A Pastor’s Heart

In addition to the pastoral epistles (I and II Timothy and Titus), Peter’s exhortation to “elders” (or pastors) is a passage I studied and meditated on extensively when I answered the call to be a pastor. It’s a passage I have returned to countless times in the now 16 1/2 years I’ve been a senior pastor.

The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
I Peter 5:1-4, KJV

I can’t speak for all pastors, but on behalf of those who take their calling seriously and who have embraced their responsibilities “willingly” and “eagerly,” let me state this clearly:

We love the church families we serve.

And being a pastor is more than a job. Not only is it a calling from God, but when a church invites us to be their pastor, we see it as a welcome to their family.

I don’t see myself simply as “the pastor” of Olney Baptist Church. I’m the spiritual shepherd of a church family that is near and dear to my heart!

Of course, I’m not perfect. I’m human. I make mistakes. I can get overwhelmed. I’m not always available. I fall short. All the time. There are far better pastors out there than me. But I can tell you this…

I love the people of Olney Baptist Church. And I still love the people of my previous place of ministry… Sligo Baptist Church.

When someone gets saved, I get excited.
When I get to baptize someone, it’s an honor and privilege.
When the church gathers, I am encouraged and motivated.
When a church member hurts, I hurt.
When a church member passes, I mourn.
When a church family welcomes a new life, I share the joy.
When a family moves, I am sad.
When a family drifts away from the church, I worry.
When a family just stops coming without giving any reason, I wonder what I could have done differently to help them.
When a family stops coming because they are upset, I am grieved.
When a church member is blessed, I am blessed.
When I see church members having a great time together, I am happy.
And when God’s people are on mission and dwell together in unity, I rejoice.