The tension between living out the pastoral role and being genuine will be played out differently. For me, the decision hinges on the answer to this question: "Which will better enhance the ministry of Christ in the church?"
—Ben Patterson

I felt a little ashamed of myself for doing it, but not enough to stop myself.

It was my day off; my wife and I had taken our usual long walk, had breakfast together, and stopped in a clothing store to shop. When I saw two church members in the boutique, I quickly ducked behind a mannequin. I was tired, it was my day off, and I didn't feel like extending any greetings. Making sure they weren't looking, I slipped out of the store and made my escape.

It wasn't pastoral of me, but it was honest. And it illustrates a struggle I face in the pastorate—trying to balance the tension between the personal and the professional—being the person I am and being that person called a "pastor."

Other professions live with the same tension, but they can handle it more efficiently. ...