The pastor is a man at best;
Prone to sin, and oft distressed.
Juggling tasks of wider scope;
Strength from God- his only hope.
The pastor leads his precious flock;
Scripture’s treasures to unlock.
Often not from wealthy stock;
Sermons governed by the clock.
The pastor has a lonely trade;
Overworked and underpaid.
Church expectations when they hire-
Found alone in the Messiah.
The pastor knows a deeper pain;
The burdens are a constant strain.
A shepherd, leader, mentor, mate;
A godly life to demonstrate.
The pastor has a family too-
A wife to lead in love that’s true.
Called to manage household well;
Through times of ease or troubled spell.
The pastor must discern what’s right;
Whilst guarding soul with gospel light.
In ceaseless battle he does fight;
The Celestial City within sight.
The pastor is engaged in prayer;
Sunday’s sermon to prepare.
Distracted time from reading chair;
The needs of others everywhere.
The pastor will be judged one day-
His life, the church, and every way.
Before the Lord He’ll give account;
This weighty truth- do not discount!
The pastor can dejected be;
Betrayed and blamed unlawfully.
In grace and love he must respond;
The faults and sin he looks beyond.
The pastor has such little rest;
Personal struggles oft suppressed.
Holidays and time aside;
By circumstances are denied.
The pastor loves you very much;
And does his best to stay in touch.
He walks with you through grief and mirth;
He has the hardest job on earth!
By Daniel Kriss, June 12, 2018
(Meditations on the Ministry)