Beginning Year Number Thirty Today!

Today marks the beginning of my 30th year as a pastor. It has been a wonderful journey in so many ways.

Can I share a few things with you about this walk with the LORD and His people?

I remember well that day, January 20, 1980, when for the first time I would bring God's Word to a group of people who would call me "Pastor". I can still see that little chapel and the people who were there that day.

People have loved me much more than I deserve. I have seen God's grace coming through the congregation. The encouragement I have received from God's people has been a wonderful blessing.

The LORD has been with me each step of the way. I have so enjoyed the times with Him, even when it has just been Him and I. Jesus has been a Friend Who loves at all times.

The ministry has not been without its times of struggles and difficulties but God has always brought us through them. There have been times when He has delivered us but most of the times we have walked through them with Him leading the way. He has been close to me during those times as well as the delightful ones.

One of the wonders of serving God as a shepherd is the eternal nature of the work. I often think of that line, "Only one life, will soon be passed, only what's done for Christ will last." It is a joy to serve and knowing that I am involved with things eternal.

I love God's Word. I loved it before I became a pastor. As a kid my Bible was my companion. I love its stories and now I get to tell them as part of my life's work.

One more thing I have found about being a pastor is that you never get bored in this work. It is a fantastic journey!

At the end we receive a crown!

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. I Peter 5.1-4