Where In Hell Are Pastors Today?
By Phil Scovell
Here's an article that's going to get my butt in a ringer, with a
whole lot of ultra religious men and women of God, right off the bat.
Therefore, let me spiritually detonate right up front.
I personally am getting sick and tired of getting telephone calls
from all over the world from Christians telling me the same identical
stories about pastors. No, I am not referring to pastors living in
sin, making it on the pastor's desk with the church secretary,
boozing, or addicted to pornography. The Lord only knows how many of
those we have but that isn't to whom I am writing. those in that
category, on the other hand, best get some help and mighty soon. I
didn't say leave the ministry but that may be necessary for a period
of time until things are taken care of in your life. the pastors I am
talking about are those who are fearful and do not know who they are
in Christ. If you happen to be a church member who likewise doesn't
know who you are in Christ, keep reading, for crying out loud, because
this is for you, too. Let me explain what I mean.
People who call me normally call me as a last result. Not
because I am perfect, handsome, knowledgeable, a Bible scholar, a
tremendous bible teacher, or even because I'm loosing my hair, wear
cowboy boots, and a cowboy hat. I don't have a horse yet so I know
that can't be it. I did, on the other hand, give up coffee years ago.
No, I don't roll my own either. Cigarettes, I mean. I'm smoke free.
the reason people call me is due to my assignment in the Body of
Christ. what's that? Well, I didn't ask for what I am doing, I am
not anointed, I have no special gifts, well not gifts as some may
think, and I am not the fourth personage of the Trinity. I just pray
with people. Pastors seem to find this difficult to do even with
their own church members. Too bad.
Nearly every call I receive from those who have read my
testimonies or books on the internet, have the same story. "I've gone
to my pastor, the pastor down the street, the Methodist pastor, the
Catholic priest, the Baptist pastor, the Pentecostal and Charismatic
pastor, a Christian counselor, therapist, psychologist, or
psychiatrist, and even the woman who said she was a prophetess. some
of them anoint me with some kind of oil, 10-40 weight or something,
pray over me, and declare I'm free. I don't feel free. some pastors
become right down nervous when I tell them I am hearing voices, have
panic attacks, and other scary things. Most of those just tell me to
go see a doctor or check into a psych hospital." This story is
becoming so old, I can repeat it in my sleep. So, my question is,
"Where in hell are the pastors today?"
Most pastors, by this stage, have stopped reading. Get out of
the ministry, then, is my advice, and don't come back any time soon.
You ain't called. Others are still reading so I will continue.
I want to explain why you are afraid of these people who come to
you, their last hope, for prayer. They come because they are afraid.
The problem is, you are afraid, too, and the things they describe
disturb you even more. I understand this very well. I lived that way
for 50 years as a Christian and some of that time as a pastor. I'm a
pastor right now, for that matter. Do you know why you become
uncomfortable, or afraid, when you hear these things from your own
people? Hell is the basic answer and that's why I used it in the
title but let's look at the targeted truth.
First of all, you believe lies about yourself. You think these
people are this way because you are a lousy pastor. That is a lie
from the enemy. You also not only feel their fear, but you become
fearful yourself. Fearful that some of your old stuff is going to be
found out, or surface with old sexual guilt, masturbatory practices as
a kid or as an adult, the memories of the dope you did and the girls
you used or maybe your church members might find out that you just
can't stop smoking that dope even now as their pastor. I could name
dozens of other things but you know exactly what it is. Some pastors
can't put their finger on it because, to them, it doesn't seem like
anything other than they are not "called" to minister to such people.
I'm talking about the people that come to you and report they are
fearful, hearing voices, describe demonic stuff that creeps you out
even as a pastor and seminary graduate, and who come to you for help.
Sure, send them off to the professionals but they'll be back. You'll
be gone yourself by then, most likely, but they will still be seeking
help. "Aren't they just crazy people?" No, but you are for wanting
to be a pastor. "So are you recommending that I get out of the
ministry?" No. I am recommending you stop and get clear of the
things that frighten you. Yes, it is possible. What do you think I
am writing this for in the first place?
If what you are afraid of is sin related, let me let you in on a
little secret. If you are truly a born again Christian, you are not
committing sin as a pastor, even if it is sexual in nature, because
you want to. You are doing it because the Enemy has lied to you and
he is trying to destroy your ministry, your marriage, your children,
and your church. Let's kick this one right in the head right now.
Call me and let the Lord bring healing and let Him blow the fear
completely out of your life so you can legitimately minister to your
people right where they are. Please! I'll teach you what Jesus
taught me and then you'll be free to meet your people right where they
are at any time. No, silly. I can't do a thing. I'm helpless just
like you and everybody else. remember what Jesus said? "Without me
you can do nothing," and "With me, all things are possible?" It is
Jesus, The Healer, we are talking about. Remember Him? the one you
are working for in the first place and here you thought you were
working for the church. If you won't call for yourself, for crying
out loud, then call for the sake of your church. Ok? Got it? Start
dialing. Yes, I know what it feels like. You think I could write
this if I didn't know how you feel? Let's go, Bro. Ring, ring.
Safe Place Fellowship
Phil Scovell
Denver, Colorado
Mountain Time Zone
WWW.SafePlaceFellowship.COM
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