Last week I shared the five challenges I face as a young pastor, and the feedback was interesting to say the least! I do however appreciate all the feedback I get; thanks for taking time to read. I also want to mention that I am glad that I began with the challenges, and I am ending with the joys in this week. So here are six joys of a young pastor.
The joy of learning from others
The joy about being young and a new pastor is that you have many shoulders to stand on. There is a legion of people to lean on and learn from, both dead and alive. I have had the joy of working and learning from fellow elders in our local church and many members in the congregation. I have had the joy of learning from pastors from other churches who have taken the time to invest their time and energies in me. They have over the few years welcomed me in their home and indulged my phone calls asking them complicated questions. I have also enjoyed the privilege of reading about and from other men who have served as pastors through church history. Whether in conversation, observation or reading I am glad that I do not have to reinvent the wheel, and I have the joy of learning from the experiences of others.
The joy of experiencing firsts
A new pastorate comes with the joy of experiencing “firsts”. You have the joy (satisfaction) of experiencing your first elders meeting, your first members meeting (I am Baptist we love those), the first salvation, the first baptism, the first wedding, the first child dedication, the first project, the first missions endeavor, the first funeral and your first conflict (the joy comes from overcoming the conflict through biblical reconciliation), etc. There is an excitement that comes from experiencing these things for the first time that makes them such joyful experiences.
The joy of being deeply involved in people's lives
Pastoring people means you have the privilege of getting to know them at a deeper and more intimate level. Part of the reason is that you get to see people behind the ‘veil’. Every now and then you see people at their most vulnerable such that it either sours the relationship or it develops into a meaningful one (as is often the case). This is an awesome responsibility, and the development of these deep and meaningful relationships is priceless.
The joy of preaching the Word to the people you love
I love preaching. I love preaching so much that is about the only thing I cannot (almost) say no to (to my wife’s annoyance). There is great joy that comes from preaching if you love preaching; there is even greater joy that comes from preaching to the people you love dearly. To do so week in and week out is an enormous bonus.
The joy of seeing souls saved
There is a great blessing to hearing testimonies of people getting saved. Not just as a result of my preaching or personal evangelistic efforts but from the evangelistic efforts of the church as a whole. There is an overwhelming and satisfying joy in hearing people share how they were led to surrender their lives to Christ but also from hearing members of the church share how they had a successful evangelistic effort. It makes you want to shout hallelujah and cry at the same time.
The joy of the “aha!” moment
As you teach and shepherd the people, your eager desire is to see them apply the truths you are preaching and teaching like yesterday! If you have taught effectively (and of course the preacher always thinks he was very clear), the people should live it. Sadly, life does not work that way. There is a reason Paul told Timothy to teach and exhort with all patience. So, you can imagine the disappointment young preachers endure, having waxed eloquently, only to find people have not understood or applied it. Thankfully, as you faithfully preach the Word, you begin to get “aha” moments. People begin to see and apply the truths as they see it from Scripture. It is then that as a young pastor, you also get an ‘aha’ moment!
With all that said, it will be helpful to conclude with a few thoughts in order to give perspective.
1. Our ultimate joy is found in Christ alone and not the blessings of ministry. So while these things bring us joy, our joy is not dependent on them.
2. The joys of ministry far outweigh the challenges we face in ministry. And our toils here on earth will be nothing compared to the joy that will be ours when we see Christ face to face.
3. It is disturbing when pastors, young or old, are grumpy and always complaining. The joy of the Lord is our strength!
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