Yesterday at church, I had the privilege of listening to an awesome message from Clayton King. Clayton has come to Elevation a number of times, and each time he comes, I really enjoy the service. He is a great speaker.
I have also been lucky enough to have some short conversations with him and think he is very kind (and funny). I don't really know him, but have heard wonderful things about him from both Chunks and Pastor. One thing that I do know about him is that his message yesterday was one of the best that I have ever heard!
If you are a pastor, are the member of a pastor's family, are friends with a pastor, go to church on Sundays, or even have ever met a pastor... you have to click here (THANK YOU - Protecting Your Pastor) and listen to the message. I know that you may not want to sit and watch a sermon on a computer screen, but YOU HAVE TO!!!!! Trust me. It is something that you have to hear.
Why is this such a big deal to me?
Well, as most of you know, I am the daughter of a pastor. For all 27 years of my life, I have watched my dad pour his entire heart into his ministry. I have also stood by him as he has stressed, had hurt feelings, had lies spread about him, and has basically not been shown the respect that he deserves. Yes, there have been people out there who have supported my dad, but there have been more who have treated him in ways that Christians shouldn't. But through it all, my dad has always loved his job and has been the picture of a true man of God.
I also have another pastor in my life who means the world to both me and Josh - Pastor Steven Furtick. Josh and I would do anything for him and his family. We love him, Holly, and the boys to death.
Josh and I are totally sold out, fully committed, to our church and our pastor. We are all in! We even have 2 bullets sitting on top of our fridge to remind us each day of our commitment to Elevation. (No, we don't have random bullets sitting around our house. They are from that TAB Team meeting back at the Levine Center. That was forever ago!)
Anyway....
During the service, Clayton asked if we heard anyone talking about Pastor would we ever confront that person and defend him. When he asked that, I looked at Josh and said, "Would you?" He just smiled at me and said, "Like you even have to ask!". (Josh loves Pastor and takes his role as part of "the team" very seriously. He feels like he is so privileged to be in his volunteer role.)
The same goes for me. I have seen what damage stupid words can do to a pastor and his family. I pray that my words will always be words that uplift and not tear down.
There are many more words that I could say, but I won't. If you want to read another good blog on this subject, click here. This girl also goes to Elevation. I know who she is, but I don't really know her. I read her blog and thought that here words were so true!
And if you haven't clicked to the website to watch the sermon yet, you better!!!! What are you waiting for?!
