Wednesday, January 09, 2008

The Nature of Pastoral Ministry

I don't know how many books there are on what it means to be a plumber or an engineer, but there are lots of books that talk about the essence of being a pastor.

These books on pastoring say that being a minister is a special calling. God's call sets you apart. You're in the center of God's action. While our work in the pulpit is very public, most of our labors go unseen. We labor for results that are evident to all-- changed lives. But that requires focusing our energies on what is often unseen-- the human soul.

I have a lot of respect for the Christian plumber, farmer, teacher, etc. They're "out in the world" everyday, rubbing shoulders with all sorts of people. Like pastors, they too have their own special burdens, something veteran pastor, Warren Wiersbe demonstrates here:
"Caring for people in pastoral ministry is more than you deserve and more than you can handle."
I'm especially feeling that burden lately. Pray for me. And pray for your pastor.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Pastor Weis I don't know you but from what I have read I know your a smart guy and what ever is happening in your life you are strong enough to get through it. I will be praying either way.

littleriverlon said...

Hey Ted- It was good to see you Sunday if only for a few minutes. Guess I knew where to find you, eh? You know, you can always give me a holler and speak your mind. It never leaves here. God Bless.

Living the Biblios said...

Thanks for the prayers. I appreciate it. The load is still there, it just feels a little lighter.