I, too, am a pastor’s kid and pastors work SO HARD. You never see what all they do. I remember my mom saying that my dad had to leave the house in order to get a “day off” because church people would always stop by if my dad were home. And that was fine with both of my parents, but if you took a day off and your boss and 2 co-workers came to hang out with you at your house, would you FEEL like it was a real day off?

Eh, I don’t even know what to say. My dad is the best pastor I know because he is a pastor to the people. He’s retired now and even still is making hospital calls and nursing home visits for the church he and my mom attend. He doesn’t get any money for that. Their budget is super, super tight. He never made much money, but I’ll tell you what: if you call my dad he will start telling you about Hazel at the nursing home and how she has two sons who play hockey and one is a science teacher in Tampa, Florida and the other played college baseball and is now living in Winnipeg. Because he cares about people.

I just really feel for pastors these days as the rocks thrown at their glass houses are bigger and bigger and bigger.

God bless the ministry of Pete, the other pastors that posted comments here or are reading here, the pastor’s wives and families, too.

Ministry is hard, and chopping pastors off at the knees when you really don’t know them seems like cowardice to me.

May God continue to refine us all,
Jeanie in Minnesota

I’ve been duly and handily reprimanded….

And… I need to get a life!

Like Tim Helton , I was at school when your dad was dean and didn’t realize he was Jesus …he couldnt have been Jesus because I was put through hell when I was there and Jesus wouldn’t do that. Soooo you cant be Jesus Jr. thought I’d clear that up for John Q.

I personally think people are giving way too much attention to this John Q. guy.

And Paula…I can’t wait to see your new digs!

hmmm.
i have to think about this more.

pete, even ppl who don’t go to your church really like you and connect with you. you’ve been there spiritually for me in more ways than you can imagine. it’s nice to see a pastor who is human. broken. torn. and alive!

God bless you and your gorgeous family!

I am an avid follower of Pete’s blog and am in the process of becoming a member of Cross Point Church. I’m not one to post comments on his blog, basically because I am not nearly as eloquent as Pete, or as most of those who do comment, but I do enjoy reading them. But after reading your comments I feel moved to respond.

As someone who has been a lifelong Christian, I have had my share of judgmental views such as yours. And that is precisely why I have struggled with my relationship with the church. Finding Cross Point, and Pete, has given me a place where I can get my spiritual nourishment, guidance, and growth. The first time I visited, tears filled my eyes because I felt closer to God that I had ever felt. Pete has a gift of bringing the world of God to us in a myriad of ways. I am constantly amazed at his work ethic. He does more before 9 a.m. than most people do in an entire day! His facebook and twitter activity are ways to stay in touch with thousands of people who may never step into Cross Point church, but who are benefiting from Pete’s love of God, and God’s love of us.

I didn’t realize that you make it a habit to comment (anonymously), which amazes me. If you feel that Pete is so off the mark, why do you continue to read? And spend so much time composing such long diatribes?

I live the the “world”, and so do you. Pete’s “worldly” view is one of the reasons I respect him. He teaches us how to live in God’s world, not some isolated group of church members who refuse to believe there is a world outside of the church building.

I thank God every day for Pete, and for pastors like him, who bring God to us in a way we can relate to.

I pray for you, and hope that you will find whatever it is you are looking for.

And Pete…

My place is Lake Toxaway, NC. With my husband, my daughter, and my dog.

Thanks for all you do.