This morning our church family honored me and my wife for our five-year anniversary as their pastor. It was such a humbling experience to feel such love. This morning I was reminded of the precious privelege it is to be a pastor.

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 1 Peter 5:1-4

I realize that not every church is loving and gracious to their pastor. My wife and I are reminded continually of His grace to pastor such a wonderful church

As I reflect on the five years we have served as the Pastor of Salem, here are five lessons I have learned and continue to learn as a pastor.

  1. It is my responsibilty to live as an example in loving and caring for people.  If I do not have a God-given love for the people He has called me to pastor, I lose credibility as a shepherd.  Ask God to give you a heart for His people.
  2. People want to love their pastor.  I know there are exceptions, but most people will love their pastor if he will let them. Share life with them. I know there are some who have been wounded by the church.  I am deeply sorry for your hurt.  However, do not miss out on being loved by those you serve.  Pastor, you need it and your family does too.
  3. As a shepherd, I have to make hard decisions for the health of the flock.  In my five years at Salem, I have made some hard decisions regarding staff, spending, and confronting dysfunction in the church family.  A part of protecting the flock is making hard decisons even when many will not understand it at the time.
  4. As a shepherd, never be too busy.  Not because I want an award or recognition, but I do my best (if schedules allow) to see every church family member prior to surgery.  That is not because I think I am the only one who can visit.  It is something I enjoy and it often times gives me an opportunity to connect with people on a more personal level.  I hear continually what it meant to someone that I took the time to pray with them before surgery.  I want our church family to know that their pastor is never too busy.
  5. As a pastor, do not neglect expressing thanks to your staff.  If God blesses you with a ministry staff, don’t forget to say “Thank you!”  As a pastor I have the opportunity to be in front of the church consistently. I am grateful for a staff who serves out front or behind the scenes to insure that we minister effectively to the needs of people.

There is no higher calling and honor than to serve as a pastor.  If you are a pastor or minister and I can encouarge you in any way, email me @ allen@mysalembaptist.com.

The video below is a powerful reminder of His goodness to us who have been called to pastor!