Disclaimer (Kind of)

A disclaimer is usually meant to let someone off the hook legally, ethically, or otherwise. If you Google it (and yes, I still Google things), you’ll find it defined as “a statement that denies something, especially responsibility.”

So here’s my version of a disclaimer… kind of.

Problem #1 – I’m an Active Pastor

At the time of this writing, I’m currently serving as a pastor. That means what I say,whether spoken, written, or posted online, matters to my church, its leadership, and the people I’m called to shepherd. It’s all on record in one way or another. That’s not a complaint; it’s just the reality of the role.

I take that seriously. My relationship with the church is important, and I want to protect it, not strain it. So while I won’t avoid truth or honesty here, I will do my best not to be careless with my words. I try not to speak or write in ways that intentionally harm the community I serve.

Problem #2 – I’m Also Just Me

I don’t expect everyone to agree with me. To be honest, sometimes I don’t even agree with myself. I grow. Often, I change my mind. (Hopefully, it is for the better.) I wrestle with Scripture and life just like anyone else.

So when I write or speak, I ask myself a few questions: Is this really worth saying? Am I calling someone out unnecessarily? Am I speaking from conviction, or just reacting? And most importantly, am I standing on truth? When I write, it is often an opportunity for me to think outloud. Also, writting provides an avenue for thoughts that I do not have venues to teach/preach at the moment…so you might see some of both.

I’ve been in ministry long enough to know that someone will always be upset. That’s just life. So, with the grace and patience I try to extend to others, I hope you’ll return a bit of it my way.

Problem #3 – I Hope to Encourage You

We live in a world of online outrage and keyboard warriors. It’s probably only a matter of time before something I say ends up being shared as an example of ignorance, narrow-mindedness, or worse.

That doesn’t change my goal: I genuinely hope to encourage you.

My desire is to help you walk more closely with Christ and to see how the Bible speaks to real life. Scripture isn’t just a set of ancient rules, it’s God’s living Word, and it’s deeply relevant today. As Paul wrote, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV). That’s what I believe, and that’s what I’m aiming to share is a way for you to teach, study, share, or train on your walk.

Problem #4 – I Will Fail You

I will fail you. Please expect that.

Why? Because I expect you to fail me too. We’re human. It doesn’t mean failure won’t hurt. It will. But it does mean we shouldn’t be shocked when it happens. Grace isn’t just a theological idea; it’s a daily necessity. We’ll both need it, often.

In Conclusion (Pastor Mark’s Takeaway:)

I hope this site, its posts, podcasts, articles, and everything else, can be a place of encouragement. Sometimes, I hope it challenges and blesses you. Ultimately, I hope it leads you deeper into Scripture and closer to Jesus.

So, this is my disclaimer… kind of.

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Again, this is one of those articles that appeared on my original site. It felt good to write it, again. If you would like to find out what happened to the original, please click here.