A friend is working on a project to catalog why people preach, and he asked me why I love what I do. I don’t take enough time to express my appreciation to you for some of the simple reasons I love my job. Here are just a few!
- I get a front-row pass to life’s most powerful moments. Weddings, baptisms, births, and deaths.
- I get more time to dig deep in scripture than most. It’s a gift to be provided time just for study.
- I get to help others be what God made them to be. I believe a big part of our work as ministers is “equipping the saints for ministry.” It’s incredible to watch someone do well.
- I get to try to make a positive influence in a world that’s very negative. Sometimes I shake my head and get frustrated at what I see pass for religion…and it makes me feel good to know that I’m trying to make it better.
- I get to enjoy some really good company. My ministry brothers are tremendous friends. It’s really amazing to consider whose footsteps I get to walk in. Wow!
- I get to try to be well-rounded. In the same day, I may study Greek, counsel someone who is depressed, study with a meth-head inmate, and interact with the teens. That’s really fun.
- I get to build connections. My goal is to be an ambassador for Christ – to connect people to God. It’s neat to see those connections grow.
- I get to be creative. Each week I have an empty palate once I’ve determined what the scripture says and means. It’s really fun (and maybe a bit agonizing, too!) to try to figure out how to get the message from head to heart to hands!
- I get to be me. I don’t have to pretend to have the answers, to be perfect, or never to struggle.
- I get some “extrinsic motivation.” I think preaching makes me be a better Christian. Knowing that others look at me gives me just one more reason to try to do a good job.
I do feel like I’ve got the best job in the world! Thank you for your love and support!