The Pastor’s Response!
Author: Johnny DragonI posted a letter I sent to my Pastor. I feel it is only fair that I post his responce. This is an example of what can be when we communicate with eachother fully and without resitance, judgment or attachment.
I’m disappointed and disturbed that I said something so stupid. I’ve been a ardent supporter of AA for a very long time. I’ve got a copy of the Big Book on my shelf and have read a large portion of it, including “Bill’s story”. You’re absolutely right, AA was started by a physician and a stockbroker. I’m not sure how I got confused on that. AA is far-and-away the most effective recovery program ever. My criticism was based on numerous reports men have brought to me about the “higher power”. My generalization was unfair and stupid. I routinely recommend the AA program run out of Red River Church that is Christ-centered, meaning they acknowledge Christ is the “higher power”. The 12 Steps parallel very well… almost exactly, what every sinner must do in receiving Christ and walking the Spirit-filled life. I ask your forbearance and forgiveness for what I said. It was totally and inexcusably wrong.
The encouraging thing in this for me, as you pointed out, is that you followed the direction of Christ (Matt 18:15) to the letter. Thank you for giving me the opportunity not only to seek forgiveness for sinning against you, but to also grow from the experience. If you had burned inside w/out saying anything and left the church I would have missed this opportunity. Sometimes my fallen humanity rears its ugly head. I appreciate people like you who care enough to point it out with love and patience. I’d like to get together at lunch or whenever to continue this conversation and see where to go from here.
In Christ,
SC
Tags: communicate, Free, God, grace, judgment, love, meditate, pray, Recovery, resistance
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