I served as a senior pastor for fourteen years in Ohio prior to becoming a seminary professor in 1996. I realize the Lord has not placed me in the role of pastor for this season of life, but here are some of the reasons I would return to pastoring if the Lord so allowed.
- The pastor’s responsibility carries eternal significance. A quick reading of Hebrews 13:17b makes this point clear: “they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account” (HCSB). The responsibility is huge – but so is the privilege.
- A pastor shares all of life with others. The pastor is often one of the first to celebrate a birth. He’s invited to celebrate birthdays, graduations, promotions . . . and most importantly, Christian conversion. He provides a shoulder in times of difficulty, and he’s there when death occurs.
- A pastor preaches the Word each week to a particular church family. He gets to help a congregation understand the Word from Genesis to Revelation. Each week, he has opportunity to dig into the Scriptures and help a local body of Christ understand and apply them well.
- The pastor sees the transforming power of the gospel at work. Sometimes, he is one of the few persons who know another person’s sin history – and thus he knows best the power of the gospel. He has seen families restored, wayward children returning, addicts set free, the weak made strong, and the lost redeemed.
- A pastor has opportunity to learn from others. The pastor is a teacher, but he also has a congregation who might teach him as well. I’m a better man today because church members have taught me through the years.
- A pastor’s work touches the world. The pastor preaches the Word and shepherds the sheep – and those sheep share the gospel with their neighbors and the nations. The gospel flourishes somewhere today because a pastor challenged a church to take seriously the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20).
- Pastors do not work alone. God not only calls pastors to the role, but He also empowers them to fulfill their calling and gifts them with others to walk with them. Pastoral work may be lonely at times, but pastors are never alone.
- There is always a better day coming. Undoubtedly, pastors face difficult challenges these days. Hope, though, is never lost. Pastors who preach faith also have the privilege of marching forward in faith.
What do you love about pastoring? If you are a layperson, what do you appreciate about what your pastor does?
Hey Chuck,
After being a Director of Missions for 5 years, at age 66, God opened the door for me to pastor again. I love the churches and people in my association, but knew in my heart this was the right choice for me – even at this age and stage. Everything you have written played into my heart decision. Thanks for writing. The only thing I might add is that God impressed on me the Pastorate was where He wanted me. And 18 months later, my mantra is, “God saved the best for last.” Grace to you.