We all have heroes—those persons we look to to find strength and courage who remind us evil will be vanquished and good will ultimately reign. While as Christians we look to Christ as our hero who conquered evil by his substitutionary death and resurrection to new life, the Lord allows us to see reflections of His strength and courage in other faithful brothers and sisters in Christ.
Bi-vocational and small church pastors are my heroes—those brothers to whom I look to find strength and courage to persevere in the faith and in difficult ministry. Bi-vocational and small church pastors may never be invited to preach at The Gospel Coalition national conference or Together for the Gospel; they may never be asked to endorse the latest Christian book, much less write one; they may never be highlighted at the denominational meeting or the retreat of their national network of churches. But, bi-vocational and small church pastors have the same responsibilities as all other pastors. In fact, I could argue they have more responsibilities because larger church pastors have staffs and interns and assistants who can take a large load off their plate. Bi-vocational and small church pastors, on the other hand, often have no one else. Who else is going to prepare the sermon, visit the hospital, counsel the broken-hearted, make evangelistic visits, disciple the men, even fold the bulletins in some cases?
Sadly, though, I sense that my bi-vocational and small church brother pastors are often discouraged in their ministries. So, allow me to offer seven reasons for my bi-vocational and small church brother pastors to be thankful. Rejoice and be thankful for.... Read More
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