Mathew Ward said:
It seems to me that pastors have had their identity for years at FBC Hammond. Now that that isn't an option they feel alone.
Maybe if they understood their identity in Christ, they wouldn't feel orphaned.
I get your point, but I don't think it is actually accurate. There is a natural tendency to want to be with others who think/believe/feel like you do. We used to be able to do that. I don't know where to go to do that anymore. Either I've changed, or matured, or compromised, or grown, or everybody else has done one of those.
I do not want to be an isolationist. I want to fellowship with God's people. I want to enjoy the friendship of other preachers. I want to sit down and be taught something balanced, scriptural, and helpful to my ministry. I want to sing with hundreds of men. I want to laugh and love and reconnect.
...and I can't.
I'm rather secure in my relationship with Christ (and I say that with care) and have been for 27 years. I know more about why I believe what I believe than I ever have. I'm just lonely.
...and, as I said, maybe that is a good thing.