Ministry Appreciation

When I was in Middle School I received a call from God that would shape the rest of my life. The call was to vocational ministry. I felt a strong sense that God wanted me to use my gifts, talents, passion, career, and abilities to serve His church. Like I said, this call has been life changing.  In addition to being life changing, this call has also been life blessing. October is Pastor Appreciation month and I am grateful for the thanks that is thrown my way. I wanted to take a few minutes, in this blog, to express appreciation to the ministry.  

Thanks to ministry, I am grateful…

To Be Able To Give My Time To The Ministry Of The Word And Prayer.

One of the privileges of ministry is to spend time each day in God’s word crafting messages or just enjoying the text. I understand few people have this opportunity in their job. I am grateful. I also count it a privilege to pray over and for people throughout the day as I receive their prayer requests.

To Be Welcomed Into Lives And Stories.

I am honored when people are willing to share their story or struggle with me.  Sharing your story is a very private and difficult thing to do and because of the ministry I get to hear a lot of stories. I am humbled every time someone comes in and shares.

To Have A Front Row Seat To Changed Lives.

I get to hear about celebration stories and changed lives a lot. It is a deeply encouraging place to be when you get to hear how Jesus, through His Holy Spirit, is changing and transforming someone into His image. The ministry has given me a front row seat to what God is doing in and through our church.

To Be Able To Lead And Bring About Change.

I have a voice at the table as direction is being set for our church. Mine is not the only voice to be sure but I have a voice and for that I am grateful.

A lot has been written in recent days about the challenges of ministry. Honestly, most of them are true. There is criticism, heartache, and some pain. However, I think if you are a leader that desires to bring about change a certain amount of pain and criticism will come in any organization that you serve. The church is not the only change resistant organization in the world.  To be fair, leadership can be a hard and  lonely task.

That being said, I can only speak for me: the call to vocational ministry has brought me an incredible amount of joy.

I am writing this blog for the young person considering ministry. I don’t want you to get the impression from a mountain of internet articles that the ministry is all pain and heartache. It is not!  The ministry is a life full of blessing…

You will be blessed by the people you pastor.

You will be blessed by the leadership team at your church.

You will be blessed as you carry out your calling to preach, teach, pray, and counsel.

You will be blessed as you walk with people through tough seasons and marvel at their faith.

You will be blessed as you share in the joy of your congregation.

If you sense God is calling you to serve with your career: pray, seek counsel, get trained,  and buckle up. You are in for the ride of a lifetime!