Update From NOBTS

The first day of the Fall meeting of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Board of Trustees is in the books. It was a long, full day, which ended about 8:30 last night with a powerful musical worship service in beautiful Leavell Chapel.

The day began with breakfast at 7:00 and an opportunity to visit informally with our fellow trustees before the pace quickened. Building and Grounds Committee had their meeting from 8:30 till 10:30, which gave each of the rest of us a couple of hours of free time. I used mine to do an hour's work on Sunday morning's message, and another hour visiting with students and a staff member or two in the Hardin Student Center and browsing the adjacent LifeWay Christian Store. I also had opportunity to visit briefly with Robby Pearson, who now works in the Registrar's Office. Robby was one of the Preachers who went with us to the Philippies this past May. Robby is a great guy and it was sure good to see him again.

Chapel Service began at 11:00 AM with a great time of worship led by a student musical group which included Daniel Savage. Daniel is the Worship Pastor at my son, Jay's, First Baptist Church of Westwego. I also had the privilege to have Daniel as a member of our Philippine Mission Team this past May. He is a multi-talented and spiritually gifted young man. Dr. Searcy, a professor who had just returned from a mission trip to Nepal, shared a word about what God is doing in that formerly "closed" country and led us in a time of prayer. Dr. Chuck Kelley was his usual upbeat self, welcoming the Trustees to the Chapel Service, and casting the vision of the "School of Providence and Prayer" before the students and faculty assembled in the beautiful chapel.

Dr. Preston Nix, Professor of Evangelism and Preaching, brought a stirring message on our need for Revival - personally and corporately. Dr. Nix is a great preacher, who came to NOBTS after years in the Pastorate. His story is a touching one, as he and his family moved onto the campus of NOBTS in mid August, 2005 - just two weeks before Katrina and the resulting broken levee on the nearby Industrial Canal inundated the Gentilly area. The entire personal library which he had acquired over 30 + years in the ministry was still packed in cartons which were stacked in his garage. Since he had not had time to move them to his office, they were all lost when the flood waters engulfed the faculty housing area on Seminary Place. Along with his library, Dr. and Mrs. Nix lost most all of their personal belongings and had to start all over again in an unfamiliar place, among colleagues that they barely knew. Preston Nix is only one member of a dedicated faculty that accomplished a world class feat in getting the instructional mission of NOBTS back on track in almost no time, when other colleges and universities in the New Orleans area simply went out of business for nearly a year. All of their accomplishments came in the face of catastrophe and massive personal loss. These folks are heroes.

The Seminary provided free lunch for the Trustees and the entire Seminary Family in the beautiful and spacious cafeteria on campus. The meal had a genuine New Orleans flavor as the menu consisted of Red Beans and Rice, Sausage, Fried Okra and cornbread. The "family" lunch gives an informal setting for Trustees to mingle and eat with students, faculty members and staff people. The large round table where I sat accommodated a professor, Dr. Carter, a lady (whose name I'm afraid I have forgotten) who works in one of the offices, four students and fellow Trustee, Marvin Rose. Three of the young people, Amanda Lindsay, Bryan Scholl, and Bobby Wood are all members of Jay's church in Westwego. Bryan and Bobby are on staff there, as Student Pastor and Education Pastor, respectively. Amanda and Bobby were also part of our

May, 2008 mission team to the Philippines. It was great to visit with them again.

I mentioned that Marvin Rose was at the table. Marvin is Pastor of Baker Road Baptist Church of Baytown, Texas, and he and I were elected to the Board of Trustees the same year. The last four months have been a time of terrible trial for Marvin, his family, and his church. Just after I had seen Marvin in June at the SBC Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, we got word that his mother perished in a house fire at her home in Virginia. Then, just a few weeks ago, Hurricane Ike came ashore with Galveston and Baytown sitting at ground zero, destroying the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church and leaving heavy damage to Marvin's home. While thankful for the personal safety of their family and congregation, Marvin is facing a long and difficult task of recovery. Please pray for the Rose Family and the congregation of FBC Baytown.

At 1:30 PM my committee (Instruction) had it's two hour meeting. We received an update from Dr. Kelley, and Provost, Dr. Steve Lemke, on enrollment figures, degree and certificate programs. We were also updated on some faculty vacancies and heard reports on a few Presidential Faculty appointments that Dr. Kelley has made in the interim. These will be probably be brought to us for official faculty election at our Spring Meeting in April. Dr. Kelley advised us that the production and the professional level of their performance has been excellent this semester, although made more difficult by the Hurricane Gustav evacuation, and the preparations for a second possible evacuation a couple of weeks later as Hurricane Ike roared into the Gulf Coast. Fortunately for the folks in the New Orleans area (and to the dismay of the residents of the Texas Gulf Coast) Ike turned west and spared the Crescent City.

After the Instructional Committee meeting, I had time to meet with Bryan Scholl (pictured here)for a meeting to discuss a one week mission trip he is planning for next summer. Bryan wants to bring a group of 12 youth and 3 adults to the Huntington - Tri State area the week of July 20th. Bryan had the opportunity to come to Huntington with World Changers several years ago, and he looks forward to bringing his youth to our area for a week of ministry experience. I have already spoken with our Student Pastor, Rick Weber, who is excited about the opportunity for our youth group to host, and work with the Louisiana group next summer. This will be a special time, since our young people were hosted by Bryan and his church on their mission trip to New Orleans two summers ago. We are planning a number of joint projects which will include Back Yard Bible Clubs, neighborhood canvassing, light labor projects, a project with the City Mission, and a possible Block Party.

A few of the Trustees were accompanied by their wives, and we all met for fellowship and dinner at 6:00 PM. The folks I shared a table with included Trustees from Tennessee, Indiana, South Carolina, Illinois, and New York. We were also blessed to have Dr. Kelley at our table. His wife, Dr. Rhonda Kelley, was unable to attend as she was attending to a minor medical need for Dr. Kelley's elderly mother.

This morning the Investment Committee and Executive Committee meet after breakfast, and we will all join together for our three joint Plenary Sessions beginning just after lunch. These are the sessions where each committee gives their individual reports and all business is taken care of by the full Board of Trustees. Plenary Sessions 1 & 2 will take up the full afternoon. We'll break for dinner at 6:00 PM and then reassemble for Session 3 about 7:00 PM. It will be a full afternoon and evening.

Since I have the morning free, I will be attending a Baptist Association of Greater New Orleans Pastor's Meeting with Jay at the BAGNO offices on Lakeshore Drive, overlooking Lake Pontchartrain. These Pastor Meetings were begun by BAGNO Director of Missions, Joe McKeever, three years ago as an outgrowth of the Katrina disaster. Joe says these meetings have gone a long way toward uniting the New Orleans area pastors and building fellowship among them and their churches.

Should be a full, and hopefully productive day.

I have also told Jay that I'll buy lunch today - as long as we can either get one of those delicious burgers at "Port of Call" on Esplanade, or a Po Boy at "Sammie's" on Elysian Fields.

Have I ever mentioned that they have some pretty good food down here?

Where Are The Other Issues?

Tomorrow night Senators Barack Obama and John McCain meet for their third, and final formal debate. Thus far, in this writer's opinion, both debates have been underwhelming. Neither candidate has been able to really distinguish himself from the other, as moderators Jim Lerher (of PBS) and Tom Brokaw (of NBC) have basically asked different forms of the same questions, over and over for 90 minutes. The candidates give the same canned, over rehearsed, stock answers. Obama drones on about the evils of the Bush administration, and McCain proudly proclaims his "maverick" credentials, and his ability to "reach across the aisle".

Here's a thought, gentlemen. First, Senator Obama, you're not running against George Bush, and every conservative will quickly tell you that John McCain is NOT George W. Bush! And you, Senator McCain - please understand that we, who are conservative couldn't care less about how you have loved up to Ted Kennedy, Russ Feingold, or Joe Lieberman. We want to hear about issues. Real issues. ALL the issues that matter to voters - and those issues go far beyond the two horses of the economy and taxes.

The economic crisis IS important. Someone needs to come up with a real plan that would lessen the government's influence in economic matters and let the free market work. American businesses and her workers must make the major adjustments it takes to be effective in the global economy. Taxes ARE an important issue and there is no doubt that government has it's hand way too far in our collective pockets. While important to each of us, taxes and economic issues are not the be all, end all of the important questions that voters need to ask.

I am no longer identifying myself as a Democrat or a Republican, but rather as a Conservative. I do not vote as an "evangelical", I consider candidates (at every level) from the perspective of being a Conservative with a Biblical world view. I do not believe I am alone in this. In fact I KNOW I am not. I know Democrats and Republicans alike who fall into that same category, and that world view should go with us in every aspect of our lives - and yes - even into the voting booth. I refuse to worship at the altar of the economy only. I want to know where these guys stand on issues that are important to me, and to our culture.

Where do they stand on the definition of marriage? What would their policies be in regard to that important institution? What about the right to life? What would they do to protect the rights of the unborn - the most helpless among us? What type of Federal Judges and Supreme Court Justices would they appoint? Would they go with appointees that strictly interpret our constitution, or those who would be judicial activists - legislating from the bench? Where do they stand on their commitment to national security, and that of our allies in general? What would they do to support Israel in the face of the threat of annihilation from their radical neighbors? What about their personal character? My mother used to tell me that you are judged by the company you keep. Shouldn't these candidates be examined regarding their past and present associations with others?

Other issues are important as well. How will they lead in dealing with illegal immigration? Who or what type of individuals would they appoint to cabinet and advisory positions? Do they believe in more government or less? Do they think that the "separation of church and state" means there can be no expression of Christian faith in the public square? What about energy independence? Will they support policies that would allow us to tap into our vast reserves of oil or would we still continue to spend billions of dollars buying crude oil from foreign nations that really don't like us much? Would they support nuclear power and clean coal technologies? No hedging. No spin. Just give us opportunity to hear their answers to these and other important questions!

The list goes on and on, but I hope you see the point. Where are these questions during the debates? Rick Warren's Saddleback Forum asked many of these questions. We were able to see some real differences between the two candidates in that forum. John McCain's first boost in the public opinion polls came as a result of his answers to those questions at Saddleback. The other came when he named a rather unknown running mate who openly and un-apologetically states what she stands for. Her Democratic opponent does the same. One can easily see the difference between the two.

It's a refreshing breath of fresh air, that I think would be helpful for the candidates at the top of the tickets to emulate. And as for the Wednesday evening debate, I would urge CBS's Bob Schieffer (the moderator) to ask about SOMETHING besides the economy. Give us opportunity to see where these candidates stand on a whole spectrum of issues. Then, perhaps, we will see the differences, and make an informed decision as to how to cast our votes.

People On the Go

Monday, October 13, 2008

Charlotte Douglas International Airport - 11:45 AM

I arrived safely and on time in Charlotte, for my 1:10 PM flight to New Orleans. With about an hour and a half until my US Airways flight leaves for the Big Easy, I have been fortunate enough to grab one of those high backed white rocking chairs that line the main concourse and food court area of the Charlotte Airport. Every time I change planes in Charlotte I can't help but think of Christmas Day (and night) that Linda and I spent here in 2004. A rare ice storm had closed the New Orleans Airport (and a number of other airports in the south) and we, along with hundreds of other travelers had an unexpected (and uncomfortable) stay in a place where nobody wanted to be on Christmas.

To make matters worse, I was just three weeks removed from my colon surgery, and although the doctor said we could travel, none of us had expected being stranded in North Carolina on the most special holiday of the year. My time was spent in a wheel chair, while Linda had to push me from place to place. At one point she stood in line for over 2 1/2 hours, along with hundreds of other harried travelers, trying to make arrangements to rebook flights. I felt so sorry for her. Her feet and legs had to be killing her as she stood, pushing my wheelchair ahead inch by inch as the line moved slower than a snail's pace. The whole time she was worried about me. As those great philosophers (the Four Tops) put it, "Ain't No Woman Like The One I Got!". Even with that experience fresh in memory, I decided to treat Linda to another Christmas visit with the grandchildren in New Orleans this past Christmas, and (you guessed it), she spent Christmas Day in the same airport, never getting to complete her trip to New Orleans.

Well, that's water under the bridge today. No ice storms. No holiday delays, I'm just sitting here watching the world go by and waiting for my boarding call. I am reminded about what a mobile society we have. In fact, what a mobile world we live in! While in the air looking down at the beautiful fall foliage of the Appalachian Mountains, one could see the highways far below with steady streams of traffic headed in several directions. A glance upward revealed numerous contrails left behind from the engines of other aircraft heading in every direction. Here in the main terminal building of Douglas, I guess several thousand folks have walked by my position here in the rocker. All of them headed somewhere, most of them in a hurry. There are business men, military personnel, families, elderly folks, and students. I can only imagine where they all are going.

The truth of the matter is, that the are ALL truly headed somewhere... Not just to their flight destinations, but to an eternal destination. Everyone of them! I'm sure each of them have made special preparations for reaching their flight destinations. Plans have been made, bags packed, special attention given to make sure no details are missed. Many will have people waiting to meet them at the airport when they arrive. I can only wonder how many of them have "made preparations" for their more important eternal destinations.

One destination is easy to attain. Jesus said, "Broad is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction." He tells us that the vast majority of folks are on that track. What do they have to do to get there? Nothing. Just have to keep doing what they're doing. Jesus told a man named Nicodemus those famous words that "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever would believe on Him would not perish, but have everlasting life." He went on to say that "Those who believe on Him are not condemned but those who believe not are condemned already, because they have not believed upon the name of the only begotten Son of God." You see, our sinful nature, and no relationship with God guarantees those who have not made preparations will reach that sad destination.

Jesus said there is another gate (it's somewhat obscure) and another way (it's narrow) but it leads to life everlasting. The destination is not just "Heaven". That's the ultimate stop, but the true destination is a personal relationship with the God who created us and loves us more than we can fathom. The sad thing is that Jesus said "few there be that find it". Jesus is the way. He is the Truth. He is the Life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him.

Which way are you headed?

My prayer today - "Lord, many of these people are headed the wrong way. I can not hope to reach them all. Please help me to help someone today to find the right way".

Where Are Your Treasures?

Well, it's been quite a week, hasn't it?

The Stock Market has been in an absolute free fall, and the "domino effect" has had financial markets plunging to new depths around the world. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has taken hit after hit every day this week, plunging from an average of over 14,000 just a few weeks ago, down to an eight year low of less than 8,000. The frightening thing is that no one seems to know where the bottom is.

The sub prime mortgage lending practices of "Fannie Mae" and "Freddie Mac" seem to have been the culprit in causing the dominoes to begin to fall. One thing led to another. The government sponsored lending corporations had to be bailed out as the chickens of their ridiculous lending practices finally began to come home to roost. Some huge investment banks were next, great brokerage houses began to fail or be swallowed up by other firms. The insurance giant, AIG, was on the verge of going belly up until the government came to the multi billion dollar rescue.

Just ten days (or so) ago, the august leadership of our House and Senate told us that the only hope for a market correction lay in the seven billion dollar "rescue" measure put forth by the President , the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Chairman of the Federal Reserve. When the House voted down the measure, The Speaker of the House, her Democratic leadership team, and the mainline news media screamed gloom and doom. "Unless this measure passes" they warned us, "We are in for the most terrible financial crisis since the Crash of 1929." The Senate rushed to pass their own version of the bail out and sent it to the House. Conservative Talk Radio hosts warned against the huge bail out, and even though calls and emails to House members ran 3-1 against the package, the measure passed and was rushed to the President's desk for signature into law. The nation breathed a huge sigh of relief. The crisis surely was nearly over.

NOT!

The next day, the Stock Market fell 500 points. The giant Charlotte based Wachovia Bank revealed they were on life support, and Washington Mutual (the nation's largest Savings and Loan went belly up. The market has plunged 500 points or so, each day since the "rescue package" was passed. There is a lot of finger pointing going on and this writer figures that there is plenty of blame to go around. Those of us whose 401k's and other retirement programs are are funded in the Stock Market have seen our funds drastically reduced. Many are beginning to panic, and the world financial markets seem to be in serious jeopardy. How are you reacting to the crisis? It all depends on where your treasures are.

All of us will feel the effect of this financial crisis, but none of us should really be surprised that it has happened. We live in a world where money is king. In civilized nations around the globe, greed has the upper hand. Life seems only to revolve around Euros, Dollars, Pounds, real estate, investments, and financial security. Yet nearly 2,000 years ago, we were warned by a miracle working teacher in an obscure corner of the world that life is more than money, possessions, and earthly investments. Jesus taught that while all those things are deemed to be important by most of us, they are, in fact, only temporal. Life's best investments are of the eternal value - those who go far beyond any earthly ability to be measured.

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus advised His hearers in that day, and those of us who would read His words today:

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; "but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matt. 6: 19-21)

Financial experts often talk about periodic necessary "market corrections". Perhaps God is trying to get our attention with the current financial crisis, to make us understand our culture needs a course correction itself. While James Carville might tell us, "It's the economy, stupid!" Almighty God wants us to understand, "It's eternity, stupid!" THAT is what is important.

Critics might say, "Well, what will you do if you lose everything? Don't you think you should be worried about the financial crash? What if you lose everything you have worked for?"

Consider what Jesus went on to say, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? "Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? "So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; "and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. "Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' "For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6: 25-33)

Wow! Isn't that a refreshing viewpoint?

First focus on the Kingdom of God, and the earthly needs we have will be graciously supplied by a loving God. God said He would supply all our need, NOT all our greed.

Please understand that I'm not downplaying the seriousness of the global financial situation. I'm simply asking the questions:

Where is your focus?

Where are your treasures today?

Perhaps many of us may need a personal "market correction".

What Does The Future Hold For Us?

Are you getting a little tired of the political overload? Is the dreary economic news keeping you awake at night? Do you fear what may be coming in the future? Are you equally concerned about the lack of experience of both Barack Obama and Sarah Palin? Are you depressed that three of the top four candidates are U.S. Senators (that's Greek for "professional windbags")? Are you torn between the philosophical question of whether Iran or Pakistan is the most dangerous country on earth? Does the quality of leadership of the U.S. Congress send you into seizures? Does $4.00 per gallon gas have you seriously thinking about buying bycicles for the whole family? Do you agonize over choices like "credit or debit"? Are the Cubs going to blow it again? Do you worry whether "Head On" can really cure a headache? Where in the world is Matt Lauer?

Is that what's bothering you, Bunkie?

Well there is good news.

In a world where situations change and new crises arise daily, there is good news. No matter what happens in the economy - no matter who wins the election - no matter what publicity stunts are pulled by some Hollywood bimbos - there are some predictions that I can assure you that you can count on. No matter what happens tomorrow, here are the top ten assured predictions:

• The Bible will still have the answers
• There will still be power in prayer
• The Holy Spirit will still be at work
• God will still inhabit the praises of His people
• There will still be God anointed preaching on Sunday morning
• There will still be singing of praises to God
• God will still bless His people
• There will still be room at the cross
• Jesus will still love you
• God still wants everyone to have a personal relationship with Him through Jesus

When we do not know what tomorrow knows - isn't it comforting to know who holds tomorrow?

In The Presence Of Death - New Life!

I first became acquainted with them about 12 years ago. The two young ladies were sisters who, along with their brother, attended the church where I served as Pastor. They were pleasant young adults, unmarried, quiet, and only spoke when spoken to. The older sister was a Veterinarian who had a clinic in a nearby town in the next county, and the younger sister was her assistant in the clinic. The brother worked as a mechanic and body man in the shop owned by their uncle, who, along with his wife, had been bringing them to church since they were teenagers. Their mother and father were Christians who attended another church - but not on a regular basis. Something had happened in that church years ago that hurt the parents, and while they were good, godly people, their church attendance was sporadic.

The girls lives revolved around their work - seven days a week. Even though the clinic didn't have regular hours on Sunday, there were emergencies from time to time, and just like a hospital for humans, the Vet clinic had patients that needed to be cared for daily. As soon as church was over on Sunday morning, the two sisters were off for the next county, where they would faithfully care for the animals in their charge.

The kids had come from a Pentecostal background in the same small town church where singer and actor Billy Ray Cyrus had grown up. The brother had accepted Christ as a boy, but his two sisters had never made professions of faith in Jesus. Although they were good folks and had high moral standards, much like the Rich Young Ruler in the Bible, they only lacked one thing - a personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus. There are a lot of people out there like that. Good moral folks. Often more circumspect in their lives than some professing Christians. Unable to comprehend why, when they do their best to be a good person and upright citizen, that they need a Savior. Such folks often feel that their good works are enough. Yet the Bible tells us that "there is none good but God". "All of us have sinned and missed the mark" and even at the best we can do, "our righteousness is like filthy rags" (literally in the Hebrew, menstural cloths) in the sight of a Holy God. We all need a Savior.

I had lost track of the young ladies several years ago, when I accepted a pastorate in another city across the river in a neighboring state. I saw their brother on occasion, when I would have reason to bring my car by his uncle's shop from time to time. I always asked about the girls and his reply was always, "They're fine - still living at home with mom and dad and staying busy at the clinic". These girls were devoted to their work and their family. In fact, their 68 year old mother regularly helped them in the clinic every day and they were very close. Their mother had recently given them Bibles and had been encouraging them to give their lives to Christ, but - they were very busy helping people with their pets and farm animals. There just wasn't much time to think about things like that at the present.

This past Sunday morning, I got the call from their Uncle.

On the previous morning, the mother and both daughters had been on their way to the clinic for the usual Saturday work. Mom was driving the Jeep at about 65 miles per hour on the interstate highway when she announced, "I feel faint" and immediately slumped over the steering wheel. As the Jeep headed for the median, the daughter in the back seat tried to lift her mother back off the wheel while her sister in the front seat attempted to steer the vehicle from the passenger side. As a result of the over correction of their course, the car veered off the right side of the highway, rolled up an embankment, and landed on its roof. The girls sustained minor injuries but miraculously survived the accident. Sadly, however, their mother was gone. She had suffered a massive fatal heart attack.

The Uncle who called me said the girls had asked him to see if I would be able to officiate at their mother's funeral. They knew of my battle with cancer and since they had not seen me in some time, were unsure of my physical condition. I assured him that I would certainly do what I could to help.

I was at the funeral home yesterday afternoon when the family arrived about 5:15. There were only the three of them - the father, son, and two sisters, broken and grieving. After the initial hugs and words of consolation we stepped into the parlor for them to have private time at their loved one's casket before the general public would begin arriving at 6:00. After several minutes of quiet time, I mentioned to the family that their loved one had kept an appointment that God has made for each of us. The most important thing we can do in this life is to be ready for that appointment, and the only way to be prepared is through a personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus. "If your mom could speak to you right now" I told the girls, "I believe she would uge you to come to Jesus."

The older daughter looked at me through her tears and said, "You know, we have been talking about that a lot lately. Could we be saved right now?"

My heart lept with joy. "You surely can" I said.

Very simply explaining the plan of salvation to them (which they had heard many times before), I asked them if they understood. They did. I asked them if they acknowledged their sin and if they were willing to turn from their way to God's way, and accept Jesus and His sacrifice for their sins. They did.

While the four of us stood there arm in arm in front of their mother's casket, Kim and Aimee prayed to accept Jesus as their Savior.

Jesus said that there is rejoicing in the presence of the Angels when a lost soul is found. At 5:30 yesterday evening there was a double reason for having a rejoicing party in Heaven!

New life had begun in the very presence of death.

I'm actually looking forward to this afternoon's funeral service!

Some Humor From A Pastor Friend

Dr. James Dobson's "Focus on the Family" magazine lists October as Pastor Appreciation Month throughout the United States. When most folks think of their pastor, it probably conjures up images like the one at left. However, other than the three hours a week (or so) that we are in the pulpit, pastors have many other duties and responsibilites as well.

We're a strange lot. Paul the Apostle advised young Timothy that, "If a man desires the office of Bishop, he desires a good work." On the other hand sometimes people (and pastors themselves on Monday) wonder why that is. In fact, Charley Dygert has asked me on several occasions, "What in the world possesses a guy like you to WANT this job?"


Well, the answer is that while we often think of it as a job, in fact it is a calling. The amazing thing is that God calls men into the pastorate who are just that. Men. Human beings, with all of the strengths and weaknesses that go with being part of humankind. Now, I don't want you to disrespect the office your pastor holds, but I hope each of you will realize that in many ways, the guy behind the pulpit, is not a lot different than the guy in the pew. He just has the responsibility of being a shepherd. Sometimes the task is difficult, but a truly God called Pastor will find joy and happiness in no other.

Recent research statistics show that pastors are leaving the ministry in larger numbers than ever. Some leave do to moral failure. More leave due to financial burdens and the generally low pay. The great majority leave from burnout or as a result of church conflict. It is easy to criticize your pastor, no matter who he may be, but remember that he does have a difficult job. One wise man once said, "If you want a better pastor - pray for him!"

I have been blessed to serve as an associate pastor in one church, and as lead pastor in five churches over the 38 years of my ministry. It hasn't always been a "bed of roses" but I have dear friends today in each of those churches and a multitude of precious memories. The past six years at Westmoreland Baptist have been some of the most wonderful years of my ministry, and I would not trade the past 38 years with anyone!


Now, with all that serious stuff said, let me share something a little more lighthearted with you. A long time friend and fellow Pastor, Phil Warren sent this message to me yesterday, and I got a good chuckle out of it. I'm sure Phil wouldn't mind me passing it along to you today. It may give the average church member a humorous look into the psyche of your pastor.

YOU MIGHT BE A PASTOR IF...

• You hesitate to tell people what you do for a living.
  


• You've ever dreamed you were preaching only to awaken and discover you were.
  


• You've ever wondered why people couldn't die at more appropriate times.
  


• You find yourself counting people at a sporting event.
  


• You're leading the church into the 21st century, but you don't know what you're preaching on Sunday.
  


• A church picnic is no picnic.
  


• You jiggle all the commode handles at the church before you leave.
  


• You've ever spoken for free and were worth every penny of it.
  


• People sleep while you're talking.
  


• Instead of getting "ticked off," you get "grieved in your spirit."
  


• You've ever been tempted to take an offering at a family reunion.
  


• You read sermons to your kids at night instead of bedtime stories.
  


• You'd rather talk to people with every head bowed and every eye closed.
  


• You've ever wanted to "lay hands" around a deacon's neck.
  


• You often feel like you're herding cats rather than shepherding sheep.
  


• Your greatest joys have been in the church.