~Love The Shepherd~

The main thing that I noticed when I worked as a church administrator was the lack of thankfulness from the people of the church. There were a few notes that would come through but nothing like the praises I had seen from being an administrator in any other business before or since. I think people believe that Pastors have such a close connection with God or they are some type of celestial being that needs no praise or gratitude. Like it would be some sin to edify him and give him any sense of worth. There are people who believe that a pastor and his family are in such a prestige position in our society that they have it made by being in the perfect job. 

Working at a church was the most difficult job I have ever been involved in personally. Ministry has the potential to exhaust & crush the soul. Every day the offices of our pastors are filled with the wrecked lives of their own congregations. Then there are the extended families of the congregation who don't attend the church but come to a point in their life where they need God and need a pastor to do or say something to bring them some hope. There are folks who come off the streets to find a safe harbor at the church and also again need to hear something from the Pastor so that they are able to handle another day. Every day is filled with the every day devastation of life that happens from living in a fallen world. 

In some cases I would have to sit in these counseling sessions and heard things that I never imagined was possible. There were moments where the person needing the help would have to reach over to give me a tissue because I was so overwhelmed with grief at their circumstances. What always amazes me about Pastors is how they manage to still have time to study for their sermons, run the business of a church, and have any time to enjoy their own families.

Pastors are the same as all of us ~ sinners saved by grace! Every human emotion we feel, they feel. We need to encourage & love our Pastors and their families. I have seen first hand the work life of a Pastor and the devastation they have had to clean up for the sheep. Taking care of church people is a difficult task especially when there is no one taking care of the shepherd. 

"I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6

This picture was taken on a walk in February 2015.