The Extra Mile of Pastoral Integrity
Paul Cedar
I've found it isn't enough to be true to myself and God alone. I must go the second mile, not only that others might not be confused but that ministry might effectively continue.
—Paul Cedar
For nearly three decades of ministry I was unaware of anyone ever questioning my integrity. Then it happened without warning.
A member of the pastoral staff of the church I was serving began telling others he was concerned about my lack of integrity. He had suggested his concern to me during one brief encounter, but I was unaware he was speaking so freely to others.
Then came the day of a church board meeting where we were discussing a serious and potentially divisive matter. When I asked for an open discussion to let board members express their concerns, I was surprised to find the conversation turn toward me. Three of the board members said that the church's real problem was not the issue under discussion but me. They said they had questions about my personal integrity.
I was shocked. In disbelief, I asked them what they were especially concerned about, but they were vague. As we proceeded, I figured out that the common denominator of their concern was their respect for one of the other pastoral staff who had sowed seeds of suspicion about me in their minds.
Unfortunately, this man had fallen into the trap of trying to build himself up by tearing another down. What he said was simply untrue, but it caused me a great deal of pain.
Most pastors and Christian leaders want to do what is right. As we serve Christ and his church, we want to live above reproach. Yet despite our best efforts, people frequently misinterpret, although not always maliciously, our actions and words.
So I've found it isn't enough to be true to myself and God alone. I ...
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