Reconciling Events

I had a "coming together of ideas" moments before writing this. I was watching an interview with Skot Shaw, creator of the band Leper, and he was talking about reconciling the events of life. As he was speaking, I flashed back to Sunday morning, to the guest speaker who shared an experience as a young Associate Pastor, who went on a hospital visit, took an intern with him...for the circumstances were dire. Sometimes, when you don't know how things will play out, yet, it's best to have someone nearby.

In that moment, I thought about how people feel when they are uneasy with new surroundings, especially when it comes to matters of relocation or a new job. An unexpected tragedy; an unexpected loss...a moment in time that changes your world and shakes you to the core.

For a church leader who people look to when such circumstances are, knowing what to do, say or convey is a challenge. Putting it in a spiritual context that points people to Christ and the hope made available to us through Him...sounds simple enough, but can be a struggle nonetheless. If seasoned pastors still have their moments in such circumstances, how much more the Associate Pastor(s) just starting out. Sure they've had training and interned and any other variety of circumstance...but to formally be in that position and knowing what is right for just that time...daunting.

Thus, pray for Associate Pastors, seasoned and fresh in ministry, to continue seek God, for wisdom and understanding. Pray for an increased sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, that as they help people reconcile the events of life, they would know what is right and relevant for effective ministry to the people and circumstances in front of them. For the believer, a pastor can be as much of a "first responder" as police, fire and EMS personnel. Pray that pastors would be ready, on all occasions, to minister to the lost, the dying, the broken, the shaken, the hopeless and shattered. May healing, restoration and reconciliation come forth, in a great dimension than ever before.

-PNC

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