Why "Wounded?"

About my word choice for this writing project

Why am I entitling this writing project, The “Wounded” Pastor?

Wouldn’t The “Courageous” Pastor be more compelling? Wouldn’t The “Innovative” Pastor be more intriguing? Wouldn’t The “Determined” Pastor be more desirable?

Probably.

Won’t identifying as a “wounded” pastor cause people to think of me as weak, damaged, and incapable?

Maybe.

Couldn’t writing about being a “wounded” pastor jeopardize my ability to secure another job in ministry?

Possibly.

Though titling this project The “Wounded” Pastor may have a negative impact on my ability to gain subscribers or strengthen my reputation, I didn’t name it what I did for personal gain. I used the word “wounded” because…

I AM A “WOUNDED” PERSON.

Physically wounded by a ruptured achilles. Spiritually wounded by the devastating effects of my sins against God. Emotionally wounded by the unfortunate impact of others’ sin against me. Mentally wounded by the inescapable consequences of living in a fallen world. “Wounded” is my reality.

I MINISTER TO “WOUNDED” PEOPLE.

People wounded by their parents. People wounded by their kids. People wounded by their circumstances. People wounded by religion. People wounded by abusers. People wounded by racism. People wounded by lies. “Wounded” is the world’s condition.

JESUS WAS A “WOUNDED” SAVIOR.

Wounded by the religious leaders of that day. Wounded by His disciples. Wounded by the crowds. Wounded by the sin of humanity. Wounded by the wrath of God. Wounded by the crown of thorns on His head and the nails through His flesh. “Wounded” was Christ’s way.

Henri Nouwen in his daily devotional Bread for the Journey says what I’m trying to say much better than I ever could…

Nobody escapes being wounded. We are all wounded people, whether physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. The main question is not 'How can we hide our wounds?' so we don't have to be embarrassed but 'How can we put our woundedness in the service of others?' When our wounds cease to be a source of shame and become a source of healing, we have become wounded healers.

Jesus is God’s wounded healer: through his wounds we are healed. Jesus’ suffering and death brought joy and life. His humiliation brought glory; his rejection brought a community of love. As followers of Jesus we can also allow our wounds to bring healing to others.

Ultimately, I chose to entitle this writing project The “Wounded” Pastor because “woundedness” was the divine road Jesus Christ traveled to bring wholeness into the world. I must follow His lead.

Woundedness is not an obstacle. Woundedness is the way.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

Community Opportunity

In the comments below, please share how you have or how you can as Nouwen writes, “put your woundedness in the service of others.” I’d love to dialogue with you!