A Casualty in My Own War
Amid clashing cultures, I was becoming the very thing I hated.
Chris Seay
April 1, 2005
I spent ten years in Waco, Texas, which should be more than enough for anyone. My memory of those days is a bit spotty. It goes something like this: I moved into my dorm at Baylor, made friends, enjoyed classes, joined a fraternity, pastored a rural church, started a new church funded by American Express, blah blah blah. Let me expand on that last part. I met a friend named David Crowder, and in January 1995, we started University Baptist Church. Within six weeks, the church exploded from 0 to 600. We were telling the story of God in a way that connected with college students and with people other churches weren't reaching. One month later a local pastor wrote a scathing article in his church newsletter defaming the church and me. I had never met the man, and assuming there must be a misunderstanding, I gave him a call. The same man who stood behind a pulpit to preach God's Word the day before now uttered vile and arrogant words through the phone line, "Son, we are in a different class. You don't amount to s!*t and you never will. Maybe you will make me eat my words. But I doubt it." The words are forever imprinted on my brain. What do you say to that? "Good to visit with you, Pastor. Thanks for your time." Even now, I sometimes dream about calling him and rattling off my accomplishments, like the fact that Philip Yancey or Calvin Miller read one of my books and liked it. But then I decide I'll just send him a copy of the book with a clever comment inscribed. Never mind, I won't do that either. As this supercilious, middle-aged minister berated me on the phone, I was simultaneously humiliated and angry. I look back now and realize I adopted a new posture after that day, my wit sharper, my attitude more jaded, and my mind more ...
Please complete one of the following:
If you're a Leadership journal subscriber...
...but have not yet registered for online access to CTLibrary.com, you can receive a full-year's access for just $29.95!
Register Here | | If you're NOT a Leadership journal print subscriber...
You're entitled to a special, introductory offer for new subscribers only! Subscribe now and receive a one-year Leadership journal print subscription and one-year access to all Leadership archives for just $39.95!
Subscribe now!
When you log in as a Leadership Journal subscriber, you'll see additional articles noted as premium content only available to CTLibrary.com members. To access the entire CTLibrary requires a CTLibrary subscription. If you would prefer this option, select the offer below that best fits your needs.
|
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
