Pastors…on the Journey
I had lunch with a pastor last week who was hurting…I mean really hurting. Seeing this guy up front, you would never know it. He is dynamic, right on target, humorous – one of my absolute favorites. We talked about the expectation of having to be “on” every weekend (he says that Sundays come around every three days…) even when you are dying inside.
While I love to prepare for and deliver sermons, I think these are the two hardest things:
- The amazing regularity of the weekend services. It does feel like they come around every three days. The traveling speaker has his five sermons that he can memorize and hone and find the absolute best illustrations. The rest of us labor weekend after weekend, doing our best to be clear and fresh. While many of us have great staffs that do much of the pastoral work, we still have to make the time to prepare. Most of the time we don’t have the time to study, write, edit, practice, and re-edit a sermon like we would want. A fresh, clear, meaningful sermon week after week takes work; often I walk to my car on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. after preaching four times and wish I could have communicated an important point with more clarity, or driven the message home with an appropriate ending. But then, in three days, it’s the weekend again.
- Being “on” when you don’t feel like standing up. Being placed on a pedestal is unfair and unenviable. I know my heart, my wayward thoughts, my areas of temptation; and yet still I go back to the pulpit. People forget that preachers struggle with sin, doubts, fears, hurts, and disappointments just like everybody else. Add in a “two funerals and a wedding” week and the emotional tank can be nearly empty as we head up to deliver the expected passionate, impactful, powerful sermon. Some say, well, that’s your problem. You need to be vulnerable and share all your feelings. For sure, part of being real is being vulnerable and open. But let’s face it, the pulpit is not a counselor’s couch where I can sit and share all my feelings. And I don’t preach to a room full of counselors. Sitting in front of me are people going through the same stuff I’m going through. They want to be fed.
So there are my thoughts…no answers…just thoughts. I’d love to hear yours…
Ron
This is an excellent topic and even better insight into the world of a Pastor/Teacher. I have always enjoyed and respected your ability to be "real" and share your vulnerabilities while on the pulpit. It is so reassuring to know that "we" are not alone. We all have our struggles, even the pastor.
This idea you convey transcends the pulpit as well. I often feel that everyday we face holds true to this principle. In my own corporate world as well as my own company, I face the amazing regularity of needing to be on. Being on I mean, positive, uplifting,encouraging, open hearted/minded, etc…
Something you said this weekend: "Are you making an impact in the world or letting the world impact you?" That hit like a knife. I readily admit that I need to be more aware of this and making an impact more regularly.
I know the only way to do this is to be in the Word, Worship all I do, connecting with other believers to hold myself accountable, sharing with everyone else and serving. Sometimes the tasks look so daunting, but really what else matters? God never said it was going to be easy, nor does he intend to make us "happy" all of the time. He uses every situation for his purpose.
Thanks for sharing Ron. This is great stuff!
DB
This is an excellent topic and even better insight into the world of a Pastor/Teacher. I have always enjoyed and respected your ability to be “real” and share your vulnerabilities while on the pulpit. It is so reassuring to know that “we” are not alone. We all have our struggles, even the pastor.
This idea you convey transcends the pulpit as well. I often feel that everyday we face holds true to this principle. In my own corporate world as well as my own company, I face the amazing regularity of needing to be on. Being on I mean, positive, uplifting,encouraging, open hearted/minded, etc…
Something you said this weekend: “Are you making an impact in the world or letting the world impact you?” That hit like a knife. I readily admit that I need to be more aware of this and making an impact more regularly.
I know the only way to do this is to be in the Word, Worship all I do, connecting with other believers to hold myself accountable, sharing with everyone else and serving. Sometimes the tasks look so daunting, but really what else matters? God never said it was going to be easy, nor does he intend to make us “happy” all of the time. He uses every situation for his purpose.
Thanks for sharing Ron. This is great stuff!
DB
This message,instead of convicting us as usual (which is OK because it's what we need), reminds us you struggle with the same weaknesses we do, and that we should be praying for you.
Father, We praise your name and ask you to encourage, strengthen and lift up Pastor Ron to do your work week after week with new energy and enthusiasm. You know when, where and how much of your limitless power and bottomless reservoir of strength to use to accomplish your purpose.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
This message,instead of convicting us as usual (which is OK because it’s what we need), reminds us you struggle with the same weaknesses we do, and that we should be praying for you.
Father, We praise your name and ask you to encourage, strengthen and lift up Pastor Ron to do your work week after week with new energy and enthusiasm. You know when, where and how much of your limitless power and bottomless reservoir of strength to use to accomplish your purpose.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
This message should be required reading for all of those who say to their pastor "you only have to work on the weekends – I have to work the rest of the week!".
This message should be required reading for all of those who say to their pastor “you only have to work on the weekends – I have to work the rest of the week!”.
Truer words have not been spoken. I am aware Pastors have a huge assignment and being fresh on Sunday morning is a challenge. It appears to much for one person. The congregation wants the Pastor to perform the weddings, funerals, speak at events, counsel them and shake their hands while leaving church. As you mentioned in one of your devotions, God sees all you do. Tiresome at times, but He gives you another day to do it over again with His strength. “Heavenly Father, I give you praise and adoration for allowing the comforting words of Ron’s radio program received in the bay area to encourage and inspire listeners. Bless Ron with renewed strength, creativity and confidence. In the Mighty name of Jesus.
Amen.
Hello pastor Ron.As a pastor I agree with you 100% that when it come to getting involved with the problems that people are having we as the church body don't wont anything to do with it. My prayer is that the leaders (NOT PASTORS) will get involved in the lives of the people and start holding people accountable for their actions.
Hello pastor Ron.As a pastor I agree with you 100% that when it come to getting involved with the problems that people are having we as the church body don’t wont anything to do with it. My prayer is that the leaders (NOT PASTORS) will get involved in the lives of the people and start holding people accountable for their actions.
Hello, Pastor Moore! Wow…we've been praying for you and all our pastors at the Chapel…but after reading this…will be praying in a 'different' way…I realize that it is not your wisdom, guidance and blessing that we crave…it's the Lord working thru you…and that you are just like us. Will be praying for the Lord to continually fill you up…with everything you need to 'feed His sheep'…to lead your family as well as your church family…and to bless your efforts. After my 6 year old daughter saw you cutting your grass and was amazed that you cut your own grass…that is when she realized that you were just like us. LOL So glad the Lord led me to read this today…we really appreciate all you do! Will be praying for you and your family!
Hello, Pastor Moore! Wow…we’ve been praying for you and all our pastors at the Chapel…but after reading this…will be praying in a ‘different’ way…I realize that it is not your wisdom, guidance and blessing that we crave…it’s the Lord working thru you…and that you are just like us. Will be praying for the Lord to continually fill you up…with everything you need to ‘feed His sheep’…to lead your family as well as your church family…and to bless your efforts. After my 6 year old daughter saw you cutting your grass and was amazed that you cut your own grass…that is when she realized that you were just like us. LOL So glad the Lord led me to read this today…we really appreciate all you do! Will be praying for you and your family!
I like to listen to your radio program, it helps me to learn more about God,
God cotinue to Bless your ministry!
Thanks, Joanna. I really appreciate the encouragement. Do you mind telling me what station you listen to?
Ron
Thanks for your comments and for listening to The Journey. If God is calling your husband into the ministry it is a great calling! He will always provide all that is needed.
Thanks for your comments and for listening to The Journey. If God is calling your husband into the ministry it is a great calling! He will always provide all that is needed.