Before, I continue on with this post. I know not just pastors deal with the following issue, but many, many guys deal with this everyday. My heart is for every guy who deals with this, but I want to make myself to pastors who are seeking help at this time.
This has been something that God has placed on my heart and in my spirit for quite some time now. I also this a subject that is taboo to talk about - Pastors & Pornography addiction. Here is the reality, more & more pastors are living with this secret addiction. They are living in complete shame. They are holding on to the guilt. This is addiction is starting to creep up in other areas of life family, ministry, finances, and even day to day living.
Many pastors haven't dealt with the root of this addiction. Many pastors are feeling trapped in the addiction, like being trapped in a prison feeling confined to the wall---they try to escape in ways that they can not escape without being granted true freedom and they find themselves back in the same prison behind the same bars locked down a lot longer.
Many pastors find themselves without anyone to turn to because of consequences from churches, leadership, denominations and spouses. They are afraid if they expose this addiction or talk about it, that they would lose everything---they would lose their family and their jobs. But in the meantime, they are losing their hope, faith and in many ways they are being separated from their calling.
With all that being said, it is my heartbeat and passion to invest in younger pastors. It is also my desire to walk with these younger pastors in this area of their journey and faith and through this addiction to pornography. More and more men are coming into ministry with this addiction already. Many more fall into addiction soon after coming into ministry.
Because my experience and because of what God has done through me with His amazing Grace and His loving patience, I want to offer my self up as a coach, mentor, and a sounding board for these pastors.
I want it to be more than just accountability --- you are only going to be as accountable and honest as you want to be, I can't force you to be honest and tell the truth completely. But I hope you do.
I do want to coach and mentor, help through this journey and be a sounding board for you and be someone you can always contact or connect with.
EVERYTHING IS CONFIDENTIAL: When it comes to dealing with this addiction of pornography.
GRACE & TRUTH: This will be the tension we walk on together as we work though and talk about this addiction.
AVAILABILITY TO YOU: I am making myself available to you anytime. I know the schedule of the pastor. I here via phone call, email or connecting over coffee.
TAKE YOU THROUGH NEXT STEPS: I will walk with you like a tour guide through next steps of getting true freedom from this prison.
ENCOURAGEMENT TO GROW IN SOME READING DURING PERSONAL TIME: I am going to push you to read some books outside of your normal Scripture reading. I want to stretch you and truly coach you and equip through this process.
Here is the thing you aren't the only one dealing with pornography addiction. You aren't the only one dealing with the shame and guilt it brings along with it. We serve a God of second chances. We serve a God who full of GRACE and MERCY! We have a God who loves unconditionally and desires us to be people of the second chance. It is God's desire that we will experience true freedom from this addiction. It does not have to destroy you, your marriage or your ministry. God can redeem you and God can redeem this time.
I will be only mentoring, coaching five pastors. To make sure I keep my personal margins in my own life. If you are interested in being mentored/coached through this addiction --- please email me at chris.jarrell@theaterchurch.com - EVERYTHING IS BETWEEN YOU AND ME.
I want to encourage you as you are considering this to read Hebrews chapter 10 - Meditate on it! Let it get into your spirit.
If you have any questions please email me. Looking forward to connecting with you.
I am praying for you.
God of Second Chances by Carlos Whitakker
We humbly respond
To the call of Your love
Gracious Father
Like a child we run
With our arms lifted up
So let the praises rise
You’re the God of second chances
You're the God who still romances
We're in awe before You now
And our hearts are bowing down
You're the God of all the ages
Who are we that You would save us
We're in awe before You now
And our hearts are crying out
Hallelujah to our God
Hallelujah to our God
Righteous Savior
By Your wounds we are healed
Your compassion draws us here
How amazing
Is the mercy of the Cross
That You would reach out for us
So let the praises rise
You rescue with unfailing love
Hallelujah to our God
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