Do you love your pastor? Does he love you?
Pastors and churches often get a bad rap. It works both ways.
People often act as if churches never care for their pastors. At the same time people also say that the pastor doesn’t care for the church.
While no church or pastor is perfect, I truly believe the uncaring pastor and church are the exceptions.
A few days ago, I wrote about John D. Rockefeller, Sr. At one point, John D. Rockerfeller was the richest man in America and probably in the world. If you would like to read a fascinating story about Rockefeller, please press here: http://waylonbailey.com/2016/01/19/the-remarkable-story-of-john-d-rockerfeller-sr/
In response to that blog, my friend Bill Taylor sent me this interesting story about John D. Rockefeller, Sr. and Dr. George W. Truett.
Dr. Truett was the beloved long-term pastor of First Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas.
The story warmed my heart.
“I heard Dr. George W. Truett tell this story in a recording of a sermon.
John D. Rockefeller Sr. was a member of a Baptist Church in Chicago. He was a friend of Dr. Truett. He wanted to persuade the great Dallas pastor to come to Chicago and be his pastor.
He sent a pulpit committee to recruit Dr. Truett. When they returned unsuccessful, Mr. Rockefeller Sr. made a personal trip to Dallas to persuade him. He pled with Dr. Truett telling him that whatever salary was needed would be provided.
Dr. Truett continued to refuse and when pressed to explain, Dr. Truett told Mr. Rockefeller that in order for him to move to Chicago, his entire congregation would have to move with him. He would not go, because he loved the church in Dallas more than any offer from anywhere else. His love for his people made him refuse the offer of the richest man who ever lived.”
This reminds me of the warmth, love, and affection of pastors and churches. While we read about large numbers of pastors resigning or being unfairly fired, we really know the faithfulness of both pastors and churches.
When the apostle Paul talked about the church, he saw the great potential that God had in the church. He also described his concern and stress for the church: “Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for the churches” (2 Corinthians 11:28).
May God bless the churches and its leaders, and may the love of Christ reign in our hearts.
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9 Responses
We are so blessed to have you as our pastor, Waylon. We love you and know you love us. What a blessing it is to be in a healthy church home. It makes our life even better.
Candy and Will Lape
Waylon, You and Martha are loved. We are so Blessed to you as our pastor at FBC.
May our Lord Jesus Christ continue to Bless you and Martha.
Marvin Thames
Love my pastor and his wife and my church family. Great Rockefeller Truitt story!
Yes, we love our pastor and pastors.
We two have had a mutual love affair with you and Martha for MANY years. We are blessed!
I will never forget all your sermons and the wonderful Bible stories. It has changed my life for the better and
I think of you and miss you all so much. In my prayers and thoughts always. Thanks
Yes, we love our pastor and his sweet wife. Our church is so blessed to have you and Martha, and I feel the mutual love among our members for you and each other.
All of you are so kind to comment in this way.
When I read the Truett story to Martha, she said something like, “I know just how he felt.” God has blessed us to get to serve this church–and to do so for so many years.
Thanks for commenting and for reading.
I remember Brad & Emily’s 1st move. I didn’t want to be separated by miles. Still don’t.
Wondered how you & Martha would handle.
Told her if ya’ll ever moved try to keep in mind the distance as our whole church would spend a lot of time commuting!
Love you both more than words can explain.