First, for those who may be unfamiliar with me…I am the 56 year old Lead Pastor of Owen Valley Christian Fellowship in Spencer, IN. So that makes me a dinosaur, a prude, an ancient hack, a relic, a leftover from a by-gone era, etc. You get the picture. I have often posted on Craig Groeschel’s blog that compared to many of his readers I was raised in a different era of ministry. Over time I have had to change-my approach to ministry, counseling, visitation, studying, to name a few. I come from the old school of “the-pastor-does-everything.” I actually got off that merry-go-round several years ago and it made my appreciation and passion for my job take a big upward swing. I didn’t feel so wasted, so burnt, and yes, so used or used up. I felt the guilt leave if I spent time in the office instead of running all over town visiting. I feel no guilt if I take an extra 1/2 hour for a bike ride at lunch time because I know I get up early (3:00) and get my job done when I need to do. I feel no guilt spending evenings at home with my wife of almost 36 years (June 16 this month). It is too bad I did not do more of that when my girls were at home growing up.
But one thing hasn’t changed…the way I talk. Well, it has in that I have grown up and my humor has changed. My edginess has changed. My use of sarcasm has changed big time in thinking I am funny at the expense of another. My (and I am sad to say I did this) risque’ comments have almost disappeared (that is a really, really good thing). But one thing hasn’t changed: my use (lack of) of cuss words or harsh slang or sexual connotation speech. Rather than print them I will have you listen to someone I have grown to appreciate more and more as I have read his blog, someone with some “weight” of influence and reach. Perhaps his words will say far more than mine could ever say. I shudder when I hear or read (especially) pastors use the words that are (in my mind) “out there” and inappropriate. I am a dinosaur enough to still believe that even though society’s perceptions of pastors has changed, the Bible tells us we are held to a much higher standard than the “average Joe” and therefore must be careful of what we say. Well, enough of me. Please take a listen to this short clip.
So…what are your thoughts? I would love to hear if you think I am off base (which also makes Ed off base as well). Am I straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel? I would love to hear what you have to say.
Morning Bill! Good clip.
How can I not agree that pastors are held to a higher level?
“Edginess” does seem to be in vogue right now, even with pastors, but I think that some of that might simply be a priesthood of the believer kind of thing…maybe God hasn’t dealt with that person on that issue yet. I couldn’t sit in a congregation and listen to foul language from the pastor but a slip of “that sucks” doesn’t bother me in the least.
But that’s just me…
Good morning to you to Robin! So good to hear from you. Hope that grandchild is doing well. In vogue, yes. Right? Jury is out. Priesthood may be true but what does that say about the speech of all of us? But then again…that’s just me.
Thanks for your comments.
I looked at Ed’s blog last night and saw this. I find it to be refreshing and think that he and you are on track. Sarcasm is my struggle and it is something that I have been battling and winning at times and losing at times. The big thing for me was hearing my sarcasm come out of my kids mouths. That did it and I am working harder than ever to stop it.
Words are powerful and they can build up or tear down.
Bill,
Great video. Dang, I was always told that even the replacement words, shoot, were just as bad. Darn, it still seems like a lack of skill or preparation, if we must use freakin’ substitutes as well. So, well, some beach, that’s all I have to say.
Jim: Thanks for the comment. Sarcasm is so easy to get into using. Glad you saw your kids using it as a wake up call. So many people just don’t understand sarcasm. Glad you stopped by.
Paul: I was always told the same. Now dang it I find myself using one or two upon occasion. I draw the line at freakin’. Thanks for stopping by.
you probably should stop reading my blog then…
cuz i’m “cool” or something i suppose…
then again, i’m just a regular christian, not a leader…
and i talk like i talk which is a whole bunch better than i talked b.c.
I haven’t been able to view the video, so I cannot comment on that specifically. However, I think that I would rather hear a pastor use profanity than gossip. And I’ve heard both. The Bible says that we shouldn’t let any unwholesome words come out of our mouths. Some people would have a fit if a pastor curses, but not even notice if he spreads gossip.
Recently, my pastor was wrapping up a sermon where he talked of his family coming to Christ after many years of being lost. He was first (saved at 21), then 20 years later, his brother was saved. Recently, his sister became a Christian. I remember that he used the term “he didn’t have a pot to pee in” during his sermon, then a minute or two later said, “the sad thing is that many of you will be more upset that I used that euphemism, than that there are so many lost people around us.” Through tears, he said, “we just need more people who give a damn.”
You could have heard a pin drop. It was infinitely more effective than if he had said, “we need more people who care.”
For what its worth…
Heidi: I will NOT stop reading your blog. I need reality in my life. You help keep me grounded.
Besides, you write some really good stuff that makes me think. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Jason: I agree with you on the gossip. Like many things we put qualifiers on sin-this is worse than that one. I have heard others use that statement your pastor made in an illustration. My problem I reckon is the gratuitous use of profanity as though I either don’t want to change my speech or I want to impress. I appreciate your thoughts and your viewpoint.
good cuz i’d sure hate to lose you on there
cuz i freakin’ heart you! lol!!
Well good cuz I ain’t going away (unless told to by Someone higher than me).
Thanks. Heart back.
I have to only think about the book of James and his long discourse on the tongue, on the book of Isaiah and how he recognized that he was a man of unclean lips living amongst a people of unclean lips, and Christ saying that it wasn’t what went into a man but what proceeded from his mouth that defiled him.
So… that being said. En vogue doesn’t equate to godliness or righteousness… its just more crassness.
Tony: good thoughts, especially with James, Isaiah and Jesus’ words. Appreciate your wisdom and pointedness.