If you haven't heard this pastor from Tulsa, I encourage you to give this sermon a listen. I don't know all his theology or who he's affiliated with...all the church politics if you will, but what I do know is that anyone who is willing to burn their reputation at the pulpit for the glory of God and the freedom of other's sins has my attention.
Pastors, want to know what creates a culture of vulnerability in your church...this does. Your people need to know that you struggle with sin as ugly as they do. They need to see you be bold to tell the specifics, so they can in turn be bold enough to do the same. You may be incredibly shocked how many people flock toward you rather than shun you for falling off the pedestal that was always a lie anyway. They've been waiting so long for permission to be honest about their own temptations. You, in so many minds, are the only one who can grant that to them.
On a different note, this really picks right up where we left off with my last article on working on the hearts of our young men. Want to see the imprisonment of that same sexual sin we were referring to walked out in living color? Want to see how it takes you down paths you would have never imagined? Want to see the lengths that young, "Christianed" men will go to in order to have their need met and keep it a secret. Listen closely. This isn't just somebody else's story...I guarantee you this is the story of many in your close life if not you, yourself.
Start at the 20 minute mark.
