Ranges Community Church

Its interesting the reactions I get from people when introducing myself. I have two options. If I’m nice I can say to people I’m a nurse or if I want to make them squirm I can say I’m a pastor of a church (nasty and not very fair). I can also use my identity so that I can feel better about myself (not a very good thing to build up esteem).

Also I’m more likely to introduce myself in Christian settings as Pastor.  Outside of Christian contexts, I will usually say I’m a nurse. I’ve been thinking a bit about this lately and I’ve decided to just say I work two jobs Pastor/Nurse. I’ve already know what God thinks of me so why should I worry about what others think!

But it got me thinking about the whole thing of self identity. My response to people is often about how best I will look in other peoples eyes. When really all that really matters is how God views me.

I don’t think institutionalised church helps with identity.   The carrot is often a position in ministry where the congregation gives you the thumbs up, building your ego. Unfortunately ministers/pastors use this carrot in terms of their own agenda. I give you this position if you do this for ‘the vison’ of the church’. It is a subtle thing that I’m not sure ministers/pastors know they are doing. I’ve seen it and I’ve seen people burn.
One thing I want to do more is rely more on God for my identity. Just tell the truth, not worry what others think. But for others in the church I want to make sure that when they do things in the church its got nothing to do with their self esteem. That when they put up their hand to do something they already know that their status in the church is nothing to do with position.   Jesus has already given them a great position right next to his side!  Every person should have respect, dignity and be loved in the church because they are a child of God’s.  It is nothing about what they do in the church.