Not That Different

At 30, I found myself pastoring a church, a significantly larger congregation than the first I’d pastored. To be honest, I felt overwhelmed and a little insecure.

A member from our church, who had studied in the States and served at a well-known megachurch, approached me with words that would stick with me. He said, "The prominent pastors may seem very gifted, but they're not. They’re gifted in one or two areas, and they get to use those gifts. They’re also pretty bad at other things. You’re not much different from any of the big church pastors that I’ve gotten to know.”

His message wasn't that I was particularly gifted, but rather that none of us are. As he got to know the senior leaders of this large church, he discovered that the truth about all of us. We’re all gifted in some areas, some in more noticeable ways, but we’re otherwise quite average.

The member wasn't implying that I was particularly gifted. He was saying that none of us are. Most of us are just average.

Nor did his comment mean that any of us can serve anywhere. To be honest, I think I was probably too immature to serve as pastor of that church at that time.

What he was saying is that we need to get rid of the illusion that God can use other people, but he can't use someone like us.

Reflecting on this 27 years later, I've learned more about my strengths and weaknesses. Age brings the benefit of self-awareness. I can mostly identify where I’m gifted and where I'm not. I want to grow, but I realize I may not excel in some areas no matter how hard I try.

God gives us gifts in certain areas that may come easily to us but are difficult for others. Simultaneously, we’re also weak in other areas, highlighting our need for community. The church, as Paul discusses in 1 Corinthians, is built so we need each other.

“For the body does not consist of one member but of many,” Paul writes. “ If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.” (1 Corinthians 12:14, 19-20)

This means a couple of things.

First, we should never be discouraged. God has gifted us with something the church needs. We all have a role to play. God gave us gifts for the good of others and for his glory. We don’t need to feel insecure. Use whatever God has given you to serve others.

Secondly, we should remain humble. No matter how visible or impressive our talents might be, we aren’t fundamentally different from others. Our gifts are from God, and they’re paired with a fair share of weakness and need. In public roles, we should stay humble, recognize our weaknesses, and rely on all church members, especially those we may consider less important (1 Corinthians 12:21-25).

Ultimately, we're all pretty much the same, each with strengths and gifts and needs. We don’t have anything we haven’t received, and all that we’ve received is for the good of others and for God’s glory. Nobody’s excluded from serving; everyone’s needed, but nobody’s a big deal.

Nobody can be proud. Nobody should be discouraged.

God grants us gifts to serve the church and glorify Him. Embrace your role in the church with humility and courage. Remember, you are not better than others, and you need them as much as they need you.