Dear pastor
Sometimes one of the hardest things in life and ministry is feeling like an outsider or a misfit.
No human is immune to this, regardless of how outwardly confident they may appear.
In ministry sometimes people tell us things like “Pastor I was here before you got here and I will be here after you leave” and we feel like we don’t quite belong.
Other times in ministry we may feel like we don’t belong because of our inexperience, or because of the confidence, giftedness or maturity of the people around us. Sometimes we experience what is known as the “imposter syndrome” where we just can’t come to grips with the reality that God has called us and we are now actually ministers of the gospel.
Hopefully we never fully get over that feeling of being an “imposter” inasmuch as we all should continually recognize that apart from the grace of God we are nothing but wretches deserving of judgment. Hopefully we will always feel that humble gratefulness that God saw fit to love us, save us, call us and use us.
But I do want to speak to you an important truth:
You belong.
- Because God HAS called you: you belong.
- At the church you are serving in, on the district, in the denomination: you belong
- You belong in the community you are serving.
Regardless of how you feel, or how others try to make you feel: you belong.
Sometimes people are insecure in themselves and so they take it out on others by pulling them down, belittling them and being condescending toward them. This happens to all humans and pastors battle these situations and feelings also.
But I just want you to hold on to the promise and the strength that God gives through His promises: you belong.
When you go to the denomination, district or church event and someone there acts like you don’t matter, that you have no importance, that your voice, thoughts and opinions are inconsequential, please remember that God Himself has authorized you (given you authority) to be there.
The authority and authorization is never for personal gain, selfish ambition or earthly accolades.
But the authority and authorization from God is so that you can walk into a situation with holy boldness to listen, to serve, to love and to offer wisdom that God has given to you.
Thank you for walking according to God’s call.
Oh and one more thing: thank you for helping others to also know that in God’s kingdom they belong too!