Deep End Of The Pool

Yesterday, I found myself thinking of the words of my missionary friend who lost his wife almost 2 months ago now. When he shared at our men's meeting a couple weeks ago, he told us how Africa has so many new churches growing from the ground up, that many times, people who started bible school, seemingly moments after getting saved, were graduating and practically being handed the keys to one of these churches.

They have more churches needing Pastors than they can train and graduate people to put into the pulpits!!  Now, that's a great problem to have, but it accurately portrays the picture to your left. Talk about feeling like Moses, when God told Him his mission regarding reclaiming Israel from the hands of the Egyptians.

Similarly, how many pastors, and associate-level pastors in particular, feel exactly the same way. Whether it's their very first pastoral position in a church or their 5th and this latest ministerial program they are launching is uncharted waters; I would venture to say moments like these are unsettling at best and nerve-wracking at their worst.

As you pray for Associate Pastors today, continue to prayer for moments of strength and words of encouragement. Pray for revelatory ideas, fresh vision and clarity of thought. Pray for confidence-inspiring boldness within their ministry and the church-body that they serve. Pray for those teams who would come alongside and partner with them, to accomplish their ministerial goals. Finally, for those who dream and desire of greater pastoral responsibilities in their calling, pray for opportunities for mentor-ship; opportunities to learn and grow from people who have served in the capacities they desire to be placed one day. Pray that not a single moment would be missed, that could be a critical tipping point to propel them to the next level, both in their personal faith and in their calling, for the glory of God.

-PNC

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