Eric Reece
“Hello pastor.” This is a simple greeting and one I appreciate yet behind these words are a story.
Being a pastor is a fascinating calling. It is very complex and as one student told me it is one of the last generalist professions. It is a spiritual calling and not to be entered into lightly. Pastors are not exactly “Jack of all trades,’’ but must “be instant in season, out of season.”
This has been a season where the term pastor has been debated in the protestant churches in America. There are many terms used to identify those in the ministry. I have been referred to as preacher, reverend, brother, father and pastor. Someone asked me what I preferred to be called, and I told them you can call me what you want as long as you call me for supper. After that, his nickname for me was “Supper.” Pastor is the title I prefer, and with it comes a great responsibility.
The most common title for protestant clergy since the 15th century is pastor. In the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures, it is translated from the word for shepherd. The term means to pasture, tend, graze or feed. It can also refer to tending a flock and keeping company with. Jeremiah spoke the word to the Lord in Jeremiah 17:16,
“As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee.”
The apostle Paul wrote of the spiritual gifts given by Christ for the church. He said in Ephesians 4:11, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.” Here pastors are to guide and teach the congregation to fulfill their mission.
The Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter is a pastor who teaches leadership. She lists three leadership skills. These skills can be useful in many settings. First, consider the position you are leading from. If you are too far out front you may be leaving everyone else behind. This can result from moving too fast and not getting everyone on board. If you lead from behind, you may miss opportunities and people can lose interest and drop out along the way. Lead from the middle and find the natural pace. Sometimes, it will speed up and sometimes if questions and concerns arise it can slow down. Leading from the middle is trusting and following the Spirit.
Second, train and empower people. Jesus put lots of energy and effort in training 12 disciples. He empowered them by preparing them for the time they would lead. Third, be community minded. We love our community, and it is only by working together we can help one another and overcome the problems we face in these turbulent times.
Why am I sharing this? In the coming decade, it is estimated that 30-50 percent of pastors in the United States will retire. In addition, a majority entering the ministry will leave within five years and many will not stay until retirement. The neighborhood church is in position to revitalize communities and bring hope and solutions to the problems we face. By working together, supporting and encouraging one another we can overcome the problems we face to ensure a future for the next generation.
Eric Reece is the faith columnist for The Graham Star. He is the pastor of Robbinsville United Methodist Church and can be reached via email, ereece@wnccumc.net.