What does a pastor do early Sunday morning?
- pray
- wonder
- worry (yes, pastor's do that, too)
- pray
- prepare
- think of details like lights and announcements and music
- worry about who no longer comes and why
- pray
- worry about normal struggles with health and family and finances and planning
- wonder again how it is possible to effectively preach, lead, love
- struggle to affirm the expected confidence in God from the inside out
- (the list is long)
On a Sunday morning early when I need to be doing something other than random ruminations, I remind all who may see this that the pastor is human, too. Yes, pastor's have responsibility like you have responsibility, and no one is holding a gun to the preacher's head. It is a 'chosen' mix of love and duty and least of all should a pastor seek pity.
Prayer, however, is in order, for every Sunday morning is a reminder that this is God's work and sheer folly to engage without His help.
Bottom line?
Pray for your pastor today.
- He deserves criticism, no doubt, and heaps enough on himself.
- He's not world-class or even close, that is true, but he wishes he were.
- He may overlook you and your concerns: this grieves him. Try to find it in your heart to forgive.
- He has too many things going. Scold him for it if you must, but remember he is probably like you: Do you have too many things going?
Your pastor loves you, loves the church, and wakes every Sunday with a mix of trepidation and hope:
"I can do this!"
"Are you kidding?!"
"My head hurts, I am not yet ready -- I can't do this."
"Yes, you can!"
The voice goes silent and the pastor presses on.
Pray for your pastor today.
