bits from bob....
bits from bob....
Somewhere between the call of God and the heart of the hospital, there exists a specialist in everything. He is usually called a minister. He is a hero to his wife, too often a stranger to his children, a fine boy to his mother, a name on the mailing list of hundreds of agencies and organizations, an example to the flock.
To some he is a fuddy-duddy, to some a stuffed shirt, to some a person who enjoys life. To some, he is a guy who has nothing to do but preach two thirty minute sermons a week. To some he is one to be put on a pedestal; to others he is a person in whose presence you must not cuss, drink or smoke, To some he is a dear friend, a Johnny-on-the-spot; to others, a man more concerned about their spiritual health than they are-a nuisance and a bother.
When death is near, he is the one whose ministry continues when the medics have done all they can do. He is the one who marries young lovers; prays with the sick; buries the dead; but cannot find time to do the little chores for his wife. He is a promoter, a public relations director, an organizer, a public orator, an errand boy, typist, file check, writer, business executive, prophet, counselor, bookworm, diplomat, human being (believe it or not), planner, pusher, puller.
Many nights are spent visiting and doing the little things that need attention. He is concerned about the church and its progress, its faults, its failures, and how he, as a preacher, can do a better work in the task he is undertaking. He is one who lies awake at night contemplating delinquent members, or working out details of another project. He has many headaches and problems that never concern the average member, problems of which they never know. He wrestles, many times, for solutions to the problems of many friends who have come to him for help and advice. The preacher is many in one. He is supposed to know what to do, what to say, when to say it and how to say it on all occasions. To understand his work is to appreciate him. To know that his short days are balanced by long days and sleepless nights is to encourage him.
And one thing more-he wants no pity. He has answered the call of God and would have no other place in life. But please be patient, understanding and helpful. Remember, he doesn't have a minister!
