"Thank you, Pastor." They are words I have heard before, words I have heard often, yet on this occasion I was struck by both a sense of familiarity and strangeness. That someone from Valley would express gratitude did not surprise me, for there is at Valley a culture of thanksgiving. Instead, it was the word 'Pastor' that caused me to pause momentarily.
For most of my adult life I have been called 'Pastor' or more often, 'Pastor Ken'. I suppose I have been addressed this way more frequently that just my given name; so much so, there was a time in my life when I had lost touch with who 'Ken' was / is. I knew who Pastor Ken was and what he did but somewhere along the line my identity as 'Ken' was lost.
I have since come to realize that my role as Pastor is inseparably intertwined with who I am, with who God has created and called me to be. But, after 30+ years of pastoring I am still gripped at times with a measure of uneasiness when I hear the word 'Pastor' being used with my name. I wrestle with a sense of unworthiness to be so called, and sometimes feel overwhelmed by the responsibility that comes with pastoring a church today.
To bring the Word of God before our people is an awesome calling, one that brings much joy to me; but there are times when I agonize in preparing to do what I do each Sunday or as a Bible Study leader. To hold as sacred trust the role as a worship leader, thoughtfully preparing for our times of corporate worship is a task I do not take lightly. It is a high calling and privilege to come alongside people, often at the worst times of their lives and seek to be a calming presence and source of encouragement and hope; that others have affirmed me in this pastoring role is simply the grace of God at work. To have a platform as a spiritual leader in our community, to have opportunity to quietly by word and conduct to declare that living a life of faith really is the best possible way for any of us to journey through our days here on earth is another aspect of this pastoral calling that is both a blessing and sacred responsibility.
When I look back on my journey, this pastoring thing was not my idea! I was working for Dominion Stores with a plan to advance into a managerial role within the company when God intercepted and redirected my path--a fact that I remind Him of often--'remember Lord, this was your idea'!
The Bible says, Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. (1 Timothy 3:1) Although not something I within myself aspired to, my calling as a Pastor is a divinely appointed task; one in which God has gifted and enabled me to pursue through the enabling of His Spirit. And despite having failed Him and the office of Pastor more times than I would care to admit, this has been for me one of the greatest joys of my life.
I guess I just wanted to say, thank you for the privilege of being called your 'Pastor'.
For most of my adult life I have been called 'Pastor' or more often, 'Pastor Ken'. I suppose I have been addressed this way more frequently that just my given name; so much so, there was a time in my life when I had lost touch with who 'Ken' was / is. I knew who Pastor Ken was and what he did but somewhere along the line my identity as 'Ken' was lost.
I have since come to realize that my role as Pastor is inseparably intertwined with who I am, with who God has created and called me to be. But, after 30+ years of pastoring I am still gripped at times with a measure of uneasiness when I hear the word 'Pastor' being used with my name. I wrestle with a sense of unworthiness to be so called, and sometimes feel overwhelmed by the responsibility that comes with pastoring a church today.
To bring the Word of God before our people is an awesome calling, one that brings much joy to me; but there are times when I agonize in preparing to do what I do each Sunday or as a Bible Study leader. To hold as sacred trust the role as a worship leader, thoughtfully preparing for our times of corporate worship is a task I do not take lightly. It is a high calling and privilege to come alongside people, often at the worst times of their lives and seek to be a calming presence and source of encouragement and hope; that others have affirmed me in this pastoring role is simply the grace of God at work. To have a platform as a spiritual leader in our community, to have opportunity to quietly by word and conduct to declare that living a life of faith really is the best possible way for any of us to journey through our days here on earth is another aspect of this pastoral calling that is both a blessing and sacred responsibility.
When I look back on my journey, this pastoring thing was not my idea! I was working for Dominion Stores with a plan to advance into a managerial role within the company when God intercepted and redirected my path--a fact that I remind Him of often--'remember Lord, this was your idea'!
The Bible says, Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. (1 Timothy 3:1) Although not something I within myself aspired to, my calling as a Pastor is a divinely appointed task; one in which God has gifted and enabled me to pursue through the enabling of His Spirit. And despite having failed Him and the office of Pastor more times than I would care to admit, this has been for me one of the greatest joys of my life.
I guess I just wanted to say, thank you for the privilege of being called your 'Pastor'.
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