Last month I had the opportunity to go by the church building where I first served as pastor. It’s only about twelve miles from my hometown. Let’s just say that was a long time ago. I served with those people for my first two years in college and drove back and forth every weekend to minister and preach. I had turned 18 a month before (as I usually say at this point, what were those people thinking?)
My return last month certainly held some great memories. Actually, the property only had three changes I could determine. They now have central air (did we even have AC back then? We certainly didn’t have anything more than a window unit). They have a wheel chair ramp and a sign with the pastor’s name. If the church had a sign in my day, I can’t imagine that it had my name on it.
Let me help you see what those wonderful people were thinking
First, they knew they needed someone called by God to minister the Word of God to them and to care for their spiritual needs. In spite of my limitations, they were ready for us to learn together about the things of God.
Second, they were ready to use the experience to help me grow. Much of anything positive in my life and ministry comes from the Searight Baptist Church (I never did understand how the community got its name). They encouraged me and helped me greatly.
I thank God for such kind and caring people. They helped me to clarify my call and they encouraged me to serve and to grow. Because they accepted me with all my limitations, they helped me move ahead with my growth and ministry. As I rode through the community last month, many names and many wonderful experiences came to my mind.
Every young minister needs people like these. Young ministers need people who encourage and inspire. I have been blessed by those people in every church where I have served. Click here to see another church which blessed me in Christian ministry.
Like Paul I rejoice and thank my God for people like these (Philippians 1:3). Remember this, all pastors make mistakes but very few do it deliberately. Please bear with your pastors. Love them and help them to serve God more adequately. In doing so, you will bless them, yourself, and the kingdom of God.
May God bless you as you bless others.
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3 Responses
Sir,
Thank you for keeping it real (Bibically).
It must be the week for those kinds of memories. I received an email from a lady who was a member of the church God graciously permitted Linda and I to serve in the San Francisco Bay Area a very long time ago! The memories came back in waves. The patience of those folks. A redkneck from Livingston Parish serving in the inner city of Richmond, CA alongside his bride of 4 months! Five years we served there. Since we were 2,400 miles from the closest of either of our families we learned very quickly the need to rely on our relationship with God and the faith He graced us to have in our marriage, the kindness of the dear people at Clinton Avenue Baptist Church, and the sense of call that has never left us. When I think of those folks (and there were a few part time churches before Clinton Avenue–but that’s for another reply!) I think of a line I heard and have no idea who coined: “How good it is to have friends about whom one cannot think without elevation.” Thanks for the post. Oh, and by the way, Linda and Lonnie Wascom are still amazed that God would choose to call us and use us in His Kingdom through His churches which bear the news of the only true hope for humankind, that is, the glorious Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Be blessed–
Blessings!