Proud Pastor

Boy, was I a proud pastor yesterday.  Sorry to pop your bubble if you think those two words should never appear together in a sentence.  Truth is, pastors deal with pride just like anyone else.  But this time I was proud because of a record attendance (it wasn't even about a service) or a great choir (although we do have one) or a new building.  I was just proud to be part of an authentic group of leaders walking out Biblical truth.

 

The details aren't important, but the occasion of my pride yesterday was that some members of CLC recently had a serious disagreement that had severed their friendship.  Following the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 18, they requested a meeting with our elders to resolve their differences.  In all my years of ministry, I don't think I've ever seen that done - and certainly not so well.  I sat at the table with such gratitude in my heart as I listened to the collective wisdom and grace with which each elder spoke, and I was just so proud to be part of a team that is authentic.  No, we're not perfect.  Yes, we all have faults and failings.  But we are sincerely seeking to walk out the truth of the Scripture, and we're willing to be held accountable by our fellow believers as we do.  That's healthy.  That's why I love this local church.  If you aren't already plugged into a body of believers like that, a group of people who are genuine in their desire to live their faith 24/7, then you don't know what you're missing. 

 

I agree with Bill Hybels when he says that "the local church is the hope of the world".  I'm glad to be a part of this one.

Jerry McQuay
Senior Pastor,
CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTER
www.clctoday.org