Discussion thought of the day:

“^1:24 I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church. ²⁵ God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. ²⁶ This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. ²⁷ For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.
Colossians 1:24-27 (NLT)

There is something about being a pastor, that those considering going into the ministry should know- it means long hours and being witness too – close witness too, like down in the muck with, people in trauma, people in pain.  God gives us all, but especially those entrusted with shepherding His people, the responsibility to be down in the muck, involved in the brokenness, there alongside those who heart.

Some may think the job is somewhat glamorous – after all – having 95 percent of a crowd from 30 to 30,000 listening to you talk for 12 -45 minutes may sound good, BUT, the message is best delivered to those who need hope, which means you have to be there with them – to show them the hope they do have…

It is when they listen to the warnings, to the teaching, when they realize the power of the truth that God in Christ is in them – with them – working on and through them…..

Yeah – that’s why you will learn to love the suffering, the pains, the trauma – not because its fun, but because of the message that you bring, that in the midst of trauma – results in joy, peace, the ability to endure… because we know Christ is with us.

(By the way – this call – while different in scope – is still the call of the priesthood of all believers… they too can be there… bringing peace that overwhelms our understanding……)

Whether clergy or laity, or something in between – remember the hope of Glory you have, and share it with someone who needs it as well…