Today I just don't feel like a pastor.  Oh, I know I wore the suit and stood in the pulpit, but I really felt out of place.  I conducted a funeral today with another minister who has mastered the warm handshake and sympathetic smile; who has learned the art of engaging conversation and has all the right answers to questions.  The family of the deceased love him.  I, on the other hand, stumbled through my prayer because I was too emotional.  As the family wept, it really got to me.  I held hands but had no idea what to say.  This man has come from a whole family of pastors and missionaries; I'm a former Disk Jockey.

There are times when I just don't seem to fit in with my peers, and it really makes me feel alone.  I'm just not as polished and professional as they are.  Many of them even have the sing-song voice that rises and falls at appropriate times while preaching.  Me?  I just get all emotional and then struggle to finish the sermon.

I know that God calls all kinds to be His witnesses and servants, but there are times I just don't seem to fit the mold.  And I wonder if the congregation I serve notices this as well.

Pastor Greg