Part 2

This post is actually a continuation of my previous post, in which I describe some of the challenges that I have been facing as an intern.

Anyways, I book last weekend off, and went to Calgary to visit friends (and cheer on the Oilers at the Saddledome). It was exactly the break I needed, and I found it to be a very refreshing weekend. And here are my thoughts on why it was so refreshing.

While it is true that I have made friends here in Sylvan Lake, it was so good to be with friends who have known me for many years. I feel like even though I have made some good friends here, there is still the sense that people here know me first and foremost as 'the intern' or 'the pastor,' and don't know me apart from my role in the church. I feel like in any of the relationships I develop within the church here, there is still a sense of responsibility to people, simply due to the fact that I am in ministry. Nothing against the many great people I have gotten to know here, but the fact is that they do not know me apart from my role in the church.

And this got me to thinking that it must be difficult for pastors to have close friends within the church. I feel like it could be difficult for people to see someone in ministry as a friend, and not solely as their pastor. My perception, be it right or wrong, is that many people expect their pastors to have it all together. And with this perceived expectation and the reality that none of us have it all together, it can be difficult to cultivate close friendships within the church, other than with other pastors. This is why it was such a blessing to spend time with friends in Calgary, since I could relax and be myself, without feeling like I had pastoral obligations to my friends. Hopefully this is making some sense. If nothing else my reflections on this topic have highlighted the important role that a pastor's wife plays in any ministry, and is why the thought of being single and in full-time ministry terrifies me. Anyways, these are some of the issues that I have been wrestling with throughout my internship, and its helpful just to write out my thoughts. But don't get me wrong, even though I am sorting through many different questions related to ministry, I am loving every minute of my internship! So don't take pity on me, be thankful that I have such a great church in which to further explore my calling to ministry!