Reflections of a Pastor

April 2010 is a special time in my life as a Christian minister. In a couple of weeks, I will celebrate my 36th year as clergy and my 4th year as Senior Pastor of this historic Canaan Baptist Church of Christ. Leading up to our congregational celebration of my pastorate, I will be writing several blogs highlighting, from a pastoral perspective, what God has helped Canaan and Pastor to accomplish during the past year. I will be most appreciative to Canaan Disciples and persons who visit our website around the world if you would take time to read my reflections.

This week I took a little time of to rest and reflect on what God continues to do in my life, the lives of my family members and those whom the Lord has sent me to serve. This is something I encourage each of you to do from time to time. It is only when we step away for a moment that we can fully appreciate what is amazing about God’s grace. The Apostle Paul was right; His grace is sufficient to keep us.

For 36 years I have tried to honor the calling on my life to shepherd the People of God wherever the Lord sent me. I lost count many years ago of how many sermons I have preached, Bible studies conducted, marriages performed, babies dedicated and funerals preached and so much else ministers all called upon to do in the parish and beyond. During the last few days I have tried to look back and capsulate my collective experiences as a Pastor. Needless to say, they have far exceeded my imagination and the expectations of others. I can truly say God has been faithful! My colleagues in this vocation will surely agree that ministry by any standard is extremely challenging. And yet, most of us who are called to this work continue to press toward the mark to receive the approval of God. Not every preacher reaches the 36-year mark of service. I have and I am grateful to God. I was 17 years old when I preached my first sermon in April 1974. The Lord has been with me every step of the way. Praise the Lord!

I will continue these thoughts via my blog from now up to the anniversary celebration. Thank you for visit our website and for sharing these reflections with me.