Solo-Ministry

Once again, after having put the kids to bed, I found myself without a clue for this post. Seconds later, God reminded me that pastor's wife was ministering in another church yesterday morning about a ministry that God has placed in her heart, that she has built (and continues to build) from the ground up.

Pastor shared in his sermon, that his baby girl had stayed with the grand-parents Saturday night so he would only have his son (older only by a couple years) to worry about getting ready in the morning... this got me thinking about how many pastors are running churches without a mate.

I can't imagine losing my wife. My heart still breaks for my missionary friend who lost his wife to MS a while back, that we prayed over. Ministry is hard work, whether in the pulpit or in the field. It's hard to imagine Paul accomplishing all that he did on his missionary journeys, if he were married.

That said, modern ministry nearly requires a stable home life. We've seen all to often what happens to ministries when things at home are less than stable (or worse, showing visible signs of trouble and concern). I know this is dicey ground, for even Paul talks about the difficulty of focusing on ministry, while married, for indeed having the concern for family can get in the way of being effective for the kingdom.

But just as difficult, I would think, is a marriage that was powerful and effective for God, that now struggles to accomplish what they once did because of the loss of a spouse, whether through death or divorce. As if ministry wasn't challenging enough, this seems like it would add another layer or two to navigate through this life, which is usually does anyway.

Pray with me, this #seniorPastorMonday, for pastors who for whatever reason, are now ministering solo, when once there was a mate. May God strengthen and encourage them even this day, for the plans and purposes He has for them as they move forward with the calling placed upon them. For those seeking direction and wisdom, may God grant revelation to their hearts and minds. For healing on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels, pray God would work the miraculous through whatever grief and distress may be occurring in their lives. Pray for the love and support of the church and community-at-large to stand with pastors and lift them up, as Aaron did for Moses... that wherever they find themselves, they would be effective for the advancement of the Gospel of Christ.

Complete in Christ,
Despite our losses on Earth.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

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