Thankful For Pastors, Teachers & Leaders
When I look back over my life, there are many people along the way who invested in me as a young man. There are people investing in me even today. I’ve also had the chance to invest in others. Before I was a student pastor, I was just a young kid who wanted to serve the Lord in ministry. I originally planned to be a preacher in a small church similar to the one I grew up in. Unbeknown to me, the Lord had other plans. I was hired as a youth pastor at age 21 and enjoyed investing in the kids. One of my frustrations was the people in leadership over me. They were trying to shape me and mold me, but it felt like they were simply pushing me around because I was young. (I probably needed some of that.) There were many who loved me and encouraged me simply because I was serving in ministry.
Fast forward a few more years and I’m still a youth pastor and pastor appreciation month rolled around – I think it was October. There were people who encouraged and supported me in ministry and there were critics who simply could not be happy no matter what. I learned to find joy in the people who were supportive and encouraging and not get to tripped up by negative people. Serving and giving in full-time ministry is not an easy journey. You’re always on call. You are often in the spotlight or I thought my house was glass. Everyone had an opinion of how I was doing my job.
In Nehemiah, they were celebrating the Lord and His Presence as the wall had been built. The people gathered in worship to celebrate. Check this out….
For all the people of Judah took joy in the priests and Levites and their work. 45 They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, as commanded by David and his son Solomon, and so did the singers and the gatekeepers. 46 The custom of having choir directors to lead the choirs in hymns of praise and thanksgiving to God began long ago in the days of David and Asaph. 47 So now, in the days of Zerubbabel and of Nehemiah, all Israel brought a daily supply of food for the singers, the gatekeepers, and the Levites. The Levites, in turn, gave a portion of what they received to the priests, the descendants of Aaron. (Nehemiah 12:44b – 47 NLT)
I’m so thankful for the joy that comes in serving the Kingdom. It’s a joy and a resolve like no other. When I left full-time ministry in February 2003 to embark on my real estate journey, I entered into a different field of ministry. The average person doesn’t expect their REALTOR to be a Christ-follower, but here I was. I’m still finding great joy in serving the Lord in a different vocation. I’ve learned to encourage and appreciate the men and women who have dedicated their lives to full-time ministry. It’s a calling NOT a job. It can be a burden and a joy at the same time.
If you would like to join me in praying for a ministry team feel free to pray for each of our staff at www.sohillscc.com. Here is a link to our Ministry Staff. I’m so thankful that my path crossed the path of these great people. I want to encourage and love them as they lead.
Pressing On!
Dwayne