First your pastor
prays. Sometimes before he even gets off the stage. He prays to the God whom he
just spoke on behalf of, and he asks God to forgive him for the ways in which
he failed. He asks God to help the congregation to forget that statement that
was a little too close to the line of heresy or of ill-humor. Then he asks God
to continue working the truth of the passage into your heart and to flow into
your actions. Your pastor prays, and primarily for you.
Second your
pastor breathes. Deep in and deep out. Some might call it a sigh. Some might
think it means he didn’t want to be here or preach, but this breath rather is
one of resignation to the will of God: Huff-sigh,
“I’ve done my task, and I trust you to fulfill your word.”
Third your pastor
smiles and looks around at the people. The first grateful person makes their
way to him and thanks him. He nods and is grateful. He looks around at everyone
else and wonders if there’s anyone he should talk to. Specifically, but they all
seem to be enjoying their conversation partners. He talks briefly with some
people; he is glad for the church community, but he feels no need to
participate in it at this time.
Fourth your
pastor leaves. Usually the last one to go, he is probably glad to be in a quiet
car—unless he has little children who are chattering and laughing, then he is
glad to be with his family.
Fifth your pastor
eats lunch. It may be with his family; it may be with someone who invited him
to lunch; but your pastor eats.
Sixth your pastor
naps. He is tired from the service, most likely. He is glad to finally hit the
bed and sleep.
Seventh… if there
is an evening service, your pastor prepares. This isn’t to say he didn’t
prepare earlier in the week, but most of his time has been devoted to preparing
the message for the morning. He uses some time to refocus his mind and prepare
for the evening service. If this is the case, the eighth step would be to teach
at the evening service, and if not then the other “seventh” or here,
Eighth he
relaxes. Whatever that means for your pastor—for some it means talking with
family or friends. For some it means watching television. For some it means
reading a book with a cup of coffee. Your pastor relaxes, enjoying God and his
good gifts; trusting God that things are progressing right along God’s eternal
purposes.
Ninth your pastor
sleeps, and gets ready for Monday. The hardest and easiest day of his week is
over—it’s the day that requires the most, but is likely the most joyful. He
concludes it, and prepares for the week ahead.
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