So many parts to this day, Father, and I am grateful that You were the glue that kept it all together.
Luke 10:7 (<<click to read the passage)
As many of you know, I am a pastor – a bi-vocational pastor – but that by no means makes me any less a pastor. In my lifetime I have served in a total of seven churches both in full- and part-time positions. I have worked in just about every area of church ministry – music, youth, children, and now I serve two congregations as the pastor. I’m not sure how else to label it, as I am the only paid ministerial staff at both.
I find great pleasure and satisfaction in serving as a bi-vocational pastor. In my very first “paid” position, I didn’t really have the title of pastor…I was in college at the time. But I was a youth leader and was blessed to serve under a wonderful, compassionate pastor. His name was Tom Lasley and he, himself, had served as a bi-vocational pastor for a good part of his life. He was an educator by trade and before retirement had served as a school superintendent – all the while pastoring in a local church. I remember him saying to me on more than one occasion that small churches deserved good pastors, too, not just the big ones. Following his example, I continue to be blessed.
I cannot tell you what my income has been at any church I have served – not even the churches I currently serve. I have been well provided for by them all. My needs have been met and I truly have wanted for nothing while under their care. I have been appreciated. I know that I have been loved. The people with whom I sojourned on this side of eternity were there for me and I have been there for them.
Oh, sure, there have been many challenges along the way, but I have no complaints. In their care to me, my churches – all seven of them – have taken excellent care of me and my family.
When Jesus sent forth his disciples, He was sending them into the unknown. They would minister in many ways and to a wide variety of people. Jesus himself encouraged them to not hesitate in accepting the hospitality of those caring for them. Yes, they had needs but those needs would be met because “the laborer is worthy of his wages.”
My congregations are not perfect…but then neither am I. We work together. We journey together, side by side. When one falls, the other extends a lifting hand. That is the Church.
Lord Jesus, help those who serve and those who serve them to both be all about serving You. Help us all to appreciate the best in each other and to readily forgive when we fail. Amen.
May 19th, 2020, Tue, 9:02 pm
