I’ve had the joy of serving as interim pastor of a church in NC for more than 14 months. While the pastor search team is pressing forward to find our next pastor, I’ve been reminded over and over again just how special God’s people are. My prayer is that this post will (1) help weary pastors reflect again on good people in their congregation, and (2) encourage laypersons in God’s church. Here are some reasons I’m thankful for the laity in my church:
- They love Pam and me. I have absolutely no question about their love. It’s genuine. It’s deep. It makes us want to be with them. It’s a gift to us.
- They pray for me. I know they do because many tell me they do—and I’m sure others do as well. Lay leaders who take seriously their responsibility to intercede for me bring me great joy. I can’t explain how much it means to me when someone is praying for me throughout the week and then during my sermon.
- They bring to our congregation life skills and tested wisdom. That’s why I love to talk to them and learn from them. Our congregation is richer because our laity love the Lord, have found their place in the body (1 Cor 12), and serve Him sacrificially with their gifts and talents.
- Many demonstrate decades-long faithfulness that challenges me to keep pressing on. Many have been through much pain in life, but still they can say from experience what the psalmist said: “I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous abandoned or his children begging for bread” (Psa 37:25).
- By their support, they give me courage to stand strong. They want to hear the Scriptures, and they regularly encourage me to “just keep preaching the Word.” I know they have my back—and I don’t have to stand alone.
- They are gospel lights throughout our community. Our pastoral staff of four will never reach our community on our own (nor should we try). Instead, we have the privilege of walking beside and encouraging lay members who live and work throughout our ministry region. They’re the ones best positioned to make a dent in the spiritual darkness around us.
- They’re fun to hang around. Every church, of course, has somebody who’s not always fun—but I’ve learned that “fun” laity outnumber the others in most churches. They make me smile. They make me laugh. They fill me with joy.
I’ve pastored two churches and served as interim pastor of several churches over the years. I pray every pastor would be as blessed as I have been in leading great laypeople. Thank you, my brothers and sisters in Christ!
