I’ve met many pastors throughout my service to the Lord as a pastor, missionary, and associational leader. The overwhelming majority have been men of deep faith, with a sincere desire to glorify Christ. Honesty requires I acknowledge the exceptions, but by God’s grace they have been rare in my personal experience.
Events of the past several days have drawn my attention to three types of pastors worth noting. These do not represent any particular individuals I’ve encountered lately, but in visiting with pastors whose churches were most affected by hurricane Laura across GTBN and southwest Louisiana, three general categories have emerged.
The first is the pastor whose church took a hit, but remains a vital ministry hub even as they assess and overcome their own damages. The church recognizes God’s place for them in His kingdom work, and their circumstance as an opportunity to engage their neighbors with the gospel through recovery ministry. The pastor’s faithful discipleship is evident.
The second is the pastor as godly and dedicated as the first, but whose congregation appears absent in the clean-up. Many are overcome with their losses, unable to serve until their own house is in order. Others would have stepped up in their youth, but the years have caught up with them. And sometimes, even with godly, sound leadership, the sheep just do not follow. Remember Jeremiah.
The third pastor serves a congregation in an almost forgotten field. Once upon a time, when people seldom traveled far from home, the church was a vibrant center of ministry. Today the members’ children and grandchildren live and worship in town. The remaining congregation is elderly, with this the only church they have known. With little hope for growth, this pastor serves them faithfully, challenging them to continued trust and obedience towards God.
When I was in preacher school, I longed to be that first pastor, and indeed I’ve had that blessing. But I’ve also been that second and third pastor.
What I’d like you to know is that each is God’s man, shepherding the flock that He has placed around him. Each is a success, faithfully following the Lord’s leadership. His service makes our Savior smile.
Each is my mission field.
Bro. Jim
Events of the past several days have drawn my attention to three types of pastors worth noting. These do not represent any particular individuals I’ve encountered lately, but in visiting with pastors whose churches were most affected by hurricane Laura across GTBN and southwest Louisiana, three general categories have emerged.
The first is the pastor whose church took a hit, but remains a vital ministry hub even as they assess and overcome their own damages. The church recognizes God’s place for them in His kingdom work, and their circumstance as an opportunity to engage their neighbors with the gospel through recovery ministry. The pastor’s faithful discipleship is evident.
The second is the pastor as godly and dedicated as the first, but whose congregation appears absent in the clean-up. Many are overcome with their losses, unable to serve until their own house is in order. Others would have stepped up in their youth, but the years have caught up with them. And sometimes, even with godly, sound leadership, the sheep just do not follow. Remember Jeremiah.
The third pastor serves a congregation in an almost forgotten field. Once upon a time, when people seldom traveled far from home, the church was a vibrant center of ministry. Today the members’ children and grandchildren live and worship in town. The remaining congregation is elderly, with this the only church they have known. With little hope for growth, this pastor serves them faithfully, challenging them to continued trust and obedience towards God.
When I was in preacher school, I longed to be that first pastor, and indeed I’ve had that blessing. But I’ve also been that second and third pastor.
What I’d like you to know is that each is God’s man, shepherding the flock that He has placed around him. Each is a success, faithfully following the Lord’s leadership. His service makes our Savior smile.
Each is my mission field.
Bro. Jim