4 Words Every Pastor Needs to Hear
Monday, October 5, 2020
“It is worth it.”
"Tell me about how you spent your time last week?" I have asked many pastors this question and their responses are so … random. Sometimes I get foggy or confused looks, sometimes a well-articulated answer, and other times just a random explanation of trying to recap an erratic and full week.
There are times you feel on top of everything and times you feel like you can barely hold on. Sound familiar?
Pastoring isn’t easy! And that was before COVID.
Flexibility, Chaos & New Skills
I am currently trying to plan gatherings for our community and every gathering (bar non) has included last minute COVID related cancellations.
Flexibility and chaos are the new norm.
In the last 6 months I have had to become competent at filming, editing, writing scripts, and posting online (while trying to not infringe on copyright policies!)
A few months ago, I had an experience where I filmed for almost an hour and everything was entirely out of focus. I filmed everything again and, yes, it was all out of focus again!
We are learning new skills, navigating a variety of opinions, and are leading into an unknown that we probably thought would be sorted out by now. This is on top of the regular rhythms of a vocation that isn’t easy.
However, in light of all this, know that it is worth it. It is worth it.
Romans 8: 18, 22-25 says this:
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us ... We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Our hardships and troubles have an eternal impact.
"It is Worth It"
Do I wish my weeks were more linear and lined up perfectly with my tidy job description? Yep.
Do I feel like punting my camera into a lake when it goes out of focus? Of course.
Do I love trying to balance the very small fine line of opinions that are polar opposites? Love it!
Pastoral ministry is not easy, but it is worth it. I will say it one more time: IT IS WORTH IT. Jesus is with us and is for us. He goes before us in all things. We are actually joining in with His work, which is the most important work in the world. I know that we didn’t sign on for all that we are facing and that not everybody understands. But He does and He is with you.
Keep going. Don’t give up. It is worth it.
Trevor Berry is the Children’s Pastor at Mckenzie Towne Church. He has been a pastor for over 10 years, serving in a variety of roles including Young Adults, Church Re-start, Small Groups, Youth Pastor & Lead Pastor. He is passionate about seeing people live out of their gospel identity. Trevor loves soccer, comedy and a good cup of coffee. He grew up in Ontario, and is an avid Leafs fan, but met an Alberta girl in Bible College and the rest is history. He currently lives in Calgary with his wife and two sweet kids.
