Good Work. Done Well.

Well, our church has been excited... for a number of reasons, the latest among them is that three young men just completed their ordination/credentials process to become pastors within our fellowship of churches. This is pretty cool stuff.

However, the funny part was what happened during in the interview stage of the process. Two of them were offered jobs during their meeting! Of course, our senior pastor thought this was pretty comical as they are already serving on the church staff. His response, with a smile of course, was, "no... you're not stealing my people".

But it got me thinking about the priority and importance of approaching your work, whatever it is that you do, with excellence. And I'm the last guy to be discussing this. I'm more frequently reminded of how much I still struggle in this area of life than I care to admit. Was that an admission in and of itself? Where's my backspace key?

So, yes... whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your heart, soul and strength as unto the Lord. And what work is closer to the heart of God than ministry itself? Naturally, such an approach you would assume to be a given, let alone an expectation... that pastors would handle their ministry roles and responsibilities with excellence.

But apparently it's not a given. You would think with the shortage of pastors and people in ministry that currently exists, that job offers would be a common occurrence as people complete the ministry credential process, but it seems that is not the case. So, clearly, in the lives of two separate people, there's something about life, attitude, aptitude and passion for ministry that stood out and making them incredibly desirable for use and impact within another church and community.

What if this was the case for every associate pastor? And every other pastoral title for that matter. What if it was true for your life... better yet, my life?

Well, on that note... now, that I'm taking personal inventory; let's pray this #associatePastorTuesday that pastors, especially those starting out would retain the excitement about the prospect of ministry; of what God would have them do and where they would go. Pray that God would grant them wisdom and discernment and guide their every step. May God guard both their hearts and their homes from the traps and misgivings that would detour, derail and destroy their lives and ministries.  Pray they would approach both their life and their work with excellence; not that they would live perfect, but in accordance with God's will and in ways and means that bring glory to Him.

A legacy of great leadership
For the kingdom of God
And the advancement of the cause of Christ.

- PNC