I have always wondered about the life of a pastor and for the first time in my life, my pastor is way younger than I am and I am impressed by your maturity, passion, and commitment. I have never really contemplated a pastor that has struggles. I guess I always assumed that at this stage of spiritual growth for a pastor, those issues have been conquered to make room for more “real” struggles (not of self).

I applaud you for your acknowledgment of your struggles and I think it will only make you a more approachable and less-intimidating leader of our church. People will always walk on egg shells around their pastor for fear of saying the wrong thing or doing the wrong thing. As you continue to lower your mask it will make the ministry at Cedarcrest that much more effective. You do not need me to tell you that as you realize pleasing God is where the heart needs to be rooted.

Through the power of the holy spirit the most major sin struggle has been removed from my life but just like an alcoholic or smoker, the temptation remains on the fringe of my awareness. I have been given the power to resist and the freedom to focus on some other struggles in my life. My prayer life has increased because I am: 1) so grateful that sin has been removed, 2) that I don’t have to live in shame any more from my sin.

I do live in your neighborhood and I do see you from time to time at the pool and playground area so I know one aspect of your life is similar to mine. That alone gives me comfort knowing that the same experiences I face daily are in your life as well thereby making you more “in touch.” I love hearing the personal stories that you share with us on Sundays. The revelation of your own struggles makes you an even more personable pastor which will produce a very effective leader for us to follow. We do indeed see the “light of Christ” in your life inside and outside the church.

God bless,

Steve Shields