I want to follow up to my post yesterday regarding hitting the lottery jack-pot. It seems that at least one blogger out there felt as if I was out of line by promoting gambling, and leading people astray.
Not going to spend a lot of time on that issue but do want to say this: I’m not suggesting you buy a lottery ticket. I’m not encouraging you to gamble. If I made you stumble or led you astray, I’m sincerely sorry. I think there are many more important things we can invest our money in besides the lottery, fast food, movie rentals, ice cream and other things that we blow money on to entertain ourselves.
The bigger issue is this: I understand the weight of my responsibility as a pastor and as a leader. I understand that I’m held to a higher level of accountability. I understand that some of you reading this think that blogging about my personal life is not a great idea. I want you to know that I don’t take my posts lightly. I usually have several people that read my post before I go public with them for that very reason.
But I also want to tell you this. This blog is not a place where you will find perfection. If you’re looking for that, you may want to drop this blog and pick up another. It’s a place where I talk about life. Specifically my life and what God is doing in my life and Cross Point Church. It’s a place where I will be open about what I struggle with and at the same time will share how Christ is forming Himself in me. It’s a place where you will find random fun posts about my family, my garden, and daily life, sprinkled among very strategic posts to make you think about where you are with God.
But use wisdom when reading this blog. I’m not always right. As a matter of fact, I’m often wrong. Don’t assume because I talk about it that I endorse it. Often I’m just trying to get us as a community to ask tough questions, and create community in the process.
There are times I write posts that I wish I could take back. There are times I write a post that I’m ashamed of, but it’s where I am. There are times I feel I may have made myself sound better than I am or wished I hadn’t been so honest.
I don’t know where the balance is in all of this, but I’m working on it. I know many of us are “working on it.” Be patient with me as I try to figure it all out and whatever you do, DON’T play the lottery. 
How do you deal with the balance? Do you struggle with this?
Hey, I have been following your blog for several weeks. I appreciate your transparancy. We are all trying to figure out the balance. It sounds like you have a good perspective on it all. Your influence is reaching all the way down here to Atlanta.
i read your post as well as the guy’s response…i’m not sure where he got the interpretation of your post from??? no where in your post were suggesting or promoting anything…
at the same time i appreciate your humility and willingness to apologize and clear the air, even if you didn’t really need to…
thanks pete!
Oh Please……..just keep doing what you’re doing!
God is my provider. Why would I need to play the lottery when I am wealthy beyond imagination?
Great post, Pete. Way to be sin cera. I think it’s a shame that we get way too caught in “don’t do this, don’t do that,” as Christians. But it’s true that we’re held to a higher standard as pastors. I appreciate the fact that you don’t try to play yourself off as being perfect though. By being open about our imperfections, I think we open the door for other people to do the same, and allow God to heal us/them.
Pete,
Thanks for being so transparent. God is really using you to impact a lot of people.
Wow, Pete-what a great follow up blog to the person of interest. After reading everything, I feel you were simply being authentic, fun, just yourself as you posted the blog on the lotto ticket. Your blog has been an encouragement to many, a tool to challenge our walk with Christ, a place to share your family life, and your inner thoughts. A community to think and share. The blog is never intended to be a place of perfection no matter who or what we are in life because none of us are perfect. Being married to a pastor, we have dealt with this when people in our small group couldn’t ever imagine my husband having issues or “normal” problems. They had put my husband on this pedastool all because he was a pastor. They simply learned that he is like many other men, he has struggles, sometimes has a temper, etc, etc. So, be encouraged. One thing my husband says…”To be fully known is allowing yourself to be known.” Thats excatly what you are doing. Authenticity. I am glad you are.
As a minister’s wife I am still trying to figure out where it says that ministers (and their families) have to be more perfect than everybody else. Yes, they should set an example, but last time I checked they are still sinners saved by grace just like the rest of the people sitting in the pews.
I appreciate that you are willing to let people see you for who are, imperfect and don’t have all the answers all the time. I don’t like pastors that a fake and plastic and never let people see the real man behind the mask.
He may be on to something, Pete. I’m considering planting a garden and I’ve been humming a Poison song all morning. Although I’m resisting Twitter with success, so it would appear your influence has limits.
Actually, I think most people understand that this isn’t your daily sermon blog – it’s an exchange of opinions and ideas that seems to be successfully fostering community. Your humble response to him on his blog and this post itself is a bigger testament to your character than the lottery post is.
Oh man, you really burst my bubble…I thought you were perfect!!
Seriously, great “answer” to the criticism…I’m with you!
you rock, bro! Keep up the great work. I so find myself in today’s post. Be you, and let the chips fall. I like real people!!!
as one of my good buddies from npcc says, Jesus came for the real you, not the fake you.
I love how you did your post the day before about Taking off our masks. Oh, how true. Those criticizing your post are only trying to point out where they “think” you are wrong so they and others do not have to look at their “sins.”
Pete, seriously, don’t sweat it! I think someone can buy a lottery ticket and not be gambling. I have spent at least 4 quarters in my life time playing arcade games, was I gambling? No, I was having fun and not putting my family in a financial bind. When people are ‘stuck’ in legalism, they want others stuck with them. Keep true to your blog “Without Wax” and all that it means – Keep authentic and keep lifting the name of Jesus high, let the pharisees be the pharisees.
2 Thessalonians 3:11 (NLT) “Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business.”
I’m convinced that you can’t discuss anything on a blog that’s marginally controversial without someone bashing you for it.
Don’t sweat this Pete, on behalf of your regular readers and regular cross point attenders we all know where your heart is.
It’s cool that you are living up to the name of your blog.
Pete Wilson is a neat fellow.
Appreciate this follow up post. However, I agree with Jon…I didn’t interpret your original post as promoting the lottery. I waste more money on ice cream and Mac products and posts about such don’t generate near the response. I don’t think our hot buttons when pushed signal alarms in heaven. Jesus has a whole set of “other” hot buttons. Widows and orphans to name a few.
Keep up the great posts Pete! Love em!
This reminds me of the time I had a church member (who was heavily addicted to drugs and abusive) say he wouldn’t respect the pastor if he ever saw him with a glass of wine.
I almost choked. I’m a pastor and I have many flaws. I’m also open and honest about them. Want a list? I’ve never liked the idea that the pastor has to have thing “together.” It just doesn’t work that way and never will because we are all human.
Pete, I felt like you were encouraging me to go play the lottery. I did, and I won $25,000. You were God’s way of provision for me. Thanks a million or $25,000.
Pete, you are always going to face opposition…..probably most likely by people who just WANT to oppose you. You are a Pastor and as you have already stated, you know that people are holding you to a higher level of accountability. Please don’t stop being yourself here at your blog (or anywhere for that matter). You are making a difference. I believe it even brings glory to God when you are challenged in such a way as this, and when you respond. Most of us here love you even more in these situations. We see God being glorified.
Just wanted you to know I love your blog. And though you are right, none of us is perfect… Your transparency and honesty are like a breath of fresh air. Thanks for keepin’ it real!
We recently had someone put a Harrah’s casino chip in our offering baskets. We don’t know if this is seed money or confession. The running joke around here is about the staff retreat we will need to take to figure out how much it’s “really” worth. You are welcome to join us and we’ll split the proceeds between churches.
Just kidding…also. It’s amazing how some people take some things so serious. Keep sharing your heart.
I change my mind
I think I understand the motive. Ok, I am going to post a criticism of you Pete on my blog…now you respond to me on your blog and link to my criticism. Now maybe your readers will come to my blog to see what I said, I would be happy if half your readers came to my blog to read what I posted, and for 1 day I’ll have excellent stats
I think your blog rocks and would be a daily reader even if I wasn’t married to you!
One reason people read blogs is because they like looking at life through someone else’s eyes. You’ve always lived an authentic life and this blog is just a reflection of that.
I especially liked this line of the post…
“I’m not always right. As a matter of fact, I’m often wrong.”
But that’s probably just because I am “the wife.”
Pete -
You are a cool dude and a pastor to boot (and as the other comments say, a REAL pastor). Good “rebuttal” to the opposition. Will we be reading some other recant tomorrow about the fact that you were at the Poison Concert last night. Brett Micheals rocks and so do you, Pete!
Your transparency is why I am drawn to your blog. You’re a Pastor who is imperfect and not afraid to admit it. That’s why your blog works. That’s why your church is growing. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
@Ron – that is too funny.
Pete – your reply was so gracious. I applaud that. I am sure I would have spent time defending myself and been irritated – no probably angry. I thought you handled it well.
But I am a leader that also puts myself out there on the wwww and today my guess is you are a bit wounded and worried. You might be questioning yourself. I hope instead you might be encouraged in a small way.
I just wanted to tell you that although we don’t know one another hardly at all, I love the glimpses into the life of the real Pete Wilson. I love that I can read what you and Brandi and the boys are doing because it makes your posts that are more serious very real to me. If you only “preached” in your posts I would wonder if you were human. The glimpses into your life make the spiritual applications very tangible for me because I can see them through the lens of a guy who is a faithful husband with three kids who shoot fireworks and wear cute tshirts and pink shoes – and who, on occasion – does a bootie dance.
(You didn’t get blogged about for that, did you?)
I think the balance is in realizing that life truly is funny at times. God gave us a sense of humor. It is great to laugh. Joy is a gift. Maybe we don’t need to take everything SO seriously.
And maybe a key is to think the best, not assume the worst. Give one another the gift of grace, the benefit of the doubt. Look at ourselves first. (gee, i wrote about that recently huh?)
PLEASE stay transparent, stay honest, stay authentic. I don’t attend your church, but as a fellow minister may I say that I don’t want to see another pastor just sharing his opinion, I want to see one living his life for Christ.
My mom used to say: some people are so spiritually minded that they are no earthly good.
Pete – I think you do an awesome job at being encouraging, showing us how to walk with God and finding a way to have humor and be down to earth at the same time. I applaud you and I read your blog everyday.
As a person in ministry, I truly appreciate this post and this blog. Both it’s sensitivity and it’s flat out authenticity.
Scripture does speak to higher standards for those in leadership. But tradition would hold even higher ones over us. The gray areas are those between the scriptural and the traditional.
Opinions are held in the traditional, not the scriptural. These response to your last post was an opinion. So it comes down to your convictions as a leader. But, we always have to allow the Spirit to be the one who convicts, not people’s opinions.
I appreciate your response and I support this post as well as the last.
your response to him was great! I also love what you said on here.
I think you are a great encourager and I love posts that are relevant to what we all struggle with today.
i happen to think you rock, and i simply can’t wait to meet you when i visit the Jacksons some time soon.
Pete….fugetaboutit…you may not be perfect but your hair is. In all seriousness Pete, between you and Dave Anderson you guys have helped me grow so much that I consider you my “other pastor”. I appreciate you for the man of God that you are.
Pete, you rock. i hope to really meet you someday. you know, maybe we could buy some lottery tix, eat some fast food and ice cream then rent some movies. while we are at we could waste some colossal amounts of time playing Rock Band. please keep being Pete. i need to know there is a church with a pastor who is REAL!!!!!! and transparent!
may the Lord keep moving the real you ever before our eyes…
chuck
Hey Pete!
Yeah I struggle with all of it, ‘cept the gambling… hehehe.
It’s a hard line to walk, between being authentic and offering ammo to your accusers. I dig your blog though, and it does make me think, it makes me think a lot. And like all the other people commenting here, I hope that someday we get to shake hands and share coffee. Heck, if you’re ever in Paris you better look me up! (just give me two more months to get there!)
Blessings!!
Scott
Congratulations Pete! If you aren’t riling somebody up, you aren’t doing anything. And while I know this wasn’t your motive, when you draw fire like that you know that your blog is actually having an impact. People care about what you say!
I’m sure you’re over this whole topic by now, but I just wanted to lend my support!
Hope you enjoyed the Red Bull.
you.
make me smile.
a lot!!!
i ran out and spent the gas money on lottery tickets…not really-that would be bad. i haven’t been blogging that long, but your blog is one of several that are really good and have really made me think. think about my relationship with God and made me hope that my husband and i have been doin gwhat our girls need. you were not promoting gambling or anything like it. i just pray that whoever has negative thoughts finds comfort and peace. keep blogging like you do. it’s refreshing to read honest thoughts. your funny to boot:)
Wow…people can get bent about anything.
Pete- You rock. I love reading material on sites like yours where I can relate in REAL life.
I think what amazes me most is that there is always someone out there looking for a reason to dig.
When did so many people stop living life and having fun?
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don’t head to the Bingo Hall…you will wind up on CNN!
Don’t worry about it, Pete. You’re a fresh voice in a stale world. Opinions are like noses, everybody has one. But,anyone who knows you, knows you’re heart beats with that of God’s people. You laugh when we laugh and hurt when we hurt.
Now, I think I’ll go out and buy a couple of Lucky Sevens.
I’m a firm believer that:
CHRIST
+ NOT PLAYING LOTTERY
= Christianity
Seriously though, on the topic of being held to a higher level of accountability…..you’re no longer allowed to refer to “flashlight tag” as “German Spotlight”.
I like that as your blog title states you are “without wax” that is why I come, dwell, and soak in the tidbits of challenge you throw out everday. I share them with my pastor, my kids and my family. thanks for taking risks and for being you. If you didn’t/weren’t, it would just be words on a page.
Pete, I hail from the BIG STATE OF TEXAS!! I just wanted to give you a shout out because you are real! I am a Christian {assembly of God}
and wanted to tell you that I love your blog,I have sent the link to several of my friends because you are authentic, if I didn’t think so I wouldn’t come back! So I say lets major in the majors and minor in the minors! Its obvious that you are a passionate follower of Jesus Christ and you have ministered to me on numerous occasions and I thank you for that! Please don’t stop blogging about your personal life and your struggles,that keeps you real and God is using you and this blog to minister to countless people.
So with that what was the issue at hand??? I can’t remember!
it doesn’t matter!
@Joseph, nah, if he winds up on CNN it’ll be in that dance video he made…….of course Gage cut off Pete’s head so you can’t really see who it is, just those famous hips….haha Pete, maybe you’re safe after all.
Pete,
I have personally seen and experienced in my own life the transparency that you often write about on your blog. You are human. But I also know, looking you in the face that you only strive to share Jesus, your life, your joys, your struggles to everyone. You only want the best for everybody. Don’t stop. Look at what it got me.
Keep on keepin’ on, Pete. It’s your honesty and transparency in your Christian walk that keeps me comin’ back to your posts.
Some days I join you in your laughter. Other days, I join you in your tears. And there are even days I join you in your frustration, as no one ever said ministry was going to be easy.
But the important part here? I join you.
God has brought together a community here that allows us to figure out this life together. I praise Him for your contribution to this life.
Many blessings
Pam
I also took the advice and blew my kid’s college fund on lottery tickets. I didn’t win. My wife is mad. My kids think I’m a loser. I think I’m going to go eat country fired steak until I puke. Dang….I don’t have enough money for that now either. See what you’ve done Pete!
Pete, I think your honestly is one thing that makes you so approachable to others. You’re a friend and pastor that people know they can talk to and not be judged…I have spent a few dollars thru the years on tickets, but have never taken away from God or my family because of it.
I find balance in my life by playing the lottery.
Thank you for remaining transparent. It’s a breath of fresh air.
We love you for your honesty, and for your devotion to God. It is hard to always try to do the right thing. Expecially when you are being watched not only by God but also by Christians and non-Christians. Thanks for being REAL. =) And thanks for the very kind comment on my salvation story.
Pete, Bob Russel the former pastor of the church I battened used to say. “Do not look to other Christians or myself as an example of how to live, we will only let you down. Look to Jesus as your example, he will never let you down”.
Your transparency is what makes God’s message working through you so much more powerful.
I will be making a trip to Nashville in the next couple months for business. If I can and have the time, I may look you up.
Pete–you’re human, that’s why I love ya and I read your blog. i don’t want perfection.. I want to know that another brother struggles and tries and fails and succeeds.
My favorite line from the play I was just in was from the priest who admitted his humanity to my character. His line said “Before I was a seminarian, I was a human being” Maybe there is some truth there…. we don’t allow Pastors to be human beings. REad Jvo’s posts the last couple of days–he addresses all of this.
To quote Billy Joel—”don’t go changing to try to please me!”
Pete,
I am so proud of you! You have always been a smart guy and wonderful role model ever since I have met you. To see what you have become as a pastor and a human being is wonderful and to know that you are open and honest about what you are doing is an even more wonderful leadership example!!
May God continue to bless your ministry!
Susan
How hard it must be to live in a fish bowl.
Pete, I heart you and your family and your authentic posts and your flaws and your humor and your sexy dance your super cute son taught you. Ok, that last one was to make you smile. Seriously. You rock and roll, man!!
Heidi Reed
Does this mean weekly PowerBall tickets will be removed from our salary packages at CP?
Dangit!!
maybe that other blogger should check out your post about taking yourself too seriously…
all joking aside, good for you to post this [and to reply like that to his blog]! whether we like it or not, we all have people who look to us for leadership, and i know you definitely have a lot more people watching you than i do. i like reading your blog because i get to see a side of my pastor that i maybe don’t see on Sunday, kind of Pete Unplugged, if you will. maybe that includes posts about gag-gift lottery tickets, maybe a serious post meant to challenge our thinking. either way, i enjoy it all as being authentically “without wax.” so keep on writing, friend, and know that i think you rock!!!
You have to admit casting lots at the base of the cross was not a high point for humanity.
Maybe this was just God bringing us to the point where we are reminded about certain things. 1. Pastors aren’t perfect, (trust me I is one), 2. Leadership has its responsibility and a huge weight of accountability, and 3. We need to be real with each other, whether it is a lottery ticket or how we feel about a lottery ticket, our struggles and inadequacies. There is no freedom in not being real. Well there you go…. 3 points without a poem.
Pete – I, too, as many others have stated, truly enjoy your honesty and transparency. Not a lot of people out there – especially not a lot of Christians, nor Pastors, are willing to put themselves out there like you are. That is why I read your blog. I think as Christians we all have to struggle daily with the balance of living our lives in the way God has “convicted” us to individually, without “hindering” our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ – and that can often be a fine line. We all have varying views on lots of different issues that face each of us on a daily basis.
Keep up the great blog — it is an encouragement to me….
Your follow up post brought up a very good point — we do (as Americans) waste a lot of money on things that are so unnecessary — my dollar diet cokes at McDonalds, latte’s, etc.etc.. so thanks (for in an indirect way) making us look at a lot more than just your Sweet Tea lottery ticket
All of this reminds me of a conversation I had with a Christian friend the other day; her church is looking for a pastor and rejected one for things he had done before he knew Christ, and there justification is that a pastor should be “blameless.” I just wonder if they’re going to be waiting for Jesus to come back because He is the only perfect person.
What I appreciate about you Pete is that you admit, up front, that you’re not perfect. And you remind us that we don’t have to be to follow our Savior. Keep up the good work.
Pete, just wanted to say that I enjoy reading your blog because you are willing to share the good and the bad, because you’re real. Your blog has a great balance of thought provoking posts and fun, lighthearted posts. Keep up the good work!
I wish you would make up your mind. So now will someone tell me what is the right thing to do with the $25,000 I just won.
Gheez…
Pete for president.
I read the four posts on his blog, and it seems as if he’s looking for something negative to write about, and I tend to do the same, at times, but we’re all human, no one is perfect, and I think it’s great that you’re not either!!! It’s a whole lot less intimidating!
@hmckee121
Did you not read my reply on the other post…okay fine I’ll tell you again. I want to send my kids to a Christian school, so far I’ve been successful, but this year it’s too much. So you can send six grand (okay , maybe six and a half what with book fees and registration fees, it’s like an extra $450 you know) okay send it to Faith Community Cristian School, W5949 Hackbarth Road, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 Put a note on it so they know it’s for Kai-lynn and Noah, Lynette in the office will make sure it gets applied to their tuition account. If God doesn’t bless you for it, I sure as heck will. I’m not above all that, I’ll take your “sin money” any day if my kids can stay at that school! Hehehe…people are just too darn serious. We have forgotten the saying…”People who live in glass houses should not throw stones!”
God’s Word provides us with all the purpose and direction that we could ever need. God also gives us something more to be able to live the Christian life, he also gives us the anointing of the Holy Spirit,.
http://anyonecare.wordpress.com/
Pete…great post and I loved the transparency. Your words and comments were well said. I’m enjoying your blog and wish you the best! Keep up the great writing!!!
I didn’t see anything wrong with your original post. You were asking for comments on the topic of the lottery.
However, neither do I see anything wrong with most of the comments made in the critique.
As a pastor I think it is fine to start a dialogue like this, and perhaps your intent was not to discuss gambling. But the topic did wander into this area. So as a pastor, I do think it is your responsibility to tell us what the Bible has to say in this area. I think it is a great idea to pose these types of questions and open up a dialogue, but you need to close the deal and tell us what the Bible says.
I myself had made a comment on the effects of playing the lottery on society, but I wasn’t trying to criticize you for making the initial post.
I thought your reply on his blog was great. Why don’t you include it here?
In any event, keep up the good work and keep us on our mental toes.
The “realness” factor of this blog and you (the author) is why I come back and read. We all have our “stuff” to work out and on. I like being challenged, inspired and relating with others.
Pete,
I just want to tell you I read your blog regularly because it is refreshing, thought-provoking, and really entertaining!
Personally, when I read your post about the lottery ticket, it didn’t offend me. I come from a family of alcoholics and gamblers (My grandpa gambled away my mom’s home when she was young) . My opinion is that many things in life have the potential to be harmful and/or addictive in excess (exercise, eating, spending, internet use, being married to your job) but it doesn’t mean that they are inherently EVIL or sinful! But there should be balance in everything-I believe that’s the key.
At any rate, I admire your ability to be humble on an issue like this.
@Sara I am sorry I did miss your earlier post. As for the money I “won”, I came to the conclusion that since it was sin money it should only be used for sinning. Let me just say this, some sinning costs a lot of money no matter how much they say it costs a minute it always seems to add up to more.
Since I have dedicated the remainer of these ill gotten gains to sin, I can not with a clear conscience put your little rug rats in school this year. It is a matter of principle for me. I hope you understand. My integrity means everything.
You are right, we take ourselves way too seriously but we do need lines in our lives that we feel are non-crossable.
I love your honesty, and I love that you allow this blog show you are only human. I think alot of the problems that occur in churches is becuase parishoners tend to put their pastor on a pedastal and forget that while he is a man of God, he is still human and will make mistakes. Nobody on earth can live what could be considered a “perfect” life. I know that there are things that I do and say in my life that are not the most Christian things to do/say, but at the same time my faith and devotion never waivers from Christ. Thank you for your honesty and humility!
Buying a ticket and being given a ticket are totally separate things. Loved your response on the other site as well as this post. Thanks for being transparent & keeping it real.
Your honesty and humility are refreshing. Thank God you make mistakes, and that you put your real life out there to be seen. I like that you don’t seem to be one of those pastors who feigns perfection and then throws in an “I sin too” clause now and again. You come across as a down-to-earth kind of guy. That’s invaluable when you do what you do. May God help you to never lose that.
What a great thread. I agree with you about Ice-cream, I had to give it up when I discovered beer. I only buy a lottery ticket when it is over $250 million just for the fun of imagining what it would be like. One of the comments about God’s riches did put a thought in my head. Why do I not spend time imagining the riches of God. With $250 million in the pot, I can dream about all the stuff I would do or buy, while at the same time ignoring the fact that I have already won the biggest pot of all. I recently finished John Piper’s book, Desiring God. The chapters about giving, and use of resources were very challenging. Finding a balance in these areas is tough.
@brent(inWorship)…i was going to say that but since you said it so much better, i’ll just let ya!
pete, i love your transparency on this. i love the fact that you have several people who read your post before you publish. btw-they are doing a great job! i wish to borrow them, but they’d proly be bored w/ my sahm posts! i have posted stuff i wished to take back, stuff that i hope people won’t take the wrong way. comments that make me sound like i’m really naive(like this one=), i’ve been ashamed of my words! …but this? thanx for taking the time to be real! i love brandi’s down-to-earth personality and your God blessed ability to bring realness to a dude who rocked w/ poison!!!!!!
Hi Pete,
I agree with what many people have said here. I too have made posts in my blog that people called in to question (one in particular about going out to a bar with my clergy friends). I appreciate your sincerity, and that’s why I read your blog every day. In the Methodist Church (of which I am a part), we are not supposed to gamble, but I read your post with interest and was not offended (we’re also prohibitionists, and I posted about martinis, so there you go!). I walk the balance often between being honest about myself and my actions and causing others confusion or temptation or whatnot. But my overall sense is this: I’m a pastor. That doesn’t make me a perfect person. In fact, the point is that God uses broken, messed up people like you and me as vessels. I think that’s empowering for others to see.
Thanks as always for your honesty.
Becca
pete – love your blog. love how it challenges…but it also makes me laugh. keep doing what you’re doing!
I’ll probably regret posting this, but…
I think it’s possible to respect Pastor Pete AND the person who voiced concern rather than feel like we have to belittle those who we don’t agree with. Pete, your reply to the one with concern was so respectful, as were most replies here which simply offered polite explanations as to why they may or may not disagree with the OPINION of the person who disagreed. But some referred to that PERSON as ‘the opposition’, labeled him ‘legalistic’ and ‘too darned serious’, or teld him to ‘lighten up’. Not sure why this person’s difference of opinion led to his character being questioned…
“Often I’m just trying to get us as a community to ask tough questions, and create community in the process.”
Pete, I respect the intentions and follow-through framework you’ve created for yourself and this site. I believe based on results, you’re doing a fantastic job creating community through inclusion, instead of exclusion.
Hey Pete,
You handled this perfect. Please do not doubt yourself and your blogging. It’s awesomet that you take the time to share moments with your community. In some cases this is the only method we all can keep in touch and continue to be challenge by God’s means. You are an amazing pastor and a great person to turn to for advice. Keep up with what you are doing.
WOW…. who would have EVER thought this from a stupid lottery ticket!! I’ll admit it….I GAVE YOU THE LOTTERY TICKET… why??? Because I TOTALLY LOVE YOU!!! You ARE authentic and THAT’S why Cross Point has well over 1,000 members!! Do you all know how FREEING it is to be able to give your pastor (elder, Sunday School teacher, youth leader, offering collector, door greeter, parking person, ETC.) a lottery ticket???? Well, WHEN I win the big one (an that’s if God chooses to allow it) I WILL be giving our church a HUGE portion of it… I can’t wait!! It’ll be SO MUCH FUN, just like your blog about it was!! LOTS OF FUN!!!
Oh, and btw, I’ll still give my pastor lottery ticketS.
Hey Pete, whoever that was, is seriously HATING on you and they love your receiving. Like you said, your being you, and you couldn’t have responded on this post any better than you did!! Thats why I keep coming back to this blog, an honest man!!
Give me a break! I love it when people put “Christians” in quotation marks to imply that because we’re sinners we aren’t followers of Christ. Hello- ever heard of Genesis?? We never had a chance to be perfect, it wasn’t in the cards! (ok, yeah, pun intended…sorry couldn’t help it…) You are real and authentic and you reach people in a way that changes their lives…for the better. Keep it up Pete. Keep doin what you’re doin. You’re an incredible pastor.
I’m with kristiapplesauce – Pete for President!
Seriously, Pete – Thanks for being REAL. Since so many of us are REAL, we can really relate to you and your authenticity.
I am a wife and mother in Oregon and personally have been blessed and encourage by your blog. I have grown up in the church, attended a Christian university and am now an active member of a church body and have found all to often that we as “christians” and ESPECIALLY as pastors must uphold this man made superficial persona. I read your blog because you are honest, you have peeled back the layers and are doing your best to be the authentic version of who God made you to be! I do leave feeling encourage, touched and sometimes pondering. The bottom line is that the issues are always matters of the heart. To be authentic is to expose your heart and the true ways that the Lord is moving in your life. I feel the same “heart” issue is the answer to the gambling. As with anything, if you heart is with ill motive you are going to have an issue. Gambling can be used for entertainment or for harm. This can really be applied to MANY different avenues of life, depending on our hearts motive! May Christ continue to be our hearts motive! Thank you for being so open and honest! Keep up the good work!
p.s. As as side note, I did not read the blog of the person who was not happy about the lottery post but do appreciate the fact that he/she felt called to openly question the situation! We all need people to lovingly question us every once in a while!!
Think of this as a complement to your approachability! 
Keep on!!!
Honestly, I just see this as another way God inserts His will into our lives.
You are a responsible blogger, pastor + you even check in with others for accountability = firestorm.
The firestorm is producing real life conversations – I’ve seen some pretty amazing firestorms in the blogsphere over tattoos, porn, homosexuality….
Just keep being you – the only thing that matters it that you are true to what God is calling you to do.
I pray you continue to create firestorms; for people do not throw sticks at trees that do not produce fruit…
I’ve heard it said many times that we can find a bit of truth in every criticism and comment. Yeah, that’s a lie Pete. I am sorry you even felt like you had to do this much follow-up. The guy was misinformed, probably didn’t read all your post, and was unfair. Period. Gotta hand it to you for your kind response. I appreciate your words about your blog not being a place of perfection. Thanks for inviting us into conversation. Keep it up. I know what I am getting you for your birthday next year. Now I am all fired up to post something on gambling. If I do, you’ll know.
I’ll “lay you odds” that you can one day please everyone. I “bet” that all Christians everywhere can live so that others don’t stumble (and can someone really explain that one well to me).
Pete…keep it real bro. Because I didn’t, I imploded. You are healthy. I’m rootin for you.
b
You’re telling me this guy… tinyurl.com/37mgcy8 still sharing his method?? Is he crazy?!