Pastors

Tomorrow is the seven-year anniversary of my ordination – the day I became a Pastor. I didn’t declare myself a pastor, I wasn’t elected pastor and I haven’t even always wanted to be a pastor! It was the culmination of a long process that required hard work and sacrifice, but which ultimately was held in the hands of others. I was approved as a candidate for seminary, certified by the faculty, recommended by my vicarage (internship) supervisor, called by a congregation, approved by a District President and commissioned by the laying on of hands by other pastors.

In honor of the seven-year anniversary of that moment, I thought I would share a not-so-serious but all-too-real description of “the perfect pastor.” I don’t know the source of this – if you do, please share in the comments below so I can give credit where it is due. I have seen it in several places, so it may just be a common thing. Anyway, here goes:

The perfect pastor preaches exactly 10 minutes. He condemns sin roundly but never hurts anyone’s feelings. He works from 8 AM until midnight and is also the church janitor, yet is an exemplary husband and father. The perfect pastor makes $40 a week, wears good clothes, drives a good car, buys good books, and donates $30 a week to the church. He is 29 years old and has 40 years experience. Above all, he is handsome. The perfect pastor has a burning desire to work with teenagers, and he spends most of his time with the senior citizens. He smiles all the time with a straight face because he has a sense of humor that keeps him seriously dedicated to his church. He makes 15 home visits a day and is always in his office to be handy when needed. The perfect pastor always has time for church council and all of its committees. He never misses the meeting of any church organization and is always busy evangelizing the unchurched.

The average career of a pastor in America is seven years. Seven years! With the above expectation, maybe that shouldn’t be surprising…

At any rate, after my own seven years, I can honestly say that I love my job and, Lord willing, I’m not done yet! Though it is rarely easy, it is good. I am humbled to be called to be a pastor, proud to be in the LCMS, and honored to serve at my amazing congregation.

If you have a pastor, be sure and tell him “Thank you.” He’ll appreciate it.