THREE PERSPECTIVES
Psalm 23 for Narcissistic Pastor
I’ve been called as Shepherd of this church.
I should have all my needs provided for.
Make me lie down in pastures of admiration and praise.
Lead me besides still waters to slake my thirst.
Provide me plenty of private time to restore my creative genius,
As I lead the people in the right paths I have chosen.
Even when the society is experiencing conflict and trouble,
My people should not be afraid,
For I am with them,
My wisdom and guidance should comfort them.
They should provide a rich banquet of salary and benefits
That are the envy of my competitive colleagues.
I should be seen as God’s anointed one,
An example of how faith leads to prosperity.
Surely the congregation shall shower me with love and praise
And my reputation will follow me
Through a long pastorate into a comfortable retirement.
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Psalm 23 for a Narcissistic Congregation
If our pastor is a good Shepherd, we should not want.
You should provide a comfortable community life
And lead us to find still waters of peace.
Make us feel it is well with our souls
And lead us in paths that make us feel righteous
And loved by God.
When we walk through difficult valleys at home or work,
Calm our fears.
Use your rod to chastise our enemies
And your staff to pull us out of difficult moments.
Spread a rich table of activities before us
That entertain and delight us.
Affirm and praise us continually
And encouraged our success.
Help us to feel good about ourselves and be extra kind when we mess up.
Inspire a balanced budget and new members like us,
So that we can be a successful congregation forever.
OR CONSIDER PSALM 23 AS A MISSION STATEMENT FOR YOUR CONGREGATION
Psalm 23 for a Faithful Congregation
With the Lord as our shepherd, we should trust God for our needs.
God will provide pastures of nurture
And always help us to discover the centering still waters of peace.
We shall trust in God to continually restore our souls
And lead us in right paths
That give glory to God’s name.
Even when we experience trouble and conflict as a congregation,
We should not be afraid.
God’s chastising word and forgiving mercy shall comfort us.
God shall provide us with moments of celebration even in difficult times.
We shall be strengthened by God’s anointing call
And the memory of God’s blessings shall give us courage for the future.
Surely God’s goodness and grace shall triumph in our lives,
And we shall grow in faith from all circumstances our whole life long.
