I’ve seen several lists around the internet of difficulties pastors face. Ministry is unique in several ways and pastors do face stress, but all jobs have their own difficulties. It’s natural for any group to blow of steam by commiserating and sharing war stories when they get together. (And fellow ministers, if you don’t have some brothers who you can complain to and with whom you can share your struggles, you need to find some.) However, in serving God and His people there are so many more delights than difficulties and I wanted to share a few that come immediately to mind.
Here are 10 things I love about being a pastor:
Getting time to think deeply about significant ideas.- Working with such a variety of ages.
- Seeing people in the church care for one other.
- The privilege of walking with families through deep sorrows and great joys.
- Watching husbands’ and wives’ faithful, committed love for each other over years and decades.
- Hearing funny stories of things kids said during family prayer – not so much for how cute the kids are, but knowing that parents are passing on the faith.
- Having something I’ve said challenged with a reference to scripture, they know where the real authority in the church is.
- When I see people with nothing in common but Christ spending time together.
- When people introduce ideas for ministry with a desire to lead.
- Watching God’s work of grace and redemption in spite of the sinner in the pulpit.
Pastors, what would you add to the list?