Left Standing

Last night, I heard about am inner-city pastor who in the last 48 hours, met with another pastor. No big deal...pastors get together all the time. Why mention this?

The inner-city pastor needed to tell somebody that the day after they talked, he was handing in his resignation.  Tired to the point of not only walking away from the pulpit, but the ministry all together. Whatever the unknown details surrounding it, the breaking point had not only been reached, but had moved past the point of recovery.

Perhaps his time may be done with this church, but pray he comes to understand that God is not done with his life yet...ministry still awaits, just somewhere else & perhaps in a different role.

That said, as I reflected on this, I couldn't help about thinking about those who serve this community with him, left standing with "what's next" after receiving the resignation. Other Pastors still have ministry to carry out. Staff still has work to do. Admins have responsibilities to oversee. And deacons and board members have some challenging decisions fast approaching. Then there's the power of prayer

Pray for deacons, admins and staff, specifically for this inner-city church. Pray for wisdom, beyond their experience and despite their emotions, that God would guide and direct every conversation and every decision in the days, weeks, and months to come. Pray for administrators and staff, that nothing would get missed or overlooked during this time of transition. Pray for the Pastor(s) or persons who will ensure ministry in this community continues, to the best of their abilities.

Keep in prayer, this pastor and his family. Pray God brings clarity to his heart and mind. May he be encouraged and strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray that he is renewed and rejuvenated and that God would direct his past and future endeavors. Pray discouragement and defeat would not detour him from ministry all-together, but that God would use this to propel him to the next level for the kingdom of God. May this experience be a testament to the grace of God and His sovereign plan for all involved.

-PNC

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