We are coming to the conclusion of this series regarding the question most church planters ask me, “Perry, what do you wish you would have known before starting this ministry.” It’s been fun…
#7 - Be True To Who God Designed You To Be
Pastors/church leaders (OR ANYONE for that matter) - please read this next sentence very carefully - you will never, I mean EVER, do life and/or ministry in such a way that wins the approval of everyone—so STOP TRYING. (Please see Galatians 1:10)
(I wrote an entire post on this back in April of last year entitled, “Playing for an audience of one,” if you want to read more about that!)
Early on in ministry I actually fell into the trap that it was actually my calling to make sure that everyone liked me—and that successful ministry was equal to being popular among everyone who darkened the doors of NewSpring Church.
Like it or not—EVERYONE wants to be liked by EVERYONE…seriously, I hate the fact that, at times, I disappoint people…and at one time I allowed pleasing people to consume me…and in doing so I was FAILING in two ways because, #1 - No one can ever please everyone and… #2 - In trying to please people I was greatly displeasing God.
God wired me in a unique way. I use comedy. I laugh a lot. I am A-D-D. I am not “deep.” I love Clemson. I hate cats (yes, even yours!) I wear blue jeans. I make fun of religious idiots. I am “abrasive” at times. I get emotional about the church and what I perceive to be God’s passion for it.
Bottom line…I am who God made me, and when I try to deviate from His shaping of my life to try to be what others expect I always make everyone around me miserable…and I dishonor God.
I’ve had people tell me before that I should never say I hate cats (I do—even yours) and that I should NEVER declare what football team is my favorite (GO TIGERS!) I could go on…but pastors, I promise you that you will say or do something each and every week that will offend the personal preferences of someone in your church.
First of all…I think that we should never purposefully try to offend another individual from the stage…but if you are being true to who God has called you to be and are, with all your heart trying to honor Jesus Christ…then let people get offended.
The apostle Paul did…
Jesus did…
And if it is our goal to be more like Him then we need to have our eyes locked on God and become exactly who He designed us to be! I cannot help who does and does not like me…but I can help whether or not I am becoming who I feel that Jesus has created me to be. I am not perfect…but I am striving to do what Paul talked about in Philippians 3:12-14…and if THIS is my goal and NOT pleasing others…somehow I think that is what God wants.
Who has God called you to be? Are you being true to His calling?