My sister Korin joined me for my latest podcast episode on “Porch Swing Conversations,” to talk about what happened when we allowed a pastor too much influence in our lives and how he essentially stabbed us in the back.
This wasn’t an easy episode to do.
For my sister, this was extremely personal. To tell it to my small corner of the world was extremely brave of her.
We’ve been in church all our lives. Our dad was a pastor, and we have many happy memories in our little country church with people who felt like family.
But when that church dissolved about five years ago, we set out on our own personal journey to learn what true church was beyond the four walls that we’d grown comfortable in. We’d heard about church hurt from family and friends, thought we were smart enough to avoid what had happened to others.
But during this journey, we learned an important and hard truth: We are all capable of evil.
Us.
The beautifully broken souls.
Not one is exempt.
We might be saved by the blood of Jesus but we are still fallible. We still have the devil whispering in our ear.
We can pretend that it’s not true. We can heap all our faith on the pastors and leaders with blind and ultimate trust, but one day that trust will fail. We can pretend they are not fallible, that their prayers and words mean more then ours.
But we are living a lie.
This experience with a certain John Doe taught us how naive we were and how much we have to learn.
And how to forgive. To get back up. To mourn. To heal.
I hope you can listen to this episode and learn a bit about how to avoid what we did, or maybe if you’ve had a similar experience it can remind you that you are not alone, that you are loved, and community is worth fighting for.
I will warn you, it’s lengthy and honest. Trigger warnings include frank discussions about narcissistic behavior, manipulation, and a pervert, but nothing sexual.
Love you, my beautiful humans!
Beautifully Broken 
It’s so awesome that you both have been taught to not put preachers on a pedestal. šÆ I think that’s something many of us American Christians do subconsciously, foolishly believing that they’re perfect sinless followers of Christ who do no wrong. It doesn’t help that many pastors (or more specifically, televangelists) don’t clarify that they aren’t. I admire those like Steven Furtick who is so open with the fact that he has a temper & tendency to blow up on people. He often says things like, “Me too. I struggle with this too.”
I’m sorry that you both had to deal with that man, especially your sister who was taken advantage of. š¦ And you’re so spot on about church hurt, and how our generation has been leaving it bc of it. I’m guilty of this too. I will say that it’s been prophesized that online ministry will be more preferred than traditional in-person church as it has been, and it certainly seems that we’re heading that way already.
Very great conversation! š»
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Oh yes, many of us put pastors in an almost position of perfection that belongs to no one! It’s so important though to recognize it so we can address the issue and resolve it. I’m so glad you enjoyed our conversation and were able to give it a listen!! We appreciate your support and for chiming in with your thoughts.
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