Dear Shepherd, You Are Not the Holy Spirit -Dear Pastor Series 1

Welcome to the Dear Pastor Series
A heartfelt letter from a member to their beloved shepherd.

First, we honor and deeply appreciate your spiritual leadership, your sacrifice, and the weight you carry in shepherding God’s people.
You are a gift to the body of Christ.

“And He gave some… pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints and the building up of the body”(Ephesians 4:11–12).

But just as iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), this series comes from a place of love, growth, and accountability.

It is not criticism, it’s conversation. Not rebellion, it’s reflection.

We’re asking that, as you teach and guide, you also listen and consider.

There are things we’d love you to see through the lens of the people you serve, Our struggles, our wrestles, our humanity.

So stay with us. Each part of this series seeks to build bridges, not walls.

Let the Holy Spirit speak through these words and stir something fresh in both pulpit and pew.

Let’s begin…

Some pastors pride themselves in building a “saintly” congregation—people who appear flawless, always do the right thing, and never miss the mark. While this may seem noble, it often leads to an environment where self-righteousness is quietly celebrated, and spiritual performance replaces genuine encounters with God.

Without knowing it, many leaders project their unresolved trauma as doctrine. They create unspoken rules out of fear, not faith. These rules become the culture. Over time, members who sincerely want to grow begin to carry burdens never meant for them. Instead of shining their light to the world, they live under guilt, shame, and fear of failure.

And then, when one of these “well-fed” members falls into sin, mistake, or weakness, the pain in the leader’s voice is often not just grief, but disappointment:

“After all the teachings you’ve received in this church? After how I brag about you?”

Dear man or woman of God, you are not the Holy Spirit. You can teach, counsel, and correct, but only God can transform.

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord.

(Zechariah 4:6)

Yes, Christ came for the lost (Luke 19:10). Yes, the righteous may fall seven times but will rise again (Proverbs 24:16). Yes, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).

We must correct in love, not condemn in pride. Shepherds are called to restore, not destroy.

Am I suggesting we endorse sin or promote carelessness? Absolutely not.

As Paul wrote:

“Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid!”

(Romans 6:1–2)

But we must remember: spiritual growth is a process. Like a baby learning to walk, believers will stumble, fall, cry, and stand again. Your job is not to imprison them with your expectations, but to lead them with truth, grace, and patience.

“Feed my sheep,” Jesus said, not fix them.

(John 21:17)

Don’t let your trauma define their freedom. Don’t keep your congregation “local” because you’re afraid of worldly influence. We are the light of the world, not just of the church (Matthew 5:14).

Heal. Grow. Let go of religious pride. Teach the Word. Model grace. Let the Holy Spirit do His job.

And when your members fall, don’t shame them. Love them. Restore them.

That’s what a true shepherd does.