The Pampered Pastor

This is the week of the annual Shepherds' Conference here at Grace Church. More than 3,000 men from around the world will be here. Right now Grace Church is a flurry of activity. Big trucks keep rumbling by under my office window making deliveries. The campus is swarming with people who are planting flowers, preparing rooms, and setting up stations in order to minister to the men. Banners have been hung from the pillars around the sanctuary with quotes from the Bible and influential pastors from the past. Everything will look fantastic for the conference especially the recently completed chapel which is spectacular on the inside. The men who are coming will be able to have their shoes shined, have plenty to eat, check their e-mail, and receive many nice gifts (including 25 free books!).

Of course the highlight of the week will be the study of God's Word and the rich times of worship and fellowship. We have excellent keynote speakers and dozens of stimulating seminars (one taught by yours truly). This will be a great week to encourage pastors in their ministry. Approximately 1,000 of the men attending have never been to the conference before so it will be a great opportunity to strengthen the church worldwide.

Why is this week so important? Because the role of pastor and elder is so important to the life of the church. These are the leaders and the church can never rise above the level of its leadership. And many of these men will arrive here with disappointments, discouragement, and doubts. Being a leader is not an easy thing. They are targets of the enemy's missiles. They are trying to stand for the Lord in a godless society and in the midst of a confused church. These men should receive our support and encouragement. We should express our appreciation to them every way we can.

If we truly love Christ then we will love His church and we will love those He has called to lead His church. So for a few days its nice that these men get a little pampering. Soon enough they will be back in the battle. I want to do what I can this week to encourage as many of these men as I can.