Quite often someone will suggest I start a church or go to work for one. As a pastor.
A good speaker, I want to explain, isn’t necessarily a good pastor. And I wouldn’t be a good pastor. Not now. But I’m getting better.
Speaking requires a bit of charisma. Pastoring requires a lot of compassion.
Speaking builds rapport with a crowd. Pastoring builds relationship with individuals.
Speaking is passionate talking. Pastoring requires patient listening.
Speaking is over in twenty to forty-five minutes. Pastoring is for the long haul.
I know what to say from a stage and how to say it, but what about…
…when the couple miscarries…again.
…the husband, languishing beneath depression, refuses to get out of bed.
…the wife confesses she’s had an affair.
…the teenager is cutting herself.
…the Sunday school teacher loses faith.
…the routine surgery ends badly.
What do you say then? When the spotlight is off, the crowd has cleared and it’s just one person looking into the eyes of another person who is hurting, questioning, angry.
I had lunch with a man today who pastors well. He also happens to be a great speaker. When I need more than staged eloquence I turn to friends and mentors like him…for lunch, laughter, confession. And to learn how to be more than a speaker to the people who listen and look to me.
Maybe you’ve never thought about all that’s involved in being a great pastor. Maybe it’s time to say “thank you” to a few pastors in your life. I bet they don’t hear it often enough.
Kelli says:
I like it when you publish blog posts. Like, really a lot.
Kris says:
wisdom here. and yes, I should thank my pastor more.
Matthew W says:
Well said.
I think we could even replace “speaker” with “preacher” and this would still be accurate.
For example, I can preach the Word of God decently. I can “rightly divide the word of truth.” I can teach Biblical content; I can proclaim the glory of the Gospel. I can encourage application; I can provide incentive. But all of these are a subset of “speaker” that deals with Scripture. All the things that you mentioned as “pastor” things, I can’t do. Not in the least. Or at least not yet. i believe the day will come when I can and when I am called to… but not yet.
Seth Ward says:
Excuses excuses. Take the plunge.
Sandy says:
If we would only do what God calls us to and not worry about the rest, I wonder if we wouldn’t be a more peaceful people?
I read this today and thought of you, Shaun: http://ijboudreaux.com/2013/10/12/brave-knights-and-heroic-courage/#comment-1482