I wish I could tell my students at Southeastern Seminary that every day in ministry will be smooth sailing. I would hope that none of them ever faces congregational opposition, but I know that won’t be the case. I want to shield them from the moral fall of those they shepherd—but I can’t do that.
Some days, ministry just hurts.
When those days happen for me, it helps me to look across the room in my office to see the three items in the picture above. The iron-cast mold of a preacher at a pulpit was the gift of an ironworker in my first church. He was a brand-new believer, and he wanted to give his young preacher a gift – so he made the statue from nuts and bolts and metal screws. I see that little statue, and I’m reminded of the honor of preaching God’s Word, leading people to the Lord, baptizing them, and watching them grow.
A dear friend whose husband was one of our church leaders made me the “bowling pin preacher” at a time when clothing yard ornament geese was the rage (I promise . . .). I have no idea why, but I already owned the bowling pin – and my friend spent hours making the outfit. I can’t help but think about godly people I’ve been privileged to lead when I see the preacher with a Bible in one arm and the other arm in a preaching stance.
Around the neck of the bowling pin preacher are the tassels I’ve worn at my graduations. I keep those in front of me because it’s believers who’ve made it possible for me to study. Both churches I pastored encouraged me to continue my education, and they helped pay my tuition. Through the Cooperative Program, Southern Baptist believers have also contributed to the cost of my training. I get to do what I do because Christ-followers have been faithful in giving and supportive in my educational endeavors.
Then, the “spiritual warfare” bear was the gift of a Boyce College class I taught in the 1990s. The college students gave him to me at the end of that semester, and he’s traveled with me to two other states. I look at that simple stuffed animal from across the room, and I’m overwhelmed to know that I have opportunity to invest in young lives who can change the world. Even if I have them for only one class, they’re God’s gift to me.
Here’s my point: when ministry days are tough, I remember just how incredibly faithful God has been to me over the years. He’s blessed me with His people. He’s shown me that even when others act wrongly, He always has faithful, maturing brothers and sisters in Christ who truly follow Him. Yesterday’s memories give me faith to press on today.
I pray that’s the same for you today.