January 22nd, 2010 | 
Author: I came across a great quote as I was reading Brennan Manning’s book “Souvenirs of Solitude” (Manning wrote the book while still a priest in the Catholic church). I think it really speaks to rural/small town pastors and actually the vast majority of pastors and people working for God.
“Several years ago in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Francis MacNutt shared in a personal testimony his introduction to the charismatic renewal. After receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit at a Camps Farther Out meeting, he prayed for discernment with a group of elders as to what his role in the Catholic Church should be. Francis’s mind raced, ‘A prophet? A healer like the late Kathryn Kuhlmann? A Catholic Billy Graham evangelizing the world? Perhaps God had something even more grandiose in mind: apostolic leadership – bishop, cardinal?’
“I can’t tell you how disappointed I was,” Francis said, “when the communal discernment disclosed that my role in the church was to be a loving man! That’s all?”
Manning then writes, “Yes, that was all. And the most powerful healing ministry in the American Catholic Church matured because a healer is a lover.”
So often pastors in “small” settings wonder if what we see and do is all we were meant to do as ministers, or should we be striving to move to a larger place and do something bigger. I pray MacNutt’s revelation speaks to answer that question: you have been called to love. Then, let that love begin a healing ministry in your church and community – that’s all!
God bless, Dan
About the author
Brother Dan,
I appreciate your post on simply being a lover. I serve a small congregation and am in the healing ministry as well. I've read numerous books by Francis MacNutt and am struggling with dealing with a terminally ill member of our congregation. I'm moved by the notion that I may not be called to be an instrument for God's healing, rather, simply to be a loving man. If in that love God chooses to do something miraculous, that would be great. If, however, He chooses only to let His love reign supreme, and lift spirits through that love, I'm grateful for that. It is good to be a loving person and let God minister through that love. Thanks for the post!
Dear Marty,
Please know that you are making a difference. I know when we pastors go through times like you mentioned, we feel we need to do something more. Oh, how I wish I could cry out, "Be healed" touch them and have them bound out of their beds and dance. But that is God's job and he will do it either through a miracle or at the resurrection. I take solace in knowing no matter what, God WILL get the job done. As for us pastors, we are called to be holy lovers and that is enough. I have no doubt the family you are ministering to, feels that way. I hope God fills you with that thought, for I can tell you are someone who loves, for you wouldn't be in pain if it were otherwise. So God bless you, wounded healer. Dan
Wow is all I can say. How powerful.
Heyy, Found your blog on Yahoo and I will definatley be recommending and coming back to the site! =)
Thank you so much. I am really hoping that more people will not only find this site, but make it into a large conversation. God bless, Dan
Thank you. I am hoping not only will more people find the site, but will join in the conversation. please post your thoughts and God bless, Dan