I'd like to reaffirm something I have believed for a really long time. Pastors are the greatest people in the world. The men and women (and their spouses) who serve their Savior by serving people in the local church are the most giving, loving, self-sacrificing people I know. I'm not saying this because I am a pastor. I'm saying this because I'm no longer a pastor and I am not returning to that vocation.
Long before I began this new journey of living faithfully outside the brick and mortar church, I began to question my ability to serve as a pastor. I questioned my desire to serve as a pastor. I questioned God's call on my life. Some of what I'm about to say will serve as vindication to some of the strongest critics from my past. That's okay because they are still wrong in many of the things they said and did. I must also post the disclaimer that these thoughts have very little to do with the events that resulted in my decision to resign from our last church. These thoughts are the result are the honest outcome of almost two years of seeking God's guidance and direction on my life. If I am to live faithfully this year, or any other year, I must take these steps.
To those people who say "Yes" to a call of pastoral ministry, they take on the greatest challenges, the greatest sacrifices, the greatest struggles, and reap the greatest rewards because of it. They experience grace in ways that no one can understand unless they have said yes to the same call. I can boldly make such a statement because I have been there. God graciously enables pastors to take all kinds of hits from forces in the material and spiritual world and still come out as loving people in the end. October was "Pastor Appreciation Month." I hope your pastor felt appreciated.
To the guys who are my best friends in the world, thank you for all you do. Thank you for saying yes everyday to whatever and wherever God leads you. Thank you for understanding and believing me when I say that I too am saying yes to God by stepping out of this select group of wonderful people.
My ten years of pastoral ministry were wonderful. I saw and experienced many great things. I was able to grow closer to God in a way that I personally would not have been able to if I had been a lay person in the church. Those ten years were not mistakes nor do I believe this year and those to come will be. They are all part of the journey.
Despite the amount of space devoted to my own feelings and experience, this post really isn't about me It's about you. When things get discouraging, don't let it get to you. You are doing God's work. Remember that faithfulness matters, nothing else. It was Abraham's faith that caused him to be considered righteous. Pastors, you really are the greatest people in the world.
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2 comments:
Hey Matt,
From the beginning, I realized that being a pastor had a lot to do with impossibility. I am so inept in so many ways. Yet, 'Nothing is impossible with God.'
There are two job descriptions attached to my position. The small stuff is on my to do list; the impossible stuff is on God's to do list. God even sends people my way to help me with the small stuff. I don't get in trouble as long as I am careful not to allow people to convince me that I am responsible for that larger list.
Miss our 'pastor bantor' because you have been one of those 'sent ones' in my life. I trust you and your integrity to do the right thing before the Lord.
Teaching is also a calling. Ministry has many faces. I suspect we can be embarrassed when we tell God what our ministry is...instead of letting Him tell us what our ministry is all about.
On a less serious note, I know that you were talking about Pastor James and Pastor Randy. But, may I remind you that they let me hang around them...sometimes. (LOL)
Getting back to seriousness, I might also add that lay ministry is so very powerful...in that all Christians can experience Shepherding...in various forms. Part of my spiritual formation was in being a Sunday school teacher. I knew that God would prepare my heart, if I were willing to faithfully teach His Word. I still teach Sunday school...in an adjunct class...to receive a personal blessing of God's inspiration to serve.
This blog may be a real instrument of spiritual formation for all your friends...lay and pastoral. Please pray for me and remember that I am apt to read the words you pen on your blogs.
Blessings
Whatever God calls you to is your calling. You'll be a "pastor" wherever you go and whatever you do, whether or not it's a part of your official job title...my opinion.
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