Crises Of Confidence

There's a great movie, from a number of years ago, starring Kevin Sorbo called "What If". The movie is on Netflix, if you want to check it out. Essentially, it's a pastoral version of Hollywood's, The Family Man starring Nicolas Cage.

Sorbo's character, a very successful corporate exec experiences an alternate life as a pastor, once the original plan some 15 years prior. As I watched part of it last night, I got to thinking about deacons and church admins. 

How do they handle pastors who struggle?  The character who plays Sorbo's wife, recalls some advice a wise pastors' wife gave her about "the moment". 

The moment, is the time when a man in ministry begins to wonder...if he's been wrong...about everything. 

Combine this with the post I wrote a few days ago about what happens when pastors find themselves in crisis mode...such as a moral failure that we prayed over. An incredibly difficult situation, that I heard last night, another church is about to go through in the next few days and then some.

Deacons, admins, church staff...support positions necessary to help foster church growth, productivity and eternal success. Positions that are difficult enough, as we've prayed over certain aspects the past 3 months. But to dig deep in times of crisis, whether in identity and purpose, confidence of calling and effectiveness...or the tragic fall of failure and the aftermath...the heartbreak is making it difficult to finish my train of thought.

Pray, this #deaconThursday, that advisers, admins and staff dig deep; calling on the Holy Spirit to make intercession for them when they don't know how to pray. Pray for wisdom and discernment in their offering support. May their words be timely, their prayer effective, their love felt, their friendship known and their judgment reserved.Praying for a covering of grace. Pray that in due season and where needed, the process of repentance, forgiveness, healing and restoration would transpire, wherever those elements may be required depending on the circumstance.


-PNC

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