Fellowship Family, as your pastor there are times when I say things that I sure wish I could take back – things that don’t come out quite right – things that come form wrong motives – things that at times are more flesh than spirit. James 3:2 says, “We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.”
Last Sunday, I said some things in the message that I really wish I could take back. I want to acknowledge some of the areas that God has dealt with my heart on and seek your forgiveness for any negative hurt caused…
I told those of you that were struggling with moving Sunday morning Bible study to Wednesday nights to “just get over it!” Although there are certainly many things that all of us need to “get over,” my tone was not fully loving and my motive was out of frustration – which was wrong. Please forgive me for this wrong.
I also said “I never speak against other preachers and pastors – never.” Although I don’t demean other preachers / pastors, there are times when some of you have approached me with questions about what others have said either on radio, TV, or in print and I have given you my opinion, which at times has been against what those preachers / pastors have said.
Probably the most hurtful rather than helpful thing that I said last Sunday was something to the effect of “The same people that were upset with your former pastor are now upset with me – identical across the board.” This was a generalized statement that mischaracterized nearly our entire church. And this statement caused negative hurt among some – for that I am very sorry!
I am your pastor and yet I am still on a journey of healing and wholeness with Jesus in my own life! It is always good when the Holy Spirit deals with our hearts and leads us to the waters of truth and cleansing – such has been the reality in my life this week and for that I joyfully praise Him!
Loving and Leading,
Jeff Powell
