a few confessions of a pastor
I’m sorry that I expect people to think the same way I do and agree with everything I say.
I’m sorry that I want everybody to be the kind of people I like and would enjoy hanging out with.
I’m sorry that I desire others to keep the same principles that I do.
I’m sorry that I want everyone to like what I like and hate what I hate.
I’m sorry that I think I am wiser than your people.
I’m sorry that I think you’re closer to me than to others.
I’m sorry that I assume I’m really serving you while others are really not.
I’m sorry that I see your people as a resource to serve me rather than seeing myself as a resource to serve them.
I’m sorry that I sometimes act like a hireling, ready to run when things get tough, and not a true shepherd.
I’m sorry that I think about money too much and how your people can get more of it for me.
I’m sorry that I use the scriptures as a way to get what I want rather than what you are passionate about.
I’m sorry that I talk about your people like they’re trash.
I’m sorry that, because of my own ugliness, I’m blind to the beauty you see in others.
I’m sorry that my love is wrapped in a multitude of conditions.
I’m sorry that I think that you will hear these confessions above every other prayer that is being uttered right now.
I’m sorry that I’m stopping now, when I could go on forever.
A man like me. Keep it real. We all need it.
Hi David
Holy cramoly ! Is someone having a bad day ?
I’ve noticed that in your blog there is alot of “I” this and “I” that. Why not try focussing on a blog with “you” and see what happens. By the way, I love your cartoons.
I’m sorry you’re sorry even as I secretly celebrate a confession from a pastor.
I’m sorry I’m celebrating even as I remind myself that we are all just a bunch of “sorry” (and gloriously gifted) human beings.
Don’t be sorry…
I’m sorry that I know exactly what you are sorry about.
Well, He forgives pastors too, you know. Your sins are forgiven for Jesus’ sake.
(even pastors need to hear that every now and then)
Dagger to the heart, brother. But a needed one.
[…] 2.) While we use a prayer of confession in our service every Sunday, I’ve not given much honest thought as to what that prayer might look like for a pastor. The Naked Pastor pastor gets the ball rolling for me. […]
This one may be hung on the wall of my loo. Thanks for the honesty, it brought to mind what things I would need to say were I to confess my failings in such an open manner.
One of your best posts from my point of view. No, you don’t have to be having a bad day to recognize these things. Maybe it’s a better-than-usual day because you are doing a reality check, and that’s always a good thing.
We’ve all got shit. Don’t worry about it.
Geez David, “I’m sorry that, because of my own ugliness, I’m blind to the beauty you see in others.” - reminds me of whenever I get hurt by, angry at, judgemental toward - anyone, someone, my friend,my husband, that random person… geez.
Me too. I’m sorry ‘cuz I’m the same way. And worse. Oh well. I’m sorry.
this brought tears to my eyes. amen dude!
[…] And this week, I found a wonderful example of how confession sounds from the lips of a pastor. And this guy really “wins”. Read it in full here. This is just a snippet: I’m sorry that I expect people to think the same way I do and agree with everything I say. I’m sorry that I want everybody to be the kind of people I like and would enjoy hanging out with. I’m sorry that I desire others to keep the same principles that I do. I’m sorry that I want everyone to like what I like and hate what I hate. I’m sorry that I think I am wiser than your people. I’m sorry that I think you’re closer to me than to others. I’m sorry that I assume I’m really serving you while others are really not. « More Than Serving Tea in Seattle, WA! […]
[…] The naked pastor has a poignant prayer of repentance for his sins as a pastor. This isn’t only applicable to the ‘professional’ clergy: this is for anyone who considers themselves a disciple of Christ. […]