WHO YOU GONNA CALL? 10/9/11

I REMEMBER a movie in the 80's or 90's that said;
“Who you gonna call? At that time it was Ghost Busters! This was sort of bantered about, until the movie ran it’s course. And so I ask you, when you are tired, no money, running into all kinds of obstacles and no where to turn; Who you gonna call; where you gonna go? I suppose some call their Mom or Dad. Perhaps the Welfare office. Others, the local food bank, perhaps the Gospel Mission or the Salvation Army. Many head for their church! These places can either give you a loan, a place to stay, take your information and put you on a list, or send you to the nearest food bank to fill your needs.

THERE use to be a committee comprised of people from different churches, that would interview persons who were in need of money, food, medicines etc. Most of the time the money was needed to make some payment. The churches would contribute so much a month, to fund the applicable needs. Jim was asked to be on this committee and refused because he didn’t want to set in judgement of these people. If it was up to him he would just say yes, yes, yes! Churches having food pantries and even a clothes closet is a very good thing to have available, not just for the church members, but whomever has a need.

I WANT to tell you about another person that usually is called when you don’t know where to turn. Most people think he is available 24/7 and he doesn’t do much anyway so they might as well call him. That person is their Pastor and friend! A Pastor’s job should be full time in preparation for preaching and teaching the word, calling on the sick, caring for His flock and of course being available to those who need him to listen and to council. However, the Pastors full time runs into his personal time. Mostly because he can’t leave his job at the church building, but takes it home with him, as it fills his entire being.

HAVE YOU EVER thought about what the Pastor does? First of all he has a family. This includes a wife and children, a home with pets and obligations. His church is his chosen profession and he knew it would not be 9:00 to 5:00. So the woman he marries, agrees to his profession and becomes the Pastor’s wife. She isn’t paid for her role in this profession but stands by her man while he is all things to his flock.

THE PASTOR’S family faces the same pressures as other families, however, living in the parsonage and serving in the pastoral role also has some other distinct pressures. Many Pastors end up taking a leave of absence while being treated for depression. Many Pastor’s leave the ministry and become Insurance Salesmen. The pastor fills a never-ending role, solving one problem; one right after another. Congregations expectations are beyond imagination. They believe the pastors credibility must be above reproach within society as well as the church and that he must remain on call 168 hours each week.

THE PASTOR is expected to perform well with a wide range of skills. A scholar, visionary, communicator, administrator, consoler, leader, financier, diplomat, perfect example, counselor and peacemaker. He is expected to bring riveting and life-changing messages on Sunday Morning, not to mention his Sunday school class, Wednesday night meeting and whenever he is called to speak again. Those who work with the Pastor are made up of mostly a volunteer force and not paid help. He and his family live in a fish bowl and often receive harsh criticism from both the community and the congregation. As you can see, the Pastor is a very special person, whom God has set apart, and deserves our attention, love and support.

I DON’T REMEMBER when this started but having a national Clergy Appreciation Day is a good thing. This year it is today, October 9, 2011! When I first heard that it was a day, I felt that for this much needed appreciation, it should be at least a month. Whoever decided that we should have a day, did a good thing. I don’t care who started it and I don’t care that it started with a day. I am happy that there is such a time for this celebration. We should lift up our leaders all through the year, because their task is not easy nor is it always light and cheerful. It is filled with God’s grace and comes with God’s blessings!

“REMEMBER those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct; you imitate their faith.” Hebrew 13:7 My Pastor’s were Mr. Ellett , Vernon Landreth, Lyle McCaw, Ernie Mathes, David Loser, and Don White! These men have brought many into the fellowship of Jesus Christ and from the age of 9, I am still thanking God for these special men in my life. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrew 13:8 Are your roots planted in the word of God? If so, thank the Pastor’s in your life! I thank God, and my husband Jim, everyday! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/3/11