Criticism from both sides

Today I got word that someone was considering leaving our church because they didn't want their kids "under Wes because his teachings aren't biblically based" and that I wasn't evangelical enough. That hurt because the Bible is pretty much all I know and it's central to my life and my teachings... not to mention I love it. Then, after hearing that, I got an e-mail from a parent saying that I was being too evangelical and that they didn't want their kids thinking that our church was like those "other" churches. That hurt because I love our church, its traditions, and everything that makes us unique. I feel like I'm in a boxing match with my hands tied behind my back, getting hit from every side.

My encouragement is that I am in good company. Some of the folks I respect the most get criticism from both sides of the liberal/conservative dividing line--N.T. Wright, John Hartley, Rob Bell, Jim Wallis, etc. Maybe I'm doing something right (or I might be doing it all very wrong) but it still hurts. It still isn't easy to take. The part of me that wants to be the perfect pastor and be a blessing to everyone still aches under criticism, especially the criticism I'm not sure I can do anything about.

God of surprising grace,
Grant us the freedom to be imperfect, to displease you, and to bother your people without having to lose your love. Grant strength in and through weakness. And give us the wisdom and the discernment to follow you into the gray and the fine balance of proclaiming your gospel in love.
In the name of the vulnerable and broken king of the Jews.
Amen.