Pastors’ Conference 2012
Rebecca Pippert, author and speaker, tells the fascinating story of attending two very different events. One event was a graduate-level psychology class at Harvard University. Pippert stated that in the class the students were extraordinarily open and candid about their problems:
It wasn’t uncommon to hear them say, “I’m angry,” “I’m afraid,” “I’m jealous” . . . Their admission of their problems was the opposite of denial . . . their openness about their problems was matched only by their uncertainty about where to find resources to overcome them. Having confessed, for example, their inability to forgive someone who had hurt them, [they had no idea how to] resolve the problem by forgiving and being kind and generous instead of petty and vindictive.
The other event that Pippert attended was the total opposite of what she had experienced in the graduate-level psychology class. In fact, it happened to be a Bible study group at Cambridge University. Pippert states that the contrast was striking:
No one spoke openly about his or her problems. There was a lot of talk about God’s answers and promises, but very little about the participants and the problems they faced. The closest thing to an admission [of sin or a personal problem] was a reference to someone who was “struggling and needs prayer.”
Listen to what Pippert said about these two groups:
The first group [the psychology class] seemed to have all the problems and no answers; the second group [the Bible study] had all the answers and no problems. 1
We as ministers often come across that way. We have all the answers and no problems. The truth is we have struggles just like everyone else, but we have gotten caught up in the game of pretending that we do not. After all, we are supposed to know God better than anyone.
For the next few days I encourage you to be real and let your defenses down. We are not going to talk about you or your struggles or point you out as a failure. Our deepest desire is to minister to you. If you have come encouraged, then find someone and encourage them. If you have come looking for solutions to specific issues, I think we can help you. If you have come weary, worn, and a little beat up, then avail yourself of a church and staff and speakers whose sole desire is to be Christ to you. While we don’t have all the answers, we know Who the answer is. Allow us to be a brother in a time of need.
Mac Brunson, Pastor
First Baptist Church Jacksonville