Don’t pastors only work one day a week? I have heard that line too many times.
Yes, Sunday is our BIG work day (I thought it was a day of rest?) But the rest of the week is mostly preparing for that big day or following up on what happened that day. Caring for people, leading a vast team of volunteers, training workers to serve, and preparing a new 30 minute public speech that is encouraging, convicting, entertaining and understandable to the committed, the casual, and the callous. And when somebody criticizes anything going on at the church we are expected to smile and say “God bless you”.
That’s why I love to get with other pastors. Not only do I learn how to do my job better, I also feel that somebody understands me.
This week I am at my college, Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. This is where I met my wife, Judy – the first day in the registration line. This is where many of my best friends in ministry obtained their education. I love catching up on what’s going on with family, life, and church.
I wish I could share everything that has happened, but two messages today seemed like a double-barreled shotgun. Two pastors shared their heart and hurts. The longer I’ve been in ministry (this year marks 36 years) the more I realize that the names and faces change, but we all face the same issues. So, I want to simply share with you two questions that I had to ask myself after listening to the messages. Maybe you can ask yourself the same question.
What is your treasure?
Pastor Jon Haley (Hallmark Baptist in Fort Worth Texas) expanded my understanding of Jesus’ comments about ‘treasure’ in Matthew 6:19-33. In this passage we are encouraged not to work for or trust in our money. But what if our ‘treasure’ isn’t money or possessions? What if our ‘treasure’ is ministry? Treasure is anything that captures our heart. Ministry can certainly capture our heart.
What if the problems I have in ministry have little to do with programs or people? What if the problems are all about my heart? Is my heart treasuring the wrong treasure?
Do you know that everyone lives for a treasure? Do you know that your treasure controls your heart? Do you know that your heart controls your thoughts and actions?
Pastor Jon (and Jesus) encourage us to make Jesus our treasure, not our ministry. When Jesus is our treasure, He will give us the kingdom (Luke 12:32). So why struggle in our futile power to obtain it? Jesus wants to give it to us.
What is going to stop you?
Pastor Bob Baier (Antioch Baptist near Kansas City, MO) used one verse (1 Thessalonians 1:3) to challenge us to make 3 commitments to ministry:
- Work of Faith. Ministry is hard work.
- Labor of Love. Loving others can be tiresome. It’s not easy. We need to love people like Jesus did – to the end (John 13:1).
- Steadfastness of Hope. We need to endure, persevere, and remain under the pressure of ministry. Don’t let anything stop you. Long ministry can be discouraging. But, like Jacob, we need to hang on to God. But you don’t wrestle with God and win. Like Jacob, you always leave with a limp – and that’s a good thing.
if you are a pastor, I hope you are encouraged to treasure Jesus and keep serving Him and His kingdom. If you aren’t a pastor, would you please encourage your pastor. Your prayer and words of encouragement may be just what He needs to stay in the ministry.