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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Encouragement (02/23/12)
The Pastor’s Log
United Church. Pastor’s log Supplemental:

We pastors always tell people that we have the most fulfilling job ever. If we were truthful with them and ourselves we’d have to admit that isn’t so. In fact, being a pastor is the most frustrating and thankless job I’ve ever had. If one more person makes that idiotic comment about only working two days a week I am probably going to tell them all what they can do with this job. I hear used car salesmen make a lot of money

No one appreciates what I do. All I ever hear is how I can improve my sermon. Either it’s too long or too short, too deep or too shallow. I talk about God too much or not enough. My wife and kids say I use them as illustrations too much, the congregation wants me to tell more of those funny stories about my family.

I hear how I’m lucky to not have to get a real job. However the same person thinks nothing of calling me at two in the morning to come to the hospital and pray for them. Oh and just try to take a day off, forget about it. If I go to the movies I’m sinning, if I don’t then I’m out of touch with real people. It seems no matter what I do I can’t win.

My resignation letter is already written. I’ve had it for months right here on my desk. I think this might be the week that I actually submit it. After all, if I did they wouldn’t even miss me. They’ve told me often enough how easy I’d be to replace, lets see if they’re right.

I got into this because God called me. I had a vision of touching people and drawing them closer to God. They sure look like they're further away to me. Have I wasted all that schooling I’m still paying for? How about all those years as a youth pastor and now as a senior pastor? Just once I’d like to know I’ve made a difference to someone. I think I’ll make an appointment to see the elders tomorrow and give them that envelope. This is Pastor Bigmac signing off, maybe for the last time.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
United Church Pastors Log, New Entry:

What a beautiful day. I love my job. It is the greatest job in the world. I know, I know that isn’t what I was saying yesterday. All I want is to make a difference and I am.

What changed you wonder? I got home last night and decided to check my email account. There it was right on top. Email from Godslightgirl98@yahoo. Listen to what she had to say.

Pastor Bigmac,

You probably don’t remember me,.My name is Katie Christian. You were my youth pastor about ten years ago. I just want to tell you that while I was in your youth ministry I may have been a pest. It may have seemed like I wasn’t paying any attention to anything you said or did but I was.
The things you taught me during my middle and high school years have stuck with me ever since.

I don’t think I’ve told you but when you preached at the fall retreat you told us how to give our lives to Jesus. I prayed that night to receive Him into my life. You left to become senior pastor a year latter before I could tell you my plans for my future.

I just wanted to let you know that your example and love helped me to realize what God was calling me to do with my life. You should be receiving an envelope in the mail in the next few days inviting you to my graduation from Trinity Bible College and Seminary. I hope you’ll attend. I want your advice on how to impact teens for Christ. I start my first job as youth pastor the following week. I’m hoping and praying that I can make as big an impact for them as you did for me.

I’m sure you hear it all the time but I just have to tell you that you literally changed my life. Thank you for being faithful to God. I can’t wait to hear how greatly he is using you as a senior pastor.
Your daughter in Christ, Katie
Love to report more but I’ve a sermon to prepare.
Pastor Bigmac signing off
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This article has been read 899 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Donna Wilcher
03/02/12
Wow! What a great story! With a POWERFUL ending! Loved it!
Kathleen Langridge
03/02/12
Your piece reminded me of the old saying "Many pastors resign every Monday. They just never tell anyone."

You portrayed a common experience in ministry. Many people would be shocked and surprised to learn that upfront people feel this way. Good portrayal and an ending very true to life.
I did spot a few bits of missing punctuation. Always good to have another pair of eyes check it over, if possible.
Good job. See you next week?
C D Swanson 
03/02/12
Loved this! Loved it, loved it, loved it!

What a touching story, and so so true. Pastors have so much to handle, and so many things are on them.
This showed how "human" Pastors are...good job of reflecting the frustration that our "flesh" bodies can produce.

Loved the letter from his former youth student! God placed that in his email...there are no conincidences with God. His hand is always on us and always has a purpose.

Loved it. Thank you so much.

God bless~
Geoffrey johnstone
03/04/12
Loved it.

As a retired pastor I can relate to this story. I actually had this happen to me a couple of times.

Good stuff!
Nancy Bucca
03/05/12
Thank you for this glimpse into the life of a pastor. How easy it is to make assumptions about pastors and how they should/should not be living their lives.

I think we can all relate to the fact that one encouraging message can make a world of difference in how we feel about ourselves and our jobs.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
03/05/12
This brought tears to my eyes. I have a friendship with my minister and I know sometimes he thinks no one understands him. He has saved my life, and more importantly my soul. He had tears flowing down his face at my son's High School graduation. See, my son is now a senior in college and is starting Seminary next year. My minister knows how he has impacted my family's life. But even though I've told him before, I think I'll tell him again at Bible Study tonight. Maybe I'll print your story and just drop it in his mailbox with the words We do love and appreciate you at the bottom of it. Thank you for this.
George McVey
03/05/12
Thank everyone for your kind words.
C D Swanson 
03/08/12
Congratulations! God Bless~
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
03/08/12
Congratulations for your ribbon in your level and for placing 18th overall!