Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Pastor (11/30/06)
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TITLE: Whom Do You Expect to See? | Previous Challenge Entry
By Myrna Noyes
12/07/06 -
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When you picture a pastor in your mind, what image arises? When you go to church or turn on the Christian television station, whom do you expect to see?
A smart-suited man with well-oiled hair and slick sermons to match, who runs his mega-ministry as if it were a Fortune 500 company?
A priest richly robed in liturgical righteousness, performing rituals that have lost their meaning for far too many?
A Bible totin’, Scripture quotin’ old-fashioned Southern gentleman?
A “Father Mulcahy”-type, seen on reruns of M*A*S*H, who is kindly and gentle, but rather ineffective in spreading the potent message of the Gospel?
A sober scholar whose dreams at night are even in Hebrew and Greek?
A backwoodsy “fire and brimstone” preacher in a clerical collar, who keeps his flock in line through fear?
A charismatic and enthusiastic young man who entertains the masses with a message of peace and prosperity?
A wise, white-haired, self-sacrificing servant in a black suit and carrying a well-worn Bible?
When I picture a pastor in my mind, this is what I see:
A smiling man gathering the little children around his knees while he lovingly lays his hand in blessing upon each of them.
A thoughtful person who fixes a nutritious early-morning breakfast for his hard-working friends who have been up all night.
A celebrant who joyfully joins in the weddings and other important life events of his family and friends.
A story-teller who uses words to paint kingdom pictures for those who have a difficult time understanding theology.
A strong spiritual warrior who knows how to stand against the devil by means of prayer, fasting, and the skillful use of Scripture.
A humble servant who feeds the hungry, brings hope to the hopeless, and washes the feet of dirty souls.
A compassionate and comforting minister to the ill, sorrowing, and disabled.
A wise leader who renews his strength by separating himself at times from the flock and going away to a quiet place to spend time in solitude with the Father of us all.
When I picture a pastor in my mind…
I see Jesus.
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Scripture quotation taken from Luke 7:24-26, TEV
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Thanks for writing this piece. Keep up the good work - I predict you'll be moving up soon!!