this is stuff you don't learn in Bible college (maybe they teach some of it to you, but there's really no way to truly learn it except through experience!).
You've learned a lot quickly. God is doing a quick work in you and it's good to be reminded of some of these things myself. Thank you.
In response to #1 You are right, we can't make anyone do what is right. It is also important for them to know that we are not giving them counsel but rather spiritual guidance from the scriptures. It's up to them to decide to follow wisdom's path. I try to leave appointments with having looked over at least one applicable scripture text, prayer beginning and end, and definately leaving the ball in their court.
#5 Keeping our mouths "shut" is just as much a part of the ministry as opening them to preach is! Oh!.... not to say something at a tempting moment! OUCH!
Lastly, I read your other post re: being angry and how you poured yourself into another person, took them in , etc. I once let someone live with us for a lengthy time and they left with disloyal "ways" or comments also. She to had a problem submiting to me and even put a wedge between someone who I thought was a close friend . Nevertheless, she was saved, delivered and got back in church from my opening my personal life to her. I suffered unjust criticism and unrealistic expectations...even a loss of a long-time friendship (apparently a fair- weather friend, spiritually immature ).
Well, after moving away , this house guest died a tragic unexpected death. And I played a part in leading a backslider back to him! What if she wasn't right with him when she died? How tragic that would have been!?! I am glad (hindsight) that I was able to bless someone who despitefully used me and spoke all manner of evil against me. In light of eternity,my hurt and disappointment was a small thing. Keep your chin up SendJudah! It's all about Jesus. Do what is right and it will be alright! We don't know the big picture.
Some friends are for a season, some for a reason, and others a Life Time. We don't have time to waste with the chickens! We're Eagles.
DH and I were talking about how Jesus is so our perfect example. Came meek and lowly yet walked in all kind of power. Demons knew who he was. Remaining humble will definitely be key to all of this. I'll still help take out the trash until we get big enough to have a buildings operation mgr.
DH doesn't want us to get to the point where we can't carry our own Bible or tie our own shoes. (Seen it) And I would agree with that. I simply want to walk in the power and authority God has given me and be confident in that.
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