Friday, May 29, 2009

Life goes on.

Pastoring a small church in a small town is not the most 'exciting' job in the world. Funerals are even few and far between, as are weddings, births of new babies (though one is in development) and major crisis that get the pastor out of bed during the middle of the night are mainly limited to his mother-in-law thinking that it is time to get up, a bit early.

There is a sense of predictable-ness, settled-ness, that to some, I am sure, would led them to find a church where more was going on, yet on the other hand, this could be a great attraction for others. Yes, I like it here. However, ministering in small churches in small towns may not lack excitement if one may see the hand of God at work.

I have been here a little over a year now. Time has allowed me to see who I am ministering to and with, but do we know each other well? We are working on it. This is a long term, God willing, assignment.

What is really exciting is to see God changing lives, mine and others and, corporeally, the whole body together, into the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ. How does one know that this is happening? The halos of the saints shine brighter as they become holier, haven't you noticed? Well, it is not that easy. Interest in and participation in the life of a church does not make one a saint, yet these may be encouraging signs. Comments made of understanding the Bible better may warm a pastor's heart. Testimonies of reading the Scriptures and applying them to one's life are encouraging. Seeing evidences of love for one another, or, hearing of a saint taking a stand for the Lord, are other bits of evidence.

Perhaps none of these things are, of themselves, a clear, convincing, sign of God working, but as they accumulate over the years they make a pastor's heart and soul glad. (Phi 4:1 ESV) "Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved."

No comments: