Faith isn’t always tidy, and neither is the life of a pastor. Not the Perfect Pastor is where I write about following Jesus in the middle of everyday life—the questions, the struggles, the grace, and the work God is still doing in us.
I’m Lynn Malone, a pastor, husband, father, grandfather, and small business owner. Here you’ll find reflections on Scripture, discipleship, the church, and occasionally something that simply got me thinking. I write from a Wesleyan perspective, with a conviction that God’s grace meets us where we are and doesn’t leave us there.
I answered the call to ministry in 1991 after more than eight years as a deputy sheriff in my native Louisiana. I served United Methodist congregations for over 28 years, including appointments as a district superintendent and senior pastor of First Methodist Monroe. I’m a graduate of Louisiana Tech University and Asbury Theological Seminary.
Today, I’m an ordained elder in the Evangelical Methodist Church and serve as pastor of Haughton Methodist Church in East Bossier Parish, Louisiana. We’re a small congregation seeking to help people know Christ and grow as His disciples.
In 2021, my wife, Vanessa, and I purchased SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service in Ruston, Louisiana. These days, ministry and business share space in my life. Some conversations happen at church; others happen while caring for customers at the shop. Both remind me that following Jesus reaches into every part of life.
Vanessa and I have four children and eight grandchildren. I enjoy reading, writing, golf—I didn’t say I was good at it—traveling anywhere there’s a beach, dining out, and, please don’t tell anyone, shopping.
I haven’t figured it all out. I’m still learning to practice what I preach and trust the grace I tell others about. If you are, too, I hope you’ll find something here that encourages you along the way.
If any of my reflections encouraged or challenged you, follow Not the Perfect Pastor on Facebook for more conversations about faith, ministry, and becoming faithful disciples of Jesus.
Not the Perfect Pastor 
I have heard Lynn Malone preach at Reily UMC & 1st Meth in Monroe is in for a treat. God Bless.
Loving your blog! Sunday was awesome- you do give a great sermon.
Thanks, Jan. I do love to preach. I hope I didn’t set the bar too high! Blessings!
I`ve been enjoying this blog.
God bless!!!
Lynn,
We just listened to your Easter message that you posted on FB. Such a beautiful message. We are not on FB or any other social media but wanted you to know that we were blessed by your words today.
Andy and Lillian Holley
So great to hear from you, Andy. I pray all is well with you and Lillian. Thanks for watching! Be blessed! LM
Hi Pastor Malone ,
I just found your blog… I’m listening to FUMC this morning……Wondering if this is your son preaching …….. doing a wonderful job. Hope all is well with you .
God bless ,
Patrina
Thanks for reading my blog. Hope you enjoyed it. I am no longer serving at FUMC. The pastor there is Brian Mercer. He always does a great job. Blessings! LM
You sermon Sunday (3/12) on women, water worship and witnessing was very good, the book of John is so full of great lessons.
Hope to hear you again.
Betty Gartman
Lynn: Thinking of you and Vanessa from time to time and trust that both of you are doing well. Wishing the best for you and your family. John and Anne Yount( First Methodist-Monroe)
We miss you and all the folks at First Monroe. Blessings to all!
I’m watching your episode of Island Life and thought I’d leave you a note. God bless and enjoy your beach life.
Cool! Where are you from?