The Pastors' Diaries: An Intimate Look Behind the Pulpit

By Dr. Larry L. Anderson Jr.

The Pastors’ Diaries was written to help pastors recognize that some of their most private and convicting thoughts and challenging circumstances are not unique to them. It’s designed to help pastors navigate these overwhelming situations with the resource of actual lived experiences that have led to massive failures or amazing triumphs.
Throughout the book you will read detailed accounts as communicated by the pastors sharing intimate details of their pastoral journey, much of which has never been shared in a public format. Real people and real stories fill these pages, some of them are unbelievable and hilarious while others may leave you in tears heartbroken and bewildered at how the body of Christ could survive this long with this much dysfunction.
With the increasing suicide rate of pastors, the mass exodus of pastors from the pastorate, the porn addiction of pastors and the shear depression of pastors being so alarming, something must be said and done to challenge the trajectory of this epidemic. I pray that this book will validate the Pressure, Pain, Pride, Power, Passion, and Pedestal a Pastor experiences and also give them the freedom to take the steps necessary to respond to these situations and Persevere from them in healthy ways.
Another goal of this book is to help the church member have a better understanding of the person that sits in that middle chair and stand behind that sacred podium so they can have realistic expectations of the human they’ve empowered to shepherd them and as a result, learn how to love them appropriately. Coincidentally, they will discover that no one in all of church has experienced more offenses than the ones called to lead and yet they have in most cases remained faithful and in place until God decided to move them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jul 27, 2022
• ISBN: 9781664272507

Dr. Larry L. Anderson Jr.

Larry L. Anderson Jr. is a North Philadelphia native who now resides in Glenside, PA. The Lord has blessed him with a wonderful wife, Kim and three beautiful children, Marquis, Darius, and Gabrielle. Dr. Anderson graduated from Philadelphia Biblical University (Cairn Univ.) with a B.S. in Bible He has received his Master of Divinity and his Doctorate in Ministry Degrees from Biblical Theological Seminary, (Missio Seminary). Dr. Anderson became the Sr. Pastor of Great Commission Church located in Philadelphia PA in September 2004. Dr. Anderson was the first African American Professor to serve on the faculty of Biblical Theological Seminary. He established the Urban MDiv program to help train and serve pastors and churches called to minister in the urban context. Dr. Anderson joined the Staff of the Baptist Resource Network of the Southern Baptist Convention in April 2013. He is the Director of Healthy Churches and Evangelism overseeing 350 churches throughout Pennsylvania and South Jersey. In November 2020 Dr. Anderson was elected The National President of The State Directors of Evangelism for the Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. Anderson serves as the Board Chairman for Community Forgiveness and Restoration, an initiative designed to battle against Recidivism. The Chairman of Community Ethics and Justice Coalition an initiative to move the BRN from Racial Reconciliation to Racial Restoration. The Chairman of Mansion Hope a non-profit designed to reach the people of Strawberry Mansion in order to promote dignity, peace and a flourishing community through acts of service by cultivating opportunities for healing and development. Dr. Anderson is the co-author of the book ‘Ask Me Why I’m Not In Church’ released in June 2019 on Westbow Press.

Book preview

The Pastors’

Diaries

An Intimate Look Behind

The Pulpit

DR. LARRY L. ANDERSON JR.

AN ANDERSON AND CANTY PRODUCTION

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Copyright © 2022 Dr. Larry L. Anderson Jr.

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and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

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Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English

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ISBN: 978-1-6642-7251-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-7252-1 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-7250-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022913093

WestBow Press rev. date: 07/27/2022

This is a timely and courageous book written by pastors for pastors. For 30 years, I have been a therapist to pastors who have often felt isolated, unseen, and beaten up in ministry. While I have loved walking with them in their pain, I have longed to have them connect deeply with other pastors so that they can see they are not alone. The pastors on these pages are breaking new ground by talking about their pain and their pride. Healing begins when we can be truthful and connected to those who love us. If you are a pastor, I commend you first to read this book, then to find another pastor to share your own story.

– Philip Monroe, PsyD Langberg Monroe & Associates

You are not alone! To make yourself better both personally and ministerially, there are mutual benefits to making others better through honesty, transparency, vulnerability, and mentoring. When I think of mentoring, I often think about the scripture Proverbs 27:17 – "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion]. As humans, we are designed to be in relationships. Everyone, regardless of their developmental level, has something to offer another person. In The Pastors’ Diaries, An Intimate Look Behind the Pulpit, a diversity of pastors and faith-based leaders share intimate stories and journeys of the pressures, pain, trauma, resiliency, growth, self-actualization, and faith development process experienced while serving in ministry. The use of deliberate self-disclosure in the therapeutic process, in this case, The Pastors’ Diaries, can have some real benefits including building rapport with other pastors; reducing uneasy feelings of telling a stranger about your feelings, thoughts, and experiences; humanizing the pastor in other pastor’s eyes; and showing that pastors are not alone in their struggles. This book is a must read for pastors and faith-based leaders, assisting them as they embark on their own process of reflection, development, and healing. This book can also assist professionals in a variety of settings with understanding the worldview of pastors through a multicultural lens. I applaud each contributor of this book, serving both as an indirect and direct mentor.

Taunya Marie Tinsley, PhD, DMin, NCC, LPC

Transitions Counseling Services, LLC Love & Basketball Ministries

Oh My Goodness! This is a must-read for every pastor and member. As a preacher’s kid, ordained minister, and therapist to pastors, this book gives voice to the struggles behind the pulpit while ultimately empowering the pastor to persevere through the pressure and the pain. This book does something we therapists can’t do: connect pastors’ stories with other pastors’ stories. We begin to heal when we tell our stories in safe places. A healthy pastor balances power, pride, and passion in a Christ-centered way; an unhealthy pastor destroys. For congregates, it gives them a window into the struggle and builds empathy and grace. If you are a believer, I challenge you to read this book and share it.

Rev. Desiree Guyton, MDiv, MA, LPC, CEO of Healing Quest Counseling Villages and Quest Trauma Healing Centers.

In his book the ‘Pastors’ Diaries,’ Dr. Larry Anderson pulls back the curtain and pierces the sacred veil that we guard so closely. As the curtain is drawn, we are reminded that we are just men and women of God. Called, no doubt. Committed, for sure but still just men and women of God.

What is revealed behind this veil are the pains and the pressures. The struggles with power and pride, as well as the difficulty of living on the pedestals that those places us on, and those that we create for ourselves. The stories are real, and they are all personal but each one will resonate with those who serve in ministry as well as with those who would like to sit on the porch and peek in from a distance into the pastor’s world.

For those of us who are pastors, these stories will remind us of some places we have traveled or maybe presently traveling, but also warn us as Paul did the Ephesian Elders in Acts 20:8 be on guard for yourselves. Pastoring is not for the faint of heart.

To others who are not pastors my prayer is that the stories will allow you to see the human side of pastors. The flaws, the folly, and the fate that sometimes emerges. Read these diaries and recognize that these are the stories of some of God’s servants who may have hearts of iron but feet of clay.

Hal J. Hopkins NAMB Church Planting Catalyst and Sr. Pastor of Lighthouse Baptist Church, Breinigsville PA.

Contributors

1. Dr. Daniel S. Hyun, Village Church Baltimore MD. Author of The Bible in 52 Weeks for Men

2. Dr. Christopher J. Betner Sr. Pastor of Delval East, The Lifehouse Church, NJ

3. Sonya M. Sessoms, MBA, MDiv., Sr. Pastor Sound of Worship Center (Killeen, TX) Author of How I Faithed it Over

4. Pastor Robert C. Whitmire M.Div Pastor of Grace & Peace Community Fellowship; Executive Director of Timoteo Sports Philadelphia PA

5. Dr. James L. Betner, Senior Pastor Delaware Valley Baptist Church of Willingboro NJ

6. Dr. Sean Wise Associate Pastor Sharon Baptist Church Philadelphia

7. Dr. D. Kyle Canty, Assistant Pastor of Great Commission Church Philadelphia Co-Author of Ask Me Why I’m Not in Church

8. Dr. Thomas Dawson Jr. Senior Pastor SOAR Church Woodbine, NJ. Author of From Decline to Deliverance

9. Rev. Ruben Ortiz, Director of National Programs, Esperanza Philadelphia.

10. Dr. Clarence E. Wright, Senior Pastor Love Zion Baptist Church Philadelphia, Assistant Professor of Practical Theology, Missio Seminary.

11. Pastor Victor O. Kirk, Sr. Senior Pastor Sharon Bible Fellowship Church, MD

12. Shannon M. Mason, MSEd, PhD, Senior Pastor New and Living Way Ministries

13. Ricky Wilson THM, Senior Pastor Christian Faith Fellowship, Downingtown, PA

14. Dr. Damone B. Jones Sr. Senior Pastor Bible Way Baptist Church Philadelphia, Advisory Board for Phila. Department of Prisons Founder BrothaHood Foundation

15. Dr. Dan K. Williams Senior Pastor New Life in Christ Fellowship Coatesville PA. Pennsylvania State Representative

16. Rev. Paul J. James, Senior Pastor Careview Community Church, Lansdowne, PA

17. Pastor John Cope, Keystone Fellowship North Wales, PA

18. Rev. Dr. Jerome F. Coleman Senior Pastor First Baptist Church Crestmont, Willow Grove PA.

19. Rev. Dr. James D. Jackson Senior Pastor Goodwin Memorial Baptist Church Harrisburg PA.

20. Pastor Darryl C. Dade Senior Pastor Living Water Christian Fellowship Church, Phila. PA

21. Dr. Robert J. Fontell Senior Pastor of Calvary Christian Church, Philadelphia PA.

22. Dr. Anthony W. Hurst Sr. Associate Pastor Gospel Spreading Church, Philadelphia PA

23. Rev. Dr. Michael K. Heath, Senior Pastor First AME Church Sharon Hill, PA.

24. Pastor Joshua D. Crans Providence Church Coatesville, PA

25. Pastor Alonzo J. Johnson Senior Pastor Believers Bible Fellowship, Phila. PA

Contents

Foreword

Acknowledgments

Introduction

PRESSURE

Introduction

Larry L. Anderson Jr.

Pressure

Larry L. Anderson Jr.

A Pastor’s Journey with Pressure

Paul J. James

Fight Club Rules

Michael K. Heath

Pastoring with Pressure

Thomas Dawson Jr.

He’s There No Matter What

Darryl C. Dade

Pressure Summary

Larry L. Anderson Jr.

PAIN

Introduction

Larry L. Anderson Jr.

Pain

Larry L. Anderson Jr.

The Pain of Rejection

Anthony W. Hurst, Sr.

Not ‘Where’ But ‘What’

Shannon M. Mason

Abandoned But Not Alone

Jerome F. Coleman

Where Do Women Fit?

Sonya M. Sessoms

Pain Summary

Larry L. Anderson Jr.

POWER

Introduction

Larry L. Anderson Jr.

Power

Larry L. Anderson Jr.

Called To This

James L. Betner

Countercultural Power

Daniel S. Hyun

Real Power

Victor O. Kirk, Sr.

Powerless

Clarence E. Wright

Power Summary

Larry L. Anderson Jr.

PRIDE

Introduction

Larry L. Anderson Jr.

Pride

Larry L. Anderson Jr.

My Battle With Pride

Sean Wise

The High Price of Pride

Robert J. Fontell

Pride Before The Fall

James D. Jackson

Learning to Take the Low Road

D. Kyle Canty

Pride Summary

Larry L. Anderson Jr.

Pedestal

Introduction

Larry L. Anderson Jr.

Pedestal

Larry L. Anderson Jr.

God Does Not Show Favoritism

Alonzo J. Johnson

A Pastor’s Reflection on His Pedestal

Paul J. James

The Pressure and Pursuit of the Pedestal

Joshua D. Crans

A Heavy Heritage

Christopher J. Betner

Pedestal Summary

Larry L. Anderson Jr.

PERSEVERANCE

Introduction

Larry L. Anderson Jr.

Perseverance

Larry L. Anderson Jr.

The Minister’s Unpardonable Sin

Matthias J. Wilkinson

My Worst Sunday Morning Ever

John Cope

How I Persevered Through Tragedy

Ricky Wilson

My Journey Into The Far Country and Back

Alexander Hughes

Perseverance Summary

Larry L. Anderson Jr.

PASSION BEYOND THE PULPIT

Introduction

Larry L. Anderson Jr.

Passion beyond the Pulpit

Larry L. Anderson Jr.

Policy and People, Caring for Both

Dan K. Williams

Beyond The Church Walls

Robert C. Whitmire

Becoming the Hope for Others

Rubén Ortiz

Purpose Beyond the Pulpit

Damone B. Jones, Sr.

Passion beyond the Pulpit Summary

Larry L. Anderson Jr.

About the Author

Foreword

I have known Dr. Larry Anderson for more than a decade. We first met, somewhat auspiciously, while waiting in the visitor’s lobby at a state prison. A longtime, mutual friend and fellow laborer for social justice had recently invited me to join a group called Community Forgiveness and Restoration (CFR), of which Dr. Anderson serves as the chairman.

As I approached the small gathering of official-looking people in the visitor’s waiting area and searched for anyone from the group that I was invited to join, I heard the person who extended the invitation exclaim enthusiastically, Hello Dr. Wright! So glad you could make it today. I want you to meet Rev. Dr. Larry Anderson. With those words still echoing across the waiting room, a man with piercing eyes and a skeptical look on his face gaze at me, as if to say, So who is this brother, really? I will suspend my enthusiasm for a while, until he shows me who he really is!

What I learned about Reverend Dr. Larry Anderson that day was that besides being a difficult one to impress, he embodies three roles. As a reverend, he is a man of God by vocation, by deed, and by proclamation. As a doctor, he is a man of intelligence and academic prowess, as well as a dedicated lifelong learner. This is represented by his academic achievements and his dedication to the service of others. Additionally, Larry Anderson is also just real good people, as evidenced in his consistent physical, spiritual, and emotional presentation, regardless of whether he is preaching, teaching, or serving in the community. He shows up with his authentic self and expects the same from others.

From the first day I met Dr. Anderson, he demonstrated his compassion for those on the margins of life. He embodies the mission of the Historical Jesus of Nazareth’s ministry introduced in Luke 4:18: He anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives … to let the oppressed go free (NRSV). I, as an individual, and my ministry have been blessed by my friendship and partnership in service with Dr. Larry Anderson.

I have witnessed his humanity up close and personal via prison ministry, community outreach, and the grace he extends to all of us who made mistakes in life. In working with Dr. Anderson, we have shared many interests that lead to supporting our community with resources, which allowed people to recover and be self-determinant in their healing process. We share our mutual concern for faith leaders, clergy, and pastors responsible for congregations in a world where religion and faith are too often misunderstood or misconstrued. We have discussed my project, Healthy Pastor/Healthy Church: Who Comforts the Spiritual Leader; how growing up as a preacher’s kid influenced my perspective on health and wellness for pastors; and the similarities Dr. Anderson experiences, not only as a pastor but also being in a leadership role that supports other pastors.

This project, The Pastors’ Diaries: An Intimate Look behind the Pulpit, is the result of Dr. Anderson’s decades of experience serving the church, the community, and becoming a trusted confidant by other pastors.

This book addresses the myriad of challenges faced by pastors and faith-leaders with a wide variety of perspectives that have resulted from real-life experiences in the trenches of pastoral shepherding. In this book, Dr. Anderson has brought together a group of pastors to share their stories in such a way that other pastors can relate those stories to their own lives and that parishioner can gain a sense of what men and women of God go through as part of their commission and commitment to ministry.

Readers will be transported from the comfort of their own existence to the sometimes-unimaginable realities of doing ministry in the twenty-first century. The challenges of today’s generation are real and complex. The expectations of pastors are often unrealistic. The need for self-care goes unacknowledged or is unknown by too many pastors. In this book, Dr. Anderson brings these realities to light and offers biblical solutions and common-sense approaches to self-assessment and healing.

The Pastors’ Diaries is a must-read for faith leaders in any capacity, but especially so for pastors and clergy responsible for leading others to a relationship with Christ. Congregants will also benefit immensely from glancing behind the curtain of pastorship. Readers, regardless of vocation, will learn of the challenges inherent in being a pastor and, hopefully, become more empathetic and supportive of the men and women called by God to lead the community of faith.

I am thrilled that this book is finally available. I have no doubt that readers around the world will agree that Dr. Anderson and the brave people who shared their personal and professional experiences have delivered a wonderful contribution to literature and to the community of faith.

Peace and blessings,

Dr. H. Jean Wright II:

Deputy commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services.

Adjunct professor for the Department of Psychology at Temple University.