The Value of "Grunts" & Their Work

First things first... my sincerest apologies that you weren't reading this 12 hours ago, as you should have been able to do. That said, what we'll leave the reasons for that being the case where they belong...13 hours in the past.

That said, I was thinking yesterday (and perhaps I've brought this up before or similar), but Associate seems like an interesting title for pastors. We've talked about Senior Pastor and Executive Pastor and a slew of "new" titles we've made for such positions with specific areas of focus within ministry and the church. But like the business world, we don't place a formal second-in-command title, like Vice President; Vice Chairman or the like. There's a Lead and then every one else... or so it seems at times.

And while the work of an "Associate" is important, whether in the law firm, sales or ministry, it also connotes a lot of work without a great deal of recognition. Grunts. And the work that goes along with. Sure the work and the tasks that go into can be menial and trivial and a host of other adjectives, but that doesn't negate their needing to be accomplished and fulfilled. They do (or should) play into the greater pieces of the puzzle that help form the big picture vision.

However, when all the work goes unrecognized, it's easy to slip in states that are not beneficial; for the body, mind and psyche, let alone the physical environment in which you find yourself as well as those people who are in your circle of influence.

All of us have those circles. People who speak into your life. People who you should be speaking life into. And when we get too focused on the work (regardless of its' importance; even in light of eternity) rather than the people we set out to make things better, we lose the long-term vision for what we have set out to accomplish and why.

Thus, pray this #associatePastorTuesday, that pastors would be strengthened and renewed; reminded of the fact they are important to the ministry and the work of Jesus Christ for the Kingdom of God. May the be encouraged that their accomplishments matter; that their time is valuable; their input, wisdom, experience and knowledge are priceless. Pray that the lies of the enemy would fade, as the truth is illuminated anew and afresh, of their place within the body of Christ. May God accomplish the miraculous in their lives, that whatever they put their hand to, would prosper, both within the church and outside the four walls.

Invaluable.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

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