Sometimes I just laugh at the goofy criticism people direct at me. I mean do people really think they can accurately sum up my entire theology by reading into a statement I made on twitter that consists of less than 140 characters or by taking one blog post completely out of context? Here’s a couple great examples from last week. I’m not going to link the source because borrowing my blog platform is part of their strategy in the first place.
Pete Wilson is a pastor in the Purpose Driven/Seeker Driven sector sounding more and more like those timid fellows who are within the Emerging Church.
And today Wilson would warble:
Ah yes, Wilson would appear to have been very well conditioned into today’s effete centered on the self form of Christianity. Indeed, he has quite ably parroted the “humble” pastor’s postmodern partyline.
Well, Apprising Ministries still remembers the day when leaders were actually leaders. As for me, I think few things are as inspiring as a godly man who can tell the flock, I know the way; follow me.
Here’s another Christian blog (I use that term loosely) who wrote this last week:
TN seeker Pastor Pete Wilson promoting Twilight books and movies?
Read his post here. This is a example of a seeker pastor who cares more about being relevant and culturally hip than preaching the gospel.
And we wonder why so many people are screwed up in our churches. Cause we have Pete Wilson types in the pulpit.
Listen, I’m not complaining or whining. I get it. Part of having a public ministry is every word that comes out of my mouth gets analyzed. It’s just the way it is. They’ll pour through hundreds of posts and tweets until they find one they can use to make an example out of. I’ve stopped trying to defend myself against such critics as in most cases as it’s usually a losing battle.
I think what bothers me is this incessant need Christians seem to have to categorize other Christians. The above critics labeled me seeker/emergent/postmodern and a host of other things based off a couple sentences.
We (yes, I do this too) tend to quickly and vocally label everyone around us. Their liberal or conservative, sensitive or callous, contemporary or traditional, attractional or missional, important or irrelevant.
These labels give us the illusion of understanding the actual person and reveal more about our insecurities than about our love for the Gospel.
Do yourself a favor this week and fight the temptation to label those around you. Why don’t you instead take the time to actually get to know them? Find out what’s going on in their life. Find out what they truly believe. You may be surprised at what you’ll find if you’re willing to explore beyond your premature and childish labels.
That’s funny. In reading your Twilight post, I didn’t get that you were PROMOTING the movies. You addressed what was true: that on opening weekend, many women would be at the movie. You didn’t say that you agreed with it or supported it.
And because you asked us not to label, I’m not going to criticize the person who wrote that about you. I’ll only say that if a pastor’s methods work (to bring people to Christ), as Christians that’s what we should support. Picking apart his every move and every word isn’t necessary.
And I also think it’s just part of human nature to let that one or two negative reviews/critiques/comments get under our skin, when we may have an avalanche of positive remarks and commentaries coming in as well. That’s true for all of us, not just you, Pete.
But you’re absolutely right. Waaaaaay back in my college sociology 101 we learned that it’s human nature to immediately size up everyone we meet – ranking them either above us or below us, and occasionally on the same “level” we are. The sad part is when so-called Christians take aim at other Christians and feel the urgent need to knock down those they disagree with.
Which leads me back to the age-old question, why is it Christians feel such an intense need to eat their own???
I hated sociology!!
I LOVED sociology. Especially when they started talking about humanism and the idea that there is no such thing as Truth with a capital “T” – just “truth” with a little “t”. After asking a few questions, the frustrated professor had to admit, “Well, Angela! There HAS to be some common guidelines in order for society to function properly!” to which I replied “Oh, you mean, like, Truth with a capital “T”?” Loved every moment!
Like I told you on Twitter, don’t worry about Ken Silva. He bashes everyone from Brian McLaren to Rick Warren to John Piper to Deitrich Bonhoeffer. So you’re actually in good company!
Ugh. This stuff makes me crazy.
And yes, I’m too keenly aware I am guilty of labeling, misjudging too.
PS – Is it just me or were there a lot of big words in that first article? I am still trying to figure out what exactly they were saying about you.
I had to look up most of them.
I thought it was just me…now I feel better.
I know, right?! 10 points for using the word “warble” at least! I mean, it’s not every day you run across that. Maybe in their next post, they can figure out a way to use the word “perturbed.” Not quite so unsual, but haven’t heard it in a while and have you ever noticed people can’t really use that word without furrowing their eyebrows?
sometimes we just need to be ducks….and let the water roll off of our backs.
Easier said than done, but sometimes it is the only way to deal with the people that just dont understand where you are coming from!
I’m with you man. Last week I wrote a post on Holding Fast (Deut 4:4) and was accused of being preaching a prosperity Gospel. I was crushed and received several emails from new believers who didn’t understand what this commenter meant?
I’m with you bro on being out on labels.
Wow, I missed that one, Michael. I need to catch up on your blog.
It’s been my experience that when folks build a platform by criticizing others, they have very little of value to say themselves. Besides, that’s just rude.
As Christians in a post-Christian world, I think we will see more and more critics. Your honesty is refreshing, and I appreciate your blog a lot. Thanks for being bold and putting your thoughts out there!
I read the Twilight post….seems like just a fun post about a harmless movie!
I think some people make themselves feel better by putting others down…especially others they may or may not be intimidated by.
Frustrating that they feel the need to judge- no need for that!
You’re so right about our reasons for labeling people. It makes it easier to understand them… or at least feel like we understand them. Really, though, we’re just smoothing them out.
That said, I actually like the last line of that first posted quote:
“[F]ew things are as inspiring as a godly man who can tell the flock, I know the way; follow me.”
Also, it’s ironic to me that you ended your post with this sentence:
“You may be surprised at what you’ll find if you’re willing to explore beyond your premature and childish labels.”
“Premature”? “Childish”? They sound like labels to me. Just goes to show how easy it is to do… generalizing is so ingrained in the way we think.
Good post.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
Ha! Good point. However, I was not labeling a person but the sin that we all struggle with. I’m not saying we shouldn’t call sin out. We should. But we shouldn’t target people with generic labels that keep us from attempting to get to know the person.
I’ve been thinking about how to respond to this. I think I’m going to copy Pastor Cho’s response to someone awhile back and say:
.
Yes, nothing. That criticism just doesn’t merit the energy of a response.
“Part of having a public ministry is every word that comes out of my mouth gets analyzed. It’s just the way it is. They’ll pour through hundreds of posts and tweets until they find one they can use to make an example out of.”
That last sentence there pretty much sums up why I don’t personally subscribe to many organized religions. Most “holier-than-thous” will find the one passage in the Bible to take out of context in order to point fingers at those who are what they consider to be “less Christian.”
Pete- I think the best way to know the character of a person is to interact with their kids and family. I have enjoyed every minute I have spent in the company of you, Brandi or the boys. Your boys are so special and I can see the Godly man you are thru them. They love both you and Brandi and really do love eachother and others. They aren’t perfect, but I wouldn’t expect them to be- they are kids and HUMAN! I am so grateful for you, Cross Point and your family. I don’t even think it is worth anyone’s time to read what naysayers have to say! Even though I am moving I will still keep up with you and your family and especially our church!!
I would tell you that your post on “Twilight” which was actually a post on men being men sounded a whole lot like John Eldredge’s thoughts in Wild at Heart. But then again…they would probably bash me for mentioning Wild at Heart since they see it as heretical nonsense. Yep, let those guys/gals continue with the bashing and misrepresentation and continue showing the world that the church is more known for what it is against than what it is for. Besides, I don’t get the one point about men being men. Can you imagine living with the moniker of never being wrong? Yikes! And in your defense: I saw nothing of what the latter yahoo, excuse me person, was looking to find. Blessings pete.
Do yourself a favor this week and fight
Fight? Fight?!
Now I know you’re just one of those testosterone-fueled neanderthal pastors more obsessed with the UFC than the only authorized Word of God, the KJV in its 1611 edition.
One thing that did wonders for my assumptions about pastors in certain tribes is actually getting to know some of them. I still may disagree with how some of them “do” ministry, but seeing their hearts and hearing their motivations is the only remedy for ignorant assumptions. (But of course one has to be willing to admit he was wrong to experience that.)
Love you, Pete.
Jared you have been a wonderful example of this for me over the years!!
Does that guy not realize he hasn’t a throne at the right hand of God?
You have been my pastor for about 8 years now and reading stuff like that in criticism of you hurts my feelings. Your leadership, wisdom and teaching has been an invaluable part of my growth in intimacy with Christ. I’m definitely following HIM and not you. Because of your vision, I also get to do life with an amazing community group (going on 4 years).
According to the scriptures, Satan and his agents will do their best to break apart the testimony of those who are the greatest threat. You and countless other wonderful pastors are leading lost sheep to their shepherd. You will be attacked over and over again. I pray for your courage and strength in Christ to endure.
“Do yourself a favor this week and fight the temptation to label those around you. Why don’t you instead take the time to actually get to know them? Find out what’s going on in their life. Find out what they truly believe.”
But Pete, that would require time, effort, thought, and prayerful reflection. That’s too much WORK!
So true isn’t it Aaron? That’s exactly why I jump to certain judgments of certain people. I’m too lazy to do what Jesus has instructed me to do.
I’m not even going to read the other comments as when I do this, I generally fall into the temptation of anger toward others. Something I’m working on. Of course, if everyone is praising you, then I wouldn’t be angry. I am a transplant and watch your podcasts weekly. I will be getting your book as well. I find you to be unbelievably refreshing and humble. Sorry, labels, but it’s what I see. And while my opinion (as with the naysayers) is irrelevant, I hope the positive ones are embraced, and the negative ones are discarded – unless God brings you conviction. Our entire society is based upon thinking we know better than others. When, in truth, each of us should be doing what we feel God is telling us to do and minding our own business to a degree.
Keep preaching brother! You’re positively impacting lives for the Kingdom….
Thank you Jeani. I actually feel very affirmed in my life and ministry. So glad you’re benefiting from the CP ministry these days.
It’s the hair Bro, they are jealous of the do-rag.
You need the ‘fundy’ cut.
Nothing about your hair, i’m surprised!
I can only think of two times i’ve actually disagreed with you…one, being the twilight post that you labeled as “harmless fun”.
But i can tell you in the last two years your posts, vision, insight and love of God has drawn me closer to HIM.
That is all that matters. Thank you, don’t let the haters get you down!
Honestly it is extremely refreshing to meet or know someone who admits they don’t have it all together. The reason I love getting online and listening to your messages is that you aren’t afraid to be honest about your struggles. BTW I think your response here to those critics was well thought out and no where in that vampire post did I get your were promoting those movies.
Criticizing others is a shortcut to get people to listen to you, which is what it seems is that person’s aim. (Uh oh, did I just label there? LOL)
At any rate, Pete, part of what makes Cross Point such a joy is the transparency of the leadership. Instead of us against them, it makes me feel like were all in this Christianity thing together!
Just preach Christ and bust your a$$ to love Jesus like crazy. You’ll screw up. Just like everybody else.
“Defenders of the faith” seem to forget that God somehow preserved the Gospel before they came along.
I may disagree with you, Pete, but I still love you as a brother in Christ and I’m for you, not against you.
Pete, please know you are loved and admired and even though I do not attend Cross Point, I am thankful for you. You are a blessing and God has used you in my life.
To be honest, the constant bickering and arguing and name-calling has really disillusioned me about church. Whether it’s in an email, or online, or – rarely – face to face, I feel the church is so busy bashing each other that it’s not doing what it’s called to do. For that reason it is refreshing to me to work in the villages of Africa and Guatemala. No one hardly knows my name and my work may not seem successful and wildly important, but it has been healing. I feel the presence of Jesus most profoundly among the least of these…..
“To be honest, the constant bickering and arguing and name-calling has really disillusioned me about church.”
This is one of my greatest fears Jan!!
Although the fear of GOD is the beginning of the understanding of his love for us.
The enemy is a seed sower too. (Matthew 13:25)
The fear seed that the enemy has sowed once matured is never a good thing.
That is the root of all this strife.
I still go to church, but I have alot of questions about some things now!
2 Timothy 2:23-26
Cut that snare!!
Remember Faith, Hope, & Love?
All that I can tell you is that Crosspoint has impacted my life in such a powerful way. I love the welcoming atmosphere and true character of the church. I also love that all of the pastors are open with their faults and allow us to see that they are just me. I know in my past I have always made pastors to be flawless in my mind. In turn this caused me to fear being open with my own sin. To sum it up I love Crosspoint and all that it stands for. Let those people judge all they want, you have impacted lives in a major way and that is all that matters.
Can we say STUPID Don’t give them the time of day
LOL, this reminds me of what a friend online said “People think they know me because of the zipcode on my address”.
I have come to believe, that no matter what you do/say at least 50% of the people will disagree with you, criticize you, stand on you to feel their own mightiness. I havent tried to know them(its just too much work and I am just too lazy).
I retweeted the tweet…
Still love it.
(I have a post in the making about the fact you make…don’t judge a person by one tweet or even one post….we wouldn’t read the Bible that way…would we?)
You are the man!
I’ll be looking for that post!!
As much as I hate to say this, I think Christians are probably the worst about doing this. Like you said we hear or read one thing from someone & think we can figure out what they’re all about.
I think as pastors though it can be even worse. We see other churches growing much faster than ours’ & automatically want to justify why that is the case. So, we label other churches (usually inaccurately).
It’s definitely a tough temptation to fight, I have to remind myself of this far too often.
I agree. I think most of us pastors struggle with this on some level. I know I do.
Amen. I think that we as Christians should focus more on what the Gospel says and practice what we preach instead of judging all those who have a different opinion than what we have.
Pete Please be encouraged. I do not know you personally but your blog has REALLY blessed me. So many Christians are not sure WHO they are. One thing I can say because of you and others like you who are not afraid to be yourself – even when you are not 100% Right- I am accepting me with all my flaws.
Great post Pete…Im honored to call you my pastor! Keep leading the flock the way you do!
You hit the nail on the head today Pete… Do we label other people cause we see the short falls in our own lives? Does it somehow makes us feel better or more spiritual? I work with Christians and often when they don’t get what they want the labels start flying. And i find that the labels turn often to an attack on my character, rather then what was said or done. You got a point, let’s get to know someone and what they are truly saying instead of attacking them…
Gosh, i feel like i need to tiptoe to get my say across on this without labeling…
all I can put out here is this:
i was raised a certain denomination whereby most sundays i was left feeling beat up and unworthy and hopeless when it came to being worthy of God’s love and support. it was because of this beaten-down feeling coupled with the fact that i left every service knowing something about Jesus, but nothing about how to apply what i had learned to my “everyday” that i felt at a stalemate in my walk with God.
one of my closest friends is a girl who, through most of her school days from elementary to high school, was met with hostility and judgement and labeled a “goody goody” by the so-called “cool crowd.” while i straddled the fence through awkward adolescence to keep cool with all the “in” crowds, she was never afraid to stand for what she believed. what was uncool then, i realized as an adult was the greatest example of cool i or any of the other students will ever witness. this is the friend that brought me to crosspoint years ago.
it was at crosspoint that my sundays, and my everyday, changed. i walk away from, without fail, every sermon knowing more about Jesus AND more about myself and what to do with what i have just learned. i learn more with every sermon, every contact i have made through this church through community groups, etc., everything i didn’t learn when i was growing up feeling like Jesus and his followers would rather spit on me than hug me. you understand that I was a kid, right?! the worst thing i had done at that point in my life was sneak out of my room at midnight while my three entire-box-of-cereal-eating brothers were sleeping, and go into the kitchen, eat the middles out of the oreos, and stick them back together so i wouldn’t get caught. i know. eww.
all that said- i have met several people who RUN, not walk, RUN from christianity because they say that we JUDGE, we HATE, we FIGHT EACH OTHER, we are JUST PLAYING DRESS UP ON SUNDAY and BEING JERKS EVERY OTHER DAY, we are HIPOCRITES, we ARE NOT EVEN TRYING TO BE CHRISTLIKE AS WE SAY WE SHOULD BE. i have listened to these people, gotten very close to some of them, and i have to say, especially reading the “stoning” posted by the fellas in your post, the guys that are running from us aren’t all wrong.
i have brought a few people, that have lost their faith in Christ BECAUSE of Christians, to crosspoint. it is here that they have become members. here that they have found a place where they can learn and they can grow without being judged or feeling stared at or hated. they are broken, they are trying, as we all are. and here we learn we can be fixed, that there is a reason to be better. that our example is not each other, but Christ himself. we “love people, love God, it’s that simple.” when we start nit-picking and criticizing one another, well, then we are back to becoming the problem and everything Christ was not. my faith is in God to get us through our lives and the challenges in our world, and i am forever thankful to crosspoint for breaking the mold and not following the pattern i have seen out of so many other churches of driving people out, instead of bringing them in.
Wow, just wow! Most of what you said is how I was feeling, but couldn’t think of the words! I don’t know where some people get their “judge & jury” convictions! From the back of a comic book?? As one of the “traditions” in my 12-Step program says “it’s about attraction, not promotion”. If the way I live my life isn’t transparent then no one is going to ask “how’d you do that?”. I can’t force people into church, but I can lead by example.
Shellie,
I was really offended when I first started AA 6 years ago when “a God of your understanding” was brought up. Who do they think they are…there is only one God….and then….uh oh, is he the only way to pull yourself up and out of this addiction. Then, I started thinking about why my relationship with “the God of my understanding” was in such a poor state. It was because I grew up with the same kind of church that both you and Tanya are talking about. It wasn’t until Crosspoint, Pete and all his staff that I really began to understand how important it is to have an “authentic” relationship with God and his son Jesus Christ. Authentic to me, means that you don’t have a problem being honest about all your screw ups and shortcomings. Taking from your comment…it is what makes Crosspoint so attractive to me and other people I talk to about addictions. The biggest compliment I could give to the pastors at our church is that their authenticity, honesty and willingness to admit fault helps keep me sober! Now I have a husband, 2 year old son and 4 year old daughter that are counting on me so the stakes are high and I can’t trust that to just any church!
Well, I know this is labeling one of those particular folks who were critical of you but it’s something I’ve felt for a while…
Nothing says “I’m a gutless coward for Christ” like running a website slamming other people without providing a way for people to comment on the things you post.
Great post! It seems as if our labels are doing more harm than good. Thanks for the challenge this week to learn something about the people around us.
I can relate. In the past I’ve been beaten down for offering grace and room for growth, though I’m sure not nearly to the extent you have (I’m not nearly as public or popular).
But then, I guess Jesus occasionally took some flak, too.
Thanks Pete! another good one. As always I appreciate your twitter feeds and blogs. They help me make sense in this life. You tweet last week: “I’m afraid we often allow our intense desire for love and acceptance to turn into jealousy and resentment.” (Pete Wilson) was a total hit yesterday in my bible study group yesterday.
Oh, my. Well, bigger picture here, I think that as Christians, we all have to walk a fine line. I think that we all agree that we shouldn’t condone sin – but with THAT comes extending grace and love. We also have to remember that it isn’t for us to judge those people – but to SHOW them grace and mercy, right? At least, that’s my interpretation of the scriptures as seen here:
Luke 6:36-38 (New International Version)
36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Judging Others
37″Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Hey – just want to clarify – I don’t think that there was anything wrong with your tweets. I am a Christian and I have read the Twilight books. Yikes.
pete, i had to read a great deal of the first blog you referenced for research for my book.
it always wakes up the sleeping (unhealthy) fundamentalist in me…and i hate it. instead of making me love people more, it makes me question and judge every Christian i know.
while we have to be discerning, it is not healthy to pick apart people like that.
he messed me up for a little bit.
i read him with caution now.
shouldn’t they be praying for you if you are so wayward? or approaching you privately before publishing such things?
praying for both you and you know who…
Wow, this post makes me so angry at the people bashing you. I can only surmise that their labels and judgments come from the same place that most labels and judgments come from, and that is blinding arrogance and IGNORANCE.
Labels are, for the most part, hurtful, and while I’m not up on all the “emergent church” news, definition, etc., I’ve seen people bashing it on Facebook from time to time, and I’ve attended a “seeker-sensitive” church in the past… on the surface, these seem like good terms, because I believe the church NEEDS to emerge/step away from a lot of the negativity and judgment we’ve associated ourselves with in the past. And we WANT to be open to seekers and those curious about Christ. I think the controversy is because of the churches who try to “water down” the truth, ONLY talk about pop culture and worry so much about being relevant that they are playing “Creed” songs during worship instead of worship (been there, seen that, not impressed, and not moved)…
But here’s the thing: Cross Point is NOT like that. I’ve only been attending since I moved here in May, but I have been blown away EVERY Sunday by the message of truth, grace, and LOVE that is preached every Sunday. I am so blessed by the entire preaching staff, being so open and genuine and REAL, because it is what we, as a congregation, desperately need to know and hear. It allows us to be REAL as well, with God, with ourselves, and with others! I truly believe this is the “secret” to the community that Cross Point is able to grow, out of love.
This is getting long, but I must say: the last church I attended was very small by comparison, and I was plugged into a small group, hugged people on Sundays, attended cookouts, traded small talk, thought I had built relationships. But at the time that my marriage was falling apart and I missed church for over SIX weeks, not ONE person called, not ONE person emailed, not ONE person reached out, even though I know word got out “Through the grapevine” gossip, about my divorce. I felt nothing but judgment/abandonment, and hurt because of that.
In contrast, I missed community group for a few weeks and Grant sent me an email checking in/checking up, after I had only been there ONE time. Um, HELLO!! Our group is nearly the size of my previous church, it would be EASY for met to get lost in the shuffle, and yet an effort was made to reach out.
I say it all the time… Cross Point is doing something RIGHT. Every Sunday you are pointing to the CROSS, instead of yourselves. You are offering HOPE and LOVE and solid, biblical teaching. There will always be haters, but as for all of us who call Cross Point home, we know the truth. God knows the truth. Love wins.
judging
oops!!!
You say: “Do yourself a favor this week and fight the temptation to label those around you.”
Or pastor, you might do yourself a favor and learn from the criticism. I’m just sayin’…
I think that there are two DIFFERENT ways to criticize. You can either criticize with a heart full of judgment – or you can critique in a way that is extending grace and mercy with love FOR the person and generally caring about their heart and FOR them as a brother or sister in Christ.
I am pretty sure that Pete receives his fair share of people that just don’t like him or what he does or says. But, as a member of his church, I can assure you that he has a group of people that genuinely love him and who DO go to him with criticism that is meant to help him grow in his walk with the Lord… not to criticize him in a public manner that’s only meant to humiliate or demean his character.
Rachel, I couldn’t agree with you more. I see a a huge difference in wanting to put on your “big boy pants” and call out someone in order to draw attention to yourself, instead of emailing privately with them or trying to understand where they are coming from.
I think someone just wanted some attention and didn’t know how to ask for it. I don’t say this maliciously; I say it only because if I were to say “guys who wear pink are sissies” then I am not specifically calling a person out. And yet, if I were to say “YO
“YO, PETE WILSON, YOU WORE PINK TODAY, YOU’RE A SISSY” then clearly, I am trying to get a response from Pete Wilson and only Pete Wilson.
What this guy is posting about Pete, it isn’t against Pete’s approach to christianity- it looks to me to be some act of jealously, confusion, and/or need for attention.
I can look at myself and anytime I have put someone on the spot or judged them, it’s been based off of my own uncertainity or insecurity. We rarely call out a person unless we feel threatened by them.
If we know that, then our acts that are done in ignorance, can be a beautiful lesson to grow from. We can “remove the plank from our own eye.”
The Kenny from CP is a different Kenny.
Mr. Silva:
Could you please explain to us how as a Christian you can justify running a website that attacks, condemns and criticizes other Christians while at the same time not allowing a place for people to refuke, debunk or criticize you?
Jesus didn’t make a comment to the Pharisees and run away and hide as you do on your website, Sir.
My daily devotions lately have been in the Gospels, so I’ve been especially aware of how consistently both the conservative and liberal “pastors” (Pharisees and Sadducees) “beat up” on Jesus. And if blogs and/or Twitter had existed then, I can believe they’d have grabbed the chance to criticize him even more.
So it looks to me as if, no matter how much criticism you get from today’s Pharisees and Sadducees, you’re in very good company – Jesus’!
You’re in very good company, you know.
“And we wonder why so many people are screwed up in our churches.” (my absolute, most favorite line from above.)
Pete, thanks for being the leader/pastor that you are – 100% imperfect like the rest of us, yet teaching and striving to be like the one who is not.
Do I really have to attend a Benny Hinn service?
Yes, and I want to go with you!
You are going to be in line first to get smacked in the head, then.
Sorry about that last line. One of my usual typos that, in this case, was just down out of sight.
You must be getting under the enemies skin Pete, otherwise he would leave you alone. Keep doing what you’re doing it’s having a Kingdom impact!
this was actually pretty funny but completely true. In today’s ‘christian realm’ we all tend to start labeling each other because of our differences. I don’t think today’s emerging church is neccesarily giving into the secular realm as some ‘christians’ say today….i think we’re just learning how to better reach people of today’s generation for God.
I’m reading a commentary on Matthew by Charles Price in which he talks about the “peacemaker” who is mentioned in Matthew 5. He describes a peacemaker as someone who has come to peace with God themselves and who shares that peace with those whose deepest need is to know Christ. The response people will have to a peacemaker is either to respond and come to Jesus or to react and persecute. So I label you a “peacemaker” and give you the words of Jesus . . . “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” So the response to persecution is not to “react and get mad” but to “rejoice and be glad” because you are in good company and your reward will be great.
“I think few things are as inspiring as a godly man who can tell the flock, I know the way; follow me.”
I think few things are as inspiring as a godly man who can admit he gets lost every once in a while and doesn’t have a problem stopping and asking God for directions!
Sometimes I wait too long to stop and ask for directions.
Thanks to you I am finding my directions in my Plan B book! I put it down this week while vacationing on the island of St. Kitts to take a pic to send to my sisters to make them jealous (they would do it to me) and realized my pic came out with the book in the foreground and the bright orange pool lifesaver right behind it in the background! I’ll get that to you for promotional purposes
Pastor Pete, you have been an inspiration to me with several of the blogs I’ve read from you. If we aren’t getting criticized, we aren’t doing our job as Christians. Look at all the criticism Jesus dealt with!
Whatever happened to every tribe, every tongue, every nation?
I’ve never had the privilege to attend one of your sermons Pete (however i’ll be first in line to hear you preach the next time you’re near Charlotte!) but i have read your book just recently & have followed your blog & on twitter for over a year now. I’ve been a casual Christian for most of my life & am just now grasping my desperate need for a real relationship with Christ. Just last month i rededicated my life to Christ & feel like this is truly the first time i’ve ever really been saved. Your podcasts from Crosspoint, your blog & your encouraging word on twitter have been an integral part of my journey. There aren’t words in my feeble brain to express my profound gratitude to you & your ministry Pete. I’m not a Pastor or theologian by any stretch so i don’t even really understand some of the criticism toward you. All i know is that in my darkest hours, you helped me & you lead me to Christ. And you also taught me the most important lessons of my new life: Love God & Love people. Thank you Pete. Onward & upward!
And the “every tribe, tongue nation” reference was just meant to say we’re all unique & God uses us in many ways. That’s no different for Pastors. Seems to me God calls Pastors to serve different groups of people in different ways to reach the most people for His purpose, His kingdom. I pray that your critic will come to see that any difference between your 2 styles is a necessary thing for God’s purpose & not one any of us have a right to criticize.
After 23 years in ministry, I offer this advice that was offered to me concerning troublemakers, heretic-hunters, and divisive people who spend their lives criticizing others with a Pharisee’s magnifying glass: YOU CANNOT SHUT THEM UP. BUT YOU CAN SHUT THEM OUT.
Pastor Pete your ministry has been good medicine for my soul and an inspiration for my life!
I grew up a Pastor’s daughter and witnessed the unfortunate critisim that my father endured. He always said “In order to be the leader of Church you have to have the hide of a rhinocerous”. I hope Pete that you will grow the “hide of a rhinocerous” and continue minister the way you know God wants you to without fear of what men may say!
Be encouraged, your blog is the only one I constantly email to others. It is has been my favourite tool for evangelism and encouragement since finding you online last year.
Just last night I was sharing the gospel with an unsaved family member who is so turned off of christians and I used that exact twilight blog as a great example of how honest, real and funny christians can be. It was perfect. I have passed it on to many people.
I have another unsaved family member who is considering leaving church because it is dry and does not relate to their lives. She loves your blogs that I pass on and even said about the Santa Pic one. (First one I sent to her)
“OMG….that was so funny…loved it…i wish evry sunday as i sit in church that our priest would get the pickle out of his rear & break loose sometime!!!! here’s to hoping for a miracle!!!!”
This opened the door for chatting about Jesus more than anything I had shared with her in 20 plus years.
Keep up the good work pastor, keep keeping it real.
Here’s what I believe and I’ve not read other comments so forgive me if I am repeating someone. I grew up in a church that spouted that kind of doctrine. It was so legal that I am still trying to readjust my line of truth and I am 40 yrs old. I have also had some just bizarre experiences in churches in the last 3 yrs.
However, I have emailed you questions and you have given Scriptural responses. You have prayed for my prodigal son (who moved home this week, got a job, and passed a drug test!!!) I live too far from Nashville to ever attend a service at Crosspoint but that never stopped you from pointing me to Jesus. Religion and that kind of Scriptural abuse that is on that website, drove me from Him. So, which tree bears the most fruit? Bottom line. Love covers a multitude of sins and even if you were “soft” or whatever, I would always always always err on the side of love. Hate, condemnation, and judgement never brought a soul to the Savior.
Oh no! so true… I watch our Sr. Pastor get over-analyzed all the time. To be a leader seems to mean that so much of your life is just one big projection of other’s expectations… when you live up to them, you get praise, when you don’t meet what others expect you to be, you get ham-strung.
C’mon Pete, you mean you aren’t a One Liner Christian? You can’t sum up your entire system of theology in two sentences. Well, I do declare!
I mean, it’s not like Jesus’ words didnt’ fill up 4 gospels or anything – phsheesh!
This is probably going to show my lack of knowledge (I.e stupidity) on this subject, but what is so wrong about being a seeker driven church? Isn’t everybody seeking something that is going to fill up the emptiness people feel inside? When this world is preaching that more alcohol and more drugs and more sex will make you whole, we need people like Pete Wilson and Crosspoint to turn these “seekers” towards the one person who will make them whole, Christ. Is that not why Jesus did? And it is by far better than the dead religion some “non-seeker driven” churches push.
I suppose you wear a bull’s eye on your back when you’re a pastor anyway, but when you’re as publicly outspoken as you are that bull’s eye is substantially larger. You and I have disagreed in the past. We’ve even annoyed one another a time or two. But we know each other’s hearts which prevents us from wholey discounting each other’s character. We still love and respect each other. What’s more frustrating that to be judged as having poor character or questionable motives by someone who doesn’t know your heart? We think, “But you don’t even know me!”
I’m a confessed ‘I want you to like me’ person, and I believe you have confessed having that tendency as well. It’s not that I want you to agree with everything I say and do…in fact, I welcome and encourage a good argument any time. But please try to know me before you criticize me, and when you do, criticize me out of love, not envy…even of you’re angry.
Sidebar: In negotiations the first one to get mad usually loses. Dealing with your frustration in the manner in which you did not only proves you a brave man, but I’d say it makes you the CLEAR winner of these rounds.
I thought your Twilight post was hilarious! Honestly, do we think Jesus preached constantly?? Or did he have a laugh every now and then with his “family.”
As for the critics, you’re a tremendous leader that doesn’t lie to his followers. I truly feel more at peace following someone who leads with blind FAITH. Because the only one’s who KNOW, are waiting for us in the Kingdom.
You’re awesome, Pete!
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson used to say this thing when he was a wrestler, “know your role.” I believe we, Christians, struggle with knowing our roles.
Do these critics really believe that this is why God created them, to critique imperfect Pastora all over America? Maybe He did, I don’t know, because I am not God!
And there lies the million dollar answer, neither are they. Oh and quit it with all of the false prophet BS. There are plenty of those asking for your money on TV.
Excellent challenge….When we allow ourselves to embrace others who are radically different, we enjoy the experience of Christ. Setting aside our own insecurities to embrace others is difficult.
“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.” – Matthew 5:11-12
Hang in there, Pete!
When I’d find myself among the well read I’d also find myself feeling dumb because I could not define “liberal or conservative, sensitive or callous, contemporary or traditional, attractional or missional.”
I realize the importance of having at least an inking as to what is going on. However, I also realize the importance of being able to define His terms.
There is so much left to be dug into and discovered in His Word- – if I dig in, go deep & spend my time there… isn’t it relevant and well spent?
In the end I will walk with greater Love, His Love… and while I still may not know what it means to be a “postmodern emergent somebody or another” I will understand that He has called me to be an ambassador of Love
So, I still can’t define most of those of terms… but instead of feeling unlearned and stupid, I feel thankful.
Oops, I meant to add this…
Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
2 Timothy 2:23, 24
God help us.
How are we suppose to be fishers if are nets are so torn?
By Gods grace we get this “plan b” as Pete would call it. Then we run smack dab into all this church business against church business nonsense.
The only answer to all of this is to get in the word. Read it, get it on CD, or down load it to your Ipod whatever it takes.
Let GOD do the talking and through his word is where he speaks.
P.S. I still love church and pray that we as Christians (all of us) can come together someday.
Some things are better left unsaid.
Pete, you have ministered to me from hundreds of miles away through your blog and podcasts and book more than any pastor I have ever known. You have no idea what a blessing it has been.
Life in a fishbowl is never easy, but you have leveraged it to show your servant’s heart. God sees that.
This is the worst part about being in ministry! I’ve been a pastors kid my whole life. We live in a small town, which makes it worse because EVERYONE thinks they know your buisness but the frustrating thing is that I was always watched. Not watched to see what amazing things I would be and do. Not watched to see God’s awesome plan for my life. Watched with the hopes that I would fall and they could laugh and feel better about their own mess-ups! I think we were always held to a different standard. Noone ever noticed the ten good things you done, only the one bad! You just have to keep remembering why you do what you do! It will be to those who were always watching others that Jesus will say “I was hungry and you didn’t feed me” Because what they do and say about others, they do and say about Him!! Keep up the good work Pete. Your reward is in the Eternal life!!!
I had this happen last week on the mission trip I was on. No lie. I was having a hard time dealing with a specific person on my team and chalked it up to her being of a specific denomination. I just got really convicted of it this morning and reading this made me realize I need to message her and ask for forgiveness in that. We’re all covered under the blood. The labels allow us to judge, and way too often, condemn.
Along the same lines as you – David likes to pick at his nails and it makes the most aggravating, cringe-inducing noise I’ve ever heard. I always have to walk out of the room.
This just makes me sad.
Oh my gosh, Pete. I’m so glad you posted this. I really think you’re onto something. As a Liberty.edu grad, I remember Jerry Falwell tell us on many occasions: “I know I haven’t really preached a great sermon unless I got some people hoppin’ mad at me.”
Don’t try to be controversial for controversy sake, but keep it up.
I love your refreshing take and don’t think you should listen to people who feel that pastors should not have original thoughts, no non-church related interests, and no published faults, discouragements and doubts.
Philip Yancey says it best….”The proof of spiritual maturity is not how pure you are but the awareness of your impurity that very awareness opens the door for grace.”
Pete- dont change your ways, you are reaching people who these “labelers” aren’t. You have a gift and calling from God.
My favorite qoute from Mother Theresa
“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”
Pete Wilson- you make God proud. What else matters?
I think “find out what they believe” is such a key point in your post. Sometimes it feels like we are so scared of being wrong that we get super caught up in being right…then being right supersedes what we believe and we end up acting out in ways that are ungodly.
I am ALL for confronting heresy, but sometimes we jump on non-heretical issues and become uncivilized/ungodly in how we challenge each other.
Thanks for the post!