why a pastor…

I was asked the question this past week

“Glenn, why do you want to become a pastor?”

Being a man – who finds it difficult to answer with very little words – I stopped for a moment and then answered

“This is a calling I feel on my heart. I believe the church is reforming – and I want to be part of the process of change and growth. Faith should be unboxed – rethought – reworked – God does not change – but times – well they always do. I want to keep reforming the way the Christian faith is lived, believed – defined – explained… I want to introduce Jesus to people – not the junk that comes along with Jesus — the rule set of the church, the politity…”

I believe God has given us all dreams, desires – after all do you know anyone who is normal ? Think about it – do you know one person that is normal ? We all may seem that way until you get to know us … My marriage is a perfect example of this… I thought my wife was perfect – and it hurt when we finally got close to each other – close enough to allow us to hurt each other (interesting that this just happened not to long ago after years of marriage…) I often see the church led by those who take ownership – after all this is natural (I am guilty of this myself…) I believe however – leaders are just stewards of Gods resources – of God’s purpose in another persons life.

“Do not be afraid ! … For the battle is not yours, but God’s” 2 Chronicles 20:15

God has planted in me a vision for those who are lost coming to the loving arms of the Shepherd. I have hope – I have something – someone to hang onto… I take strength in this hope – and believe God has given me the ability to lead others, not just to give them a hope of the Grand Finale – but hope along this sojourn we call “life.” On Sunday a friend of mine – Alan told me -

“Glenn, it was not until 5 months ago or so I realized what your talking about – having an intimate deep relationship with Christ. I have been saved… but suddenly the burden got easier – even though living has gotten harder…”

I immediately thought of Matt 11 vs 28

“Come to me – all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

God never promised life would be easy – but He never promised life would get better – Instead He promised we would find rest for our souls… God will lighten the load – only if we let Him. I believe people today are missing that relationship with Jesus… No wonder the Christian Faith looses 3000 people daily. People are walking around carrying the burden of a lesser god, of a god in a box, a god in a bottle, a god on a fire truck – Only pulled out in emergencies – or when the magic is needed… I want to introduce others to a deeper relationship with the Jesus who’s Father was able to create this earth – who is able to give someone the intelligence to invent Starbucks, and the stars, the Holy Spirit who is able to give comfort that passes all understanding, to lead others to Yahweh- so there it is – short and sweet – I want to be a pastor because… Everyone needs a GOD who is bigger and better than they can imagine – Everyone needs to be introduced and reintroduced to the Shepherd who will never leave or forsake.

I believe being a pastor is less and less about bringing God into the church – instead – it is about the identification of a God who is already present – and the teaching and challenging others to identify with God and His presence.

I don’t think I can carry God into the church, into the street, into your home… God is already there… as a pastor I want to be used by the Holy Spirit to help others identify God’s presence and empower them through Christ to have a deeper relationship with the Father.

to me its a simple vocation – its about trying to teach and live by the way of Jesus