14 Comments
User's avatar
Courtney's avatar

Thank you for your humility brother! We need more of that especially on platforms and pulpits!

Scott Schultz's avatar

Two of the stated values of our church are humility and courage. The others, our prayer, and the grace and truth of Jesus Christ. I will share this article with our pastors and other ministry leaders. I restacked two of your quotes. One comment I made said: “a hospital for sinners“ requires patients who don’t just hear the diagnosis. It also requires doctors who treat the patients, acute and chronic conditions. Thank you for striving to be one of those surgeons.

Jay's avatar

True, true, true. Thanks again for your caring genuine pastoral leadership. So helpful to us men who lead, with or without a title. The Lord is using you to make a difference in my life Virgil. Thanks!

Ohioohrns@duck.com's avatar

Thank you my brother and fellow servant of God's flock. I appreciate the challenge and instruction this gives to a shepherd. You're insight is very helpful.

Marlene from Missouri's avatar

Well said.

Steve Suter's avatar

Amen, Virgil!

15362's avatar

I feel bad that the church even needed you to add this addendum at all Virgil. Keep on keeping on.

RAO's avatar

❤️🙏 We appreciate you greatly.

Ray Best's avatar

What Jay said! Appreciate you, Brother.

Nalene Fleming's avatar

Thank you for humbly modeling these two vital parts of a shepherd’s calling side-by-side and confessing one you err toward imbalance. May the Lord grant you wisdom and grace as you wrestle with wielding confrontation and formation well as you write and speak.

Cheneta Jones's avatar

Leading with a lamp over leading with a horn! Wow! Thanks Brother again for showing us what love looks like for God, His Holy Word, and for His people! You recognizing the correction and openly sharing it shows your sincerity and commitment to honoring your position as a shepherd. Keep doing what you are doing and feeding us. It definitely gives me pause to examine myself and how my conduct reflects Christ in all I do.

Winston Eric Reed's avatar

There is much that can be said about the shepherd AND the sheep. The shepherd preaches the Word to guide the flock but each individual sheep must receive the Word then the sheep must examine themselves, empty themselves to allow the Holy Spirit to do His work. The Holy Spirit, not the shepherd, transforms, creates a new creature and reveals the new man.

I’ve never felt you were inappropriately confrontational in your sermons. Certainly even pastors must examine themselves as you are doing. The Holy Spirit through your preaching has confronted me with my sin and I listen, examine myself and by the Word I am constantly being transformed. Don’t beat yourself up Pastor. One of satan’s most powerful weapons is discouragement. Keep shining the light Pastor!

Stacey Kelly's avatar

thank you, explained well and appreciated!

Chris's avatar

Pastor Virgil I have a question. I have two nieces both 18 years old who have been watching anime for years. They both been mentally abused. Now they are identifying as one of the characters Toby and they are dressing like boys. Do you know anything about this? It’s just odd to me. That two nieces from different parts of my family are picking the same name? Neither one of them are believers.