October is Pastor Appreciation Month.  I want to go on record saying this pastor appreciates and loves his congregation.

Ephesians 4:11 teaches us that pastors are part of a group of leaders that God gives the church.  The pastor is a gift to the church, however, I can say the church is a gift to the pastor.

I am blessed to have served as the pastor of 6 churches in almost now 30 years as a pastor.  Each church blessed me in its own particular way.  I have learned from each church, loved each church, and think of each one fondly.

What Makes Pastoral Ministry Special

Titus 1:5 gives us a glimpse into the elements that make pastoral ministry so special. 

This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—

1.  Purpose

Paul reminded Titus the he left him in Crete “for this reason.”  Paul had a purpose for leaving Titus in Crete, and God has a purpose for every pastor where he serves.  Ministry is more than filling a job, rather it is a calling FROM a purposeful God.

Pastor, God has strategically placed you where He plans to use you. Church, God did not send you a pastor for hire, He sent a man because HE (God) has a plan.

2.  Personality

Paul did not leave Timothy, Epaphras, Tychicus, Mark, or Luke in Crete; he left Titus.  Titus possessed unique qualities that made him the perfect fit at that time for the church in Crete.  Titus did not need to emulate Paul, Peter, or any of the other disciples, he needed to be himself. 

Pastor, you are uniquely gifted for this season at your location.  You do not need to emulate any other pastor, just be the “you” that God is making you. Consider these words from none other than Dr. Seuss.

Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you.

Church, do not expect your current pastor to be like your last pastor. If God wanted someone like you last pastor at your church, He would not have called the previous pastor away.  Moreover, do not expect your pastor to be like one of the “TV preacher” or other high profile leaders.  By God’s grace, your pastor is who he is; and “who he is” is who God wants as your pastor. 

3.  Place

The church in Crete was a unique collection of believers. Crete possessed strengths and weaknesses unlike any other church. The believers in Crete might not love like the believers in Ephesus.  The church in Crete may not give as generously as the Corinthians or express joy like the Philippians. Titus needed to love the unique individuals that made up this church not expecting them to be like another church.

Pastor, your church is unique.  Do not compare it to others you have served or the church of another pastor who seems to have it better than you.  Church, likewise, you are not like any other church.  Do not fall into the trap of thinking you compete with another church that seems successful.

4.  Plan

Paul reminded Titus that he was in Crete to set some things in order and train lay leaders for ministry.  That was the plan for Crete, but may not be the plan for any other church. Every church has unique opportunities and potential for Kingdom impact.

Pastor, what one “successful” leader is doing in his context may not work in yours.  Therefore, do not try to squeeze your church into a cookie cutter mold of ministry.  Church, do not think you have to do what some other church is doing.  God has a unique work for you. Let your pastor lead you to become the church God wants to make you.

Pastoral ministry is God’s gift to both the pastor and the church.  Church, appreciate your pastor. Pastor appreciate your church.  Love each other.  You are God’s gift to each other.

To all the churches I’ve served, and to the people I now serve at Bellevue Baptist Church – I thank God for you.  I love each of you and thank God for the honor of teaching and leading you.