For those who have followed my blog for a brief time or a long time, you know that my writing style has been a bit straightforward at times. It could be the way I perceive things, or what is honestly the truth. Not all things are meant for the public to read.
I have shared some posts regarding my recent church plant. Things did not end as well as I would have liked, but the ministry still continues. I should not have been so “vocal” about how I perceived things to the world without addressing the matters at hand privately. I have gone against the biblical advice I have given my audience, and I have dishonored God in my approach.
Many of us have been guilty of “puking our guts out” on social media when we are hurt. We give subtle jabs to those who have hurt us. As a part of my healing process, I am going to take the high road and take my hurt to God and godly counsel when necessary.
Too many of us are guilty of talking to others first before we go directly to the source. It really is the coward’s approach, and it goes against what the Bible tells us to do.
In correction to my blog posts, I took out parts that were better left unsaid. I was going to originally delete them altogether, but I saw some things that still should have been said that were not harmful.
To my blogging audience, thank you for reading through my junk. I want to apologize to you for times when I should have acted in a more Christ-like manner and did not.
God bless each of you. Thank you for hanging in there with me!
Matthew Winters (Honest Thoughts from a Pastor) 
Forgiven! Forgive yourself.
That’s a good word.
Thanks for your humility and wisdom. Blogging can feel very much like venting to a close friend especially because they aren’t connected to your source of pain and frustration and can be a neutral place for sharing. Don’t forget that speaking the truth is one of your giftings and that God needs people who are willing to say it how it is. I understand what you are saying but please don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater LOL
Amen! Thanks for your kind words, Audrey!
Amen! I do not see you saying anything inappropriate or venting on SM in an unkind way, but it’s still a great reminder that the bible does tell us what to do with our offenses, to go directly to God, to go to the person who has offended you, to take a brother with you, to take it before the church. There is a whole process and a procedure for handling our grievances and offenses, in a way that heals, resolves, and restores. I have to forever remind myself of that, be cautious about what I post on FB or blog about, mostly cautious just in terms of what my own motivations and intentions are. Sometimes things do need to be said, but we need to be really clear as to what motivates us.
“…once for all…” isn’t that the phrase used regarding Jesus’ sacrifice? We all make mistakes and have to make amends from time to time…Thank you for your honesty and humility. Even difficulties can be turned and used for good for those seeking after Christ.
So true, Erick!
It takes a lot to admit your wrong and ask for an apology. Humility is what you’ve shown. We all make those same mistakes. In making those mistakes you have learned and will grow from it.
It is a show of strength and humility to be able to say I’m sorry. Let the Holy Spirit guide you.
I for one am grateful you are as honest about your feelings as you are. It is helpful to understand as a pastor’s wife, what my husband has endured in his love for our Lord. Some follow false gods and know little about Scripture but profess they are smarter than God and a seminary-trained man of God who only wants to encourage others in their daily walk with the Lord. Knowing that you have pushed through the trials (especially in your humanity) and yet are still preaching Truth and Hope invigorates us. Thank you for your humility and honesty, Blessings back,
Because so many pastors suffer silently, I want them to know they are not alone. Their wives also suffer silently because many in the church get jealous if they have friends. Pastors and their wives, in my opinion, are heroes of the faith.
Thank you for your honesty and humility. You’ve made me think about ways I’ve inappropriately shared information. I’ve vented my feelings to other people that were not involved in the situation at all, which I’ve come to recognize as gossip. At that point, I’ve given the newly involved person a reason to be judgemental. It still takes great self-control on my part not to involve a third-party by gossiping.
It is a temptation that many of us have to resist. We may not always be able to resolve matters, but there is a peace in knowing we handled the matter appropriately.
The call to ministry is a call to suffer on His behalf (I Philippians 1:29, II Corinthians 4:7-12). We gladly except our Lord’s word “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you… Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master’. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. I they kept My word, they will keep yours also”
We joyfully receive this when dealing with the world, yet feeling pressure and outright opposition (not necessarily persecution) from those called by His name, can leave a bitter taste and bitter heart, if we are not careful.
Be encouraged brother, you appear to have taken great care to mitigate this. I concur about social media, I don’t use it past this blog and our church facebook, it’s to easy to go off the rails.
Stay close to Jesus, know my wife and I are praying for you, if you ever need to chat email me at mje4jesus @gmail.com and we can arrange a call. Do not grow weary in well doing, for in due season we will reap if we do not lose heart (Galatians 6:9)-Brother Mike
Thank you so much for your encouragement! It is a blessing.
Sometimes being straightforward is what people need. They may not recognize it right away, but will think back on it in the future. Speak as YAHWEH (God) leads you.
It’s important to be open so others understand and I see where your heart is in this and how God is equipping you to help others who travel the road you are on. But I do see how God is helping you be more wise about what to share and how to share it. It’s such a blessing when He refines our spirit and helps us admit our faults. The Potter can only use us more when we are willing. Praise God!