They Are Human

The month of October in recent years has been known as Pastor Appreciation Month. While I am not sure why October was chosen for this observance, I celebrate that pastors are getting some appreciation.   Though October is gone, I want to take time today to focus on Christian pastors and religious leaders of all faiths in general.    Though there are many things I know little about in this ever-changing world, I think that I can speak about pastors since I have been a pastor now for over 40 years.   At the same time, I also speak as one who has a little distance from the pastoral role since I am semi-retired. 

The thing I want to center on today is a truth about pastors:   they are human.   Though they are set apart to serve an immortal God, they are quite mortal.   Though they live in the world, they have been called to serve One whose “kingdom is not of this world”.  The truth that pastors are human means several things.   

First, the humanity of pastors means they are not perfect.  While they serve a Savior who is without blemish, all pastors have blemishes.   They are saved by grace through faith as are all folks.  While I believe most pastors earnestly want to be outstanding in pastoral care, preaching, administration, community involvement, and leading worship, most pastors are outstanding in some responsibilities and not outstanding in others.   

Secondly, the humanity of pastors means they cannot do everything.   The Psalmist declared that “he who keeps Israel neither slumbers or sleeps”.    While that is true about God, it is not true about pastors.    The Eveready bunny might keep going and going, but pastors need to take time to rest just like you.   I have served part-time as a pastor and full-time as a pastor, and I don’t believe that I ended any week having done all that I hoped to do.    If a pastor fails to meet your expectations or the expectations of your church leadership, perhaps the reason is not because of their skill or work ethic but because pastoral responsibilities you do not even know about got in the way. 

Thirdly and finally, the humanity of pastors means they do not know everything.   While God knows all, the pastors called by Him do not.    They do not know of your deepest hurts and hungers, of your hopes and dreams as a church, of your sickness and heartaches unless you share them.    A pastor does not know the unwritten traditions of a church or community unless you tell them.    ; Talk to your pastor, and talk to God in prayer for your pastor asking God to direct their paths.     If all persons in the pew would spend  as much time praying for their pastor as they did talking about their pastor I believe not only would pastors be more equipped, but communities of faith would be more vital.   Have a joy-filled week. -   Pastor Randy Wall  

Prayer:  O God, I thank you for those called by you to be leaders of communities of faith.  Bless all pastors to be faithful to you.  Show me, Lord, how I can be an asset for your kingdom and your Church; through Christ our Lord.  Amen.