This statement or a form of it has been declared one too many times by none other than . . . pastors.
Recently, while eating supper with a group of ministry leaders, I made the comment that I love officiating weddings AND funerals. The retired pastor across from me responded with a look of disgust and disdain while shaking his head.
Now, you might understand why I love to lead weddings yet wonder about funerals. Let me share some of my reasons with the hopes of encouraging you, pastor, to see these as a positive opportunity rather than a drudgery. If they have become mechanical to you, then hopefully this will encourage you to serve in the newness of Christ.
Monday’s Ministry Encouragement: Written to encourage you, my friend in ministry, to be refreshed and renewed as we live for Christ and look toward the Bema.
Please read on lest you think I’m uncaring and cold-hearted.
Recently I attended a graveside service at a cemetery nestled on a hillside overlooking a quiet, beautiful Virginia valley. Although I did not know the deceased, my heart hurt for his wife of many years as well as family and friends.
Looking back over this past week, there are so many grace blessings that my heart is overflowing.
Andrew, Dale and Mike
Last Friday, I had the privilege of participating in the funeral, and on Saturday, the burial committal service for a precious lady, Dixie Gouge. I wrote about it in last week’s post. Another grace blessing from this event was serving together with two other pastors. Mike Garland was baptized as a young man by father when Dad pastored Forest View Bible Church, Johnson City, TN, of which Ralph and Dixie Gouge were members. Mike is also a nephew of the Gouge’s. The other pastor is my son-in-law, Andrew, who is our assistant pastor at BCBC. What a joy to stand between these two men that have special ties to my heart! God is so good to let you clip such blessed grace coupons!
Two hams!
What a special treat to minister to our neighborhood, especially the family next door to us. Their two precious children come to our home every week for Bible club. They are our adopted “grandkids” and are such a blessing to our hearts. Here we are having some silly fun time!
Mr. D doing what Mr.D does best!!
Pioneer Children’s Club, Wednesday nights: How grateful to be in the midst of people who love children and demonstrate a passion to see them be more than just good kids; better yet, godly kids. Even better is the passion of Mr. D who wants to see these precious children and their parents come to Christ for salvation! He is faithfully out knocking on doors and doing bus visitation on Tuesdays in preparation for Wednesday nights!
Apples of Gold Decor
Apples of Gold Ladies Mentoring Ministry: Last Saturday, we hosted twenty people at our home for the AOG Celebration Dinner. My wife had every decorated so beautifully. She and her helpers prepared delicious soups, salad and desserts. What a special blessing it was to eat outside, and then to be gathered around the fire pit sharing testimonies and singing songs under a starlit sky. God is so good!
fromapastorsheart.com 