Years ago, I read a book by false-teacher Rob Bell in order to better understand his Doctrinal stand. Most of it was junk, but one chapter was helpful. It was titled “death to Super-Pastor.”
In it he described trying to do everything at the church in his own strength, and wisdom. Till one Sunday briefly before speaking he had an emotional, and physical breakdown.
In the end Bell said, he had to put super-pastor out of his misery.
This thought of being super-pastor (or in my case super-missionary) is very powerful because we can find ourselves trying to do ministry on our own. In a deeper sense many in ministry (myself included) can make being perceived as strong, wise, or successful the goal.
The truth is pastors (and missionaries) are people too….
They have weak moments, fail miserably, and disobey God.
This shouldn’t be a massive shock since we are all sinners in need of God’s grace. But it’s easy to focus on looking strong and like you have it all together, when really you don’t.
But the hard truth is going to come out eventually.
We are seeing many pastors and missionaries leave the ministry because of moral failure, or ministry fatigue (they just give up). This doesn’t come up overnight! Instead they were struggling for a very long time, but covered it up so that nobody could notice.
But then came the day when everyone noticed!
It is far better to own your weakness or struggle to Godly friends, and put in the hard work of repentance. The moment of shame over confessing your sin is nothing compared to the moment of humiliation when everyone else finds out what your hiding.
Satan want’s us to think we must be perfect
but that is a lie
We are all sinners in need of God’s Grace…..even missionaries.
Johnhwilburn.com 
Leave a comment