A Word of Encouragement for the Pastors

The calling on a pastor's life is the highest calling beyond the call of salvation one can receive.  It is a unique call in that it is only for males, and it is one not achieved by human intuition.  I remember taking aptitude tests seeking to reveal the best job possibilities for me according to my interests.  But being a pastor is not a computer-based decision based on your interests or personality.  People with all types of personalities, strengths, and weaknesses will soon discover God can use them all in His call to ministry.

A pastor is not called by his parents or family.  Just because your father, grandfather, or brothers were or were not pastors does not make you or deny you the call yourself.  For me, no one in my immediate family was a pastor.

A pastor's calling is that call that drives his life day-and-night.  Even though for the sake of supporting his family he may have other income, it is the call that motivates him and moves him.

Charles Spurgeon said there is always evidence and signs of your calling in and through your life.

You have a high calling.  You serve under the headship of the Great Shepherd.  You serve the greatest organization on the face of the earth...the local church.  

So, pastor, be encouraged today.  God has called you and equipped you for this unique service.  It is the vision He has given you for His church that motivates you to get up, to stay up, and to get back up when knocked down.  That vision is the fuel for your life.  Without a vision, there is no motivation to keep going.  So treasure the God-given vision and keep pressing on.

"And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry..."  I Timothy 1:12 (NKJV)