Ministers’ confessions and convictions

My church is failing in my community because I’m unable to effectively share my passion for a hopeful future. I show with my words and decisions that my history and my experience matter more to me (about me) than them. I can’t translate my experience into a shared future that is relevant to others. I expect “others” to see things as I do, want things that I want and to value experience and order as I do.

Unless we can show how our theology and doctrine and polity matter and will make a difference it will not. As a church leader I will fail in my mission and I will harm others in my failure.

If my community does not listen they cannot hear. If I don’t speak in a manner which encourages them to listen they will not hear. If I can’t adjust my message and model, the fault is mine alone, and I should step aside and find someone who can.

I will fail. I fail. I failed. This is truth.
God will not fail, does not fail, and has not failed.

When I fail, God will speak through another. He will transform HIS community into a loving, welcoming fellowship which reaches out, welcomes in, and disciples into deeper and deeper circles.