Peace Bridges | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Peace Bridges | Previous Challenge Entry
By Barbara Culler
08/21/24
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The once-upscale community contained numerous places of worship near one another. Most church leaders clustered within their congregation and did not interact with outside assemblies. That clerical isolation lessened after the pastor of a nearby megachurch killed himself.

The role of pastoring a church is challenging, and ministers often face abuse by the very folks they care about. Many preachers develop depression or some other disorder as a result of the conflicted load they bear. This married father of young children suffered in silence. After the suicide became widely publicized, "William," the pastor of my congregation, grieved the loss. But God led him to do something about it.

Personally circulating to other church leaders in the community, William invited preachers from different Christian denominations to participate in a support group for pastors. About a dozen men joined the group, routinely meeting for prayer and to discuss their sorrows and joys. Pastor William was instrumental in helping his fellow ministers be at peace, for they also suffered their fellow clergyman's suicide.

Two years later, the world was in an uproar due to the pandemic. Racial discord and riots developed around the country, even in our city. William again gathered the local churches together, inviting them to our campus for an outdoor candlelight service to pray for peace. Dozens of people lugged blankets and camp chairs to gather outside for the worship-filled event. Several neighboring pastors spoke and prayed for unity and harmony. It was a moving time, and I felt the presence of God as hand-held candles flickered in the chilly evening.

Although I no longer attend that fellowship due to moving out of state, I'm sure Pastor William continues to live the Christ-like walk by serving the community. William's compassion and desire to build peace bridges amongst local churches bring glory to the Lord.

For this, he will receive God's blessing.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." Matthew 5:9 NIV

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