Why would a Pastor do this to me ?

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by pelathais

Of course most pastors are really not like this at all.

I have seen cases where toxic saints were allowed to hang around and commit some rather horrendous abuses themselves. So whatta you gonna do? Humans are really very problematic critters sometimes.

I agree with Steinway - excellent description - toxic!

We've experienced both and have also experienced that with discernment and patience God will eventually move them both or, in some circumstances, He will move you.

The pain is in the waiting and in the patience! The struggle is keeping your spirit and heart right in the matter.

This always reminds me of the beautiful song:

When I come into the presence of the Lord
When I come into the presence of the Lord
Chains are broken and my heart is free again
When I come into the presence of the Lord

[*AQuietPlace*]

Originally Posted by Mr. Steinway

That's a great description: toxic saints and toxic pastors!

Sounds like a country song.

[deltaguitar]

Originally Posted by Mr. Steinway

That's a great description: toxic saints and toxic pastors!

There is a book called "Toxic Faith". It is a very good book for even healthy Christians to read.

[Steve Epley]

The majority of preachers and saints I have had the pleasure to be around were wonderful God loving-truth loving-folks. I don't have a sad song to sing. Yes I have been hurt and disappointed by both but honestly I am certain I have hurt others of which I regret. Getting hurt is part of the process to get out of here. It is the hurts-wounds-disappointments-trials-tests that cause us to turn to HIM who is the healer and consoler. My hurts can make me BETTER or BITTER. I choose to be made better by them. Bitterness imprisons those who have it. For me to go on today in HIM I must close the door on yesterdays hurts. I give my hurts to HIM and HE bears them well.
"There is not a friend like the lowly Jesus"
No Not one, No Not one.

[StillStanding]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

The majority of preachers and saints I have had the pleasure to be around were wonderful God loving-truth loving-folks. I don't have a sad song to sing. Yes I have been hurt and disappointed by both but honestly I am certain I have hurt others of which I regret. Getting hurt is part of the process to get out of here. It is the hurts-wounds-disappointments-trials-tests that cause us to turn to HIM who is the healer and consoler. My hurts can make me BETTER or BITTER. I choose to be made better by them. Bitterness imprisons those who have it. For me to go on today in HIM I must close the door on yesterdays hurts. I give my hurts to HIM and HE bears them well.
"There is not a friend like the lowly Jesus"
No Not one, No Not one.

This is the Steve Epley that I know and love!

[Sherri]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

The majority of preachers and saints I have had the pleasure to be around were wonderful God loving-truth loving-folks. I don't have a sad song to sing. Yes I have been hurt and disappointed by both but honestly I am certain I have hurt others of which I regret. Getting hurt is part of the process to get out of here. It is the hurts-wounds-disappointments-trials-tests that cause us to turn to HIM who is the healer and consoler. My hurts can make me BETTER or BITTER. I choose to be made better by them. Bitterness imprisons those who have it. For me to go on today in HIM I must close the door on yesterdays hurts. I give my hurts to HIM and HE bears them well.
"There is not a friend like the lowly Jesus"
No Not one, No Not one.

Great post!!!

[freeatlast]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

The majority of preachers and saints I have had the pleasure to be around were wonderful God loving-truth loving-folks. I don't have a sad song to sing. Yes I have been hurt and disappointed by both but honestly I am certain I have hurt others of which I regret. Getting hurt is part of the process to get out of here. It is the hurts-wounds-disappointments-trials-tests that cause us to turn to HIM who is the healer and consoler. My hurts can make me BETTER or BITTER. I choose to be made better by them. Bitterness imprisons those who have it. For me to go on today in HIM I must close the door on yesterdays hurts. I give my hurts to HIM and HE bears them well.
"There is not a friend like the lowly Jesus"
No Not one, No Not one.

One of the best posts you've ever made. Amen

[Sinatra]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

The majority of preachers and saints I have had the pleasure to be around were wonderful God loving-truth loving-folks. I don't have a sad song to sing. Yes I have been hurt and disappointed by both but honestly I am certain I have hurt others of which I regret. Getting hurt is part of the process to get out of here. It is the hurts-wounds-disappointments-trials-tests that cause us to turn to HIM who is the healer and consoler. My hurts can make me BETTER or BITTER. I choose to be made better by them. Bitterness imprisons those who have it. For me to go on today in HIM I must close the door on yesterdays hurts. I give my hurts to HIM and HE bears them well.
"There is not a friend like the lowly Jesus"
No Not one, No Not one.

Brother Epley,

Oh how this post touches my heart. I too have hurt and been hurt and you are so right about bitterness. What it is and what it does. I've come to realize, a lot of what we let hurt and embitter us is oftentimes our perception of a situation and how we react to it.

I pray that God will completely remove any seeds of bitterness from my heart so that I can be made whole.

I am closing the door on this and choose to let it go and let God.

I choose not to be bitter but better.

At peace, Sinatra.

[CC1]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

The majority of preachers and saints I have had the pleasure to be around were wonderful God loving-truth loving-folks. I don't have a sad song to sing. Yes I have been hurt and disappointed by both but honestly I am certain I have hurt others of which I regret. Getting hurt is part of the process to get out of here. It is the hurts-wounds-disappointments-trials-tests that cause us to turn to HIM who is the healer and consoler. My hurts can make me BETTER or BITTER. I choose to be made better by them. Bitterness imprisons those who have it. For me to go on today in HIM I must close the door on yesterdays hurts. I give my hurts to HIM and HE bears them well.
"There is not a friend like the lowly Jesus"
No Not one, No Not one.

Beautiful post and the attitude all of us should have towards life.

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

The majority of preachers and saints I have had the pleasure to be around were wonderful God loving-truth loving-folks. I don't have a sad song to sing. Yes I have been hurt and disappointed by both but honestly I am certain I have hurt others of which I regret. Getting hurt is part of the process to get out of here. It is the hurts-wounds-disappointments-trials-tests that cause us to turn to HIM who is the healer and consoler. My hurts can make me BETTER or BITTER. I choose to be made better by them. Bitterness imprisons those who have it. For me to go on today in HIM I must close the door on yesterdays hurts. I give my hurts to HIM and HE bears them well.
"There is not a friend like the lowly Jesus"
No Not one, No Not one.

Definitely one of your better posts.

Respectfully,
Rhoni