I still carry some hurt around everyday…. bearing the burdens of others, broken promises made to me, people who give up so early, people who are not consistent, etc. It has always been hard for me when people go back on their word. I was taught early not to do that. I think, “I will be there next Sunday” is probably the number one lie I have gotten over the years. I was talking to an evangelist years ago in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. He was a Pastor just for 2 years in the Atlanta area. He quit because he got tired of the same people complaining all the time. Everything thing from ‘It’s to hot in the nursery,” to Pastor, “Johnny got drunk again, what should I do?” A Pastor needs a strong wife like I have in Sharon, she helps keep me accountable to God in all things. A Pastor needs strong board members, deacons, and other biblical leaders in the Church. Bearing the burden of others is my greatest weakness. It pains me so much to see others hurting. Some people forget that a Pastor is a human being, please do not take them for granted.
Pastors are so very special. This is a very good message by Chuck lawless in CHURCHLEADERS:
Thirty-six years ago at this time of year, I was talking with a search committee as I considered my first local church pastorate. I was so pumped that I’m sure I was obnoxious around my family and friends. Nobody except a pastor can fully understand the excitement that comes with a first pastorate. What I didn’t know then, though, was that the pastorate often brings its own types of pain capable of hurting pastors: More Here
