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The
question has been asked, “What does it mean to be a minister
in contemporary society?” While many responses could be made
in answer to this question, I will attempt
to answer this question from a Pastor's perspective. I suggest
to you, the reader, and particular to ministers, being a minister
to contemporary society, in the words of author, Herman J.M.
Nouwen, means being, “ . . . willing to go beyond his professional
role and leave himself open as a fellow human being with his
own wounds and suffering.” This is true, in the words of Professor
Nouwen, because “ . . . modern man is above all a suffering
man - he is psychologically wounded by lack of hope, by loneliness,
(and) by the predicament of rootlessness.” Like the Psalmist,
Ministers are often wounded by congregations that leave permanent
scars. They, in turn, find themselves left with a wounded heart.
While the pain is intense going through such an experience,
as I discovered in my own ministry, the Minister who ministers
best (as above) is the Minister who ministers out of “his own
wounds and suffering.” It was Jesus Himself who modeled ministry
for us. Isaiah the Prophet wrote, “But
He was pierced through for our
transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening
for our well being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are
healed” (Isaiah 53:5-6 NASB). Not only was Jesus
"Pierced through for our transgressions," in the words of William
Barclay, "It is something of which we cannot be sure, but it
may well be true that Jesus died literally of a broken heart."
The Bible says, “But one of the soldiers
pierced His side with a spear, and immediately there came out
blood and water” (John 19:34). Therefore fellow ministers,
let's take our cue from Jesus, and minister to others out of
a wounded heart. Learning from Him - there is peace beyond the
pain. |
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The Wounded Heart Ministries,
Inc., is a non-profit organization and is exempt from federal income
tax under section 501 (a) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donors to
the Wounded Heart Ministries, Inc., may deduct contributions and
gifts, with no consideration received. All donations and gifts to
the Wounded Heart Ministries, Inc., will be disbursed in accordance
with the purpose statement of this ministry and all donors will
receive proper credit for gifts received. All donations and gifts
are greatly appreciated and may be sent to: The Wounded Heart Ministries,
Inc., c/o Dr. Benny F. Woods, Founder and President. Click on Contact
Us for mailing information.
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