One of the benefits of a rainy day - the sound of rain drops falling sets the tone for reflection. The weather conditions may be described as foggy and damp. And yet, rainy days generally lend themselves to being a better environment for cataloging the mental rolodex of past experience which can bring clarity and resolve. Rain drops and thoughts from the last year on the road has been the main ingredients of my day - two ingredients in mass amounts, to be sure.
Recently, I crossed over the one-year mark in full time vocational itinerant preaching and evangelism. What a blessing it has been to serve members of the body of Christ in various regions, contexts, and sizes. Ultimately, the greatest privilege I receive in ministry is the opportunities given to encourage and aid pastors. Pastors are a gift to the church. They strive, serve, and show through faithfulness to Christ and His church what members of the body are called to be. They shepherd. They feed. They guard. They lead. And they are a gift to the church.
Encouraging pastors and congregations isn't easy, however. In fact, there has been some potholes and speed bumps along the way - everyone of which has written on them a lesson learned. I want to share with you a few of those lessons, whether they be remediation or acceleration from the road:
1. God’s grace is sufficient.
2. Being connected to a healthy local church is essential.
3. Leaving your family doesn’t get easier.
4. What may seem glamorous is very lonely.
5. Not all advice is helpful or constructive.
6. Don’t expect invitations.
7. Keep your eyes on Jesus.
8. Traveling five miles out of the way is beneficial for a good cup of coffee.
I hope to write more in depth on each topic above. Stay tuned.
Grace and Peace,
Zach
Comments