Given January 19, 2013

Today, I want to take this space to recognize the peoplewho are called to be the messengers to our congregations.  “He (God) also gave apostles, prophets, missionaries, as well as pastors and teachers as gifts to his church. Their purpose is to prepare God’s people to serve and to build up the body of Christ. This is to continue until all of us are united in our faith and in our knowledge about God’s Son, until we become mature, until we measure up to Christ, who is the standard.” (Ephesians 4:11-13).  Our Pastors were called to be the Spiritual leaders, the messengers to the body of Christ, to teach us to be ministers to others as we “grow up” in Christ and become as close as we can and want to be to Jesus.  God gave our pastors the vision of what He wanted in our communities and continues to give them direction and messages to share with us each week.  The purpose of these is to establish God’s will in our area.  Remember the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”? (Matthew 6:10).  Our pastors, in all that they do, are fulfilling their assignments for this time and for this place.

Preaching and singing is not all they do; there’s more to the calling than that.  They counsel people, visit the sick, pray, study, manage the building and property, schedules, clean, paint, work, partner with other ministers, oversee the finances, and whatever else God directs them to do.  Of course pastors do not usually do this alone; they have helpers who assist in the ministry under their direction.  But it’s not always smooth sailing.  Pastors often faces challenges, setbacks, and disappointments as any other leader would but they seek the counsel of God and act accordingly.  Everyone may not agree with everything that goes on in your church but your pastor Wayne is God’s chosen servant and they’re following God’s lead.  And God will not go against His Word.  “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7).