Pastor: A minister of the gospel who has the charge of a church and congregation, whose duty is to watch over the “flock” and instruct them in the sacred doctrines of the Christian religion. www.websterdictionary1828.com

I believe pastoring is increasingly difficult as the worldview has infiltrated our way of thinking, and the biblical worldview is deemed prudish or, worse, evil.

I am 58 years old and haven’t had to put a line in the sand (so to speak) publicly. It has been my resolve to live my life based on scripture. However, in the past couple of years, I have had to stop and look in scripture for answers and publicly “speak up” about issues that affect me and my family, neighbors, and even the community I live in.  

I say all this to help us realize that pastoring is not popular. Yes, it is teaching the Gospel of salvation, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. But pastoring is also about teaching us how to use The Word of God as a lantern to navigate the many issues we have in society today. It is about walking in love in every area of our lives, and God is love. And God has things to say about what is going on today. Trendy or not.

Ultimately, pastors teach us about God’s love and His heart is for all people to be redeemed. That is why He sent His Son, Jesus Christ (Jn 3:16). God wants to give back to us what was given up in the Garden (Ge 3) and the Kingdom of God here on Earth (Mt 6:10), which goes against what society has accepted in many areas.

So, Pastoring is a massive task if you ask me. Pastors have an enormous heart for us and future generations. Yet, pastors also have personal lives that they are walking out.

Think about when we set out to make a difference in our world. Letting the light of Christ inside us shine, and we get hit with opposition.

Pastors get hit with opposition as well. They have to go through it more publicly than we do because they are standing in front of us each week, which should remind us to lift our pastors (and family) in prayer daily.

So today, October 8^th, I want to thank all the pastors who have been a part of my growth; I want you to know that I appreciate each of you. And you are greatly loved.