September 19, 2025

I entered pastoral ministry naively. I wanted to teach children about Christ’s love while helping parents create a home where faith could flourish. Yes, I was told that pastoral ministry includes suffering, but that was for others! My calling was different!  Twenty-plus years of ministry have left scars—some more beautiful than others. Some suffering is easier to understand —I brought it on myself. My arrogance (covered in humility, of course), impatience (masked as zeal), and