October
Text Box: Pastor’s Thoughts As I tarried before the Lord this morning my thoughts were focused on the relationship with the people I am privileged to pastor and their relationship to our local church. Why do they attend? Why are some faithful to all the services and while others choose to attend only Sunday morning services? How is it that many in our community call this congregation their church but never attend? Why are some content, actively participating in worship and service within our congregation’s structure while others seem distant and wonder if they should be attending another congregation? These are questions that make me uncomfortable to say the least. As a praying pastor I have always struggled with the element of human nature and its effects on the lives of those I serve. We all have likes and dislikes, our favorite style of music, some like a soft spoken speaker, while others want a preacher who inspires with a thunder in his delivery. There are those who want to sit down and practically remain invisible and others who make it a point to speak with everyone who attends a service. Some like the building cold and some like it hot. This one thing I know, I can’t satisfy everyone’s human desire at the same time. Here is my dilemma; should I pick one side at the expense of the other? Are there those whose opinion I should cast aside because they are newer to the congregation or have not supported it financially like others? Some want change and others look at change with total disdain. Thus I cry out unto my Lord wondering how I deal with the diversities of human nature and its effects in our local church. Here is my answer. God didn’t call me to change anything or anyone. He called me to be a pastor. One who would declare His word, one who will preach Christ and the holy life He offers each of us. He asked that I declare the importance of personal relationships with Christ that promotes love for God and one another. I must make it clear that Holy Spirit leadership within each of our hearts is vital if Spiritual unity and service will supersede the pettiness of human nature. Only God can change me and only God can change you! I therefore conclude that only God can give each of us a sense of value, a place of service and an attitude of contentment within our local church. All other factors will not hold us together in the long run. I see us sticking and growing together as a divine work of God! Pastor Danny