I think it's really great to hear from a pastor and hope you will continue to offer your input and perhaps, tell us about some of your own experiences in the ministry, over the past 27 years. Do you feel that the ministry is more of a challenge today than it was when you first began? As I look back, 27 years isn't such a long time--my eldest son is now 38. The world has changed a lot in 38 years and, I'm sure, most young people would probably say it hasn't been for the best. But, I remember a time when there were few rights for women or for blacks. Perhaps the divorce rate was lower back then because women realized they couldn't feed their children on their own. There was more spousal abuse and child abuse back then. Lots of "stuff" that would never be tolerated today was just swept under the rug, i.e., ignored. Alcoholism was widely accepted under the guise of "social drinking." And the biggest threats to Christianity were drinking, smoking, dancing, going to movies and wearing makeup. I grew up in an extremely fundamental midwest town where part of being "born again" meant being in the right clique. I lived in the same town again in the 80's and, quite honestly, nothing had changed much. It wasn't until I was in my 40's, in spite of years of church attendance and Bible study, that I came to realize that God really loved ME! For that, I am so grateful and have been growing in the Lord every since.
Have you read "What's So Amazing About Grace?" I can really relate to Phil Yancey's concepts because he went through much of the same upbringing and confusion as I did.
I really wish the church had possessed some of the love, grace and spirituality back then that I have discovered today. In that respect, I believe many Christians are making progress.
I hope you will post more insights soon.
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