From the heart of your Pastor,

 

In all reality all men and women no matter who you are face great trials and inner struggles. We battle thoughts, our work loads, the weight of our life's responsibilities, and we also face pain.

 

The idea of a leader always appearing strong and confident is comforting for most but that's not the reality for most leaders. They are faced with difficult task, decisions and responsibilities daily.

 

I think in this day and age that its rare for leaders to be as transparent as Jesus. There are so many that never show weakness and allow themselves to be vulnerable to those that they lead. Jesus showed his disciples who He was at all times. Jesus was an amazing leader and always showed great leadership but He let those that were close to Him see him even when he was weak,hurting or even struggling with something. The men that walked with Jesus knew him and didn't just have an image of Him but truly knew who He was.

 

This past week this passage in Mathew spoke to my heart and hopefully it will speak to you.

 

Mathew 26: 36-38 says " Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and He told the disciples, " Sit here while I go over there and pray." Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, " My soul is swallowed up in sorrow to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake with Me."

 

Jesus showed his brothers how vulnerable he was and didn't try to hide what He was feeling. When I read this it encourages me to be this kind of vulnerable to those that I shepherd. Also that our Lord who is God when he was flesh wept and felt the way we do. We have a God who understands our hurts and sufferings, He knows we are weak.

 

Pastor and Church relationship should look a lot like this! Jesus even in his most difficult times took the men with Him and asked if they would stay awake with Him. Jesus knew how much He needed those men to walk by His side and be there for Him to pray, and encourage Him.

 

I guess what I am asking as your Pastor, is to stay awake with me! To walk with me through this ministry and pray for me the same as I would with you. The more open and trusting we are with each other the more we will accomplish for the Kingdom. Pastor's need to have this kind of relationship with there flock!