What makes a “Joyful and Triumphant” Pastor?

The Pastor’s Christmas Banquet is tonight on the Eastern Michigan District. The district is blessed to have Frankenmuth, a quaint Christmas village, nearby (technically, the town is located in the Michigan District’s territory but the drive is not too far for most EMD pastors). The dinner is at the iconic Zehnder’s restaurant and its famous family style chicken dinners. Karla and I always leave a little early for the dinner so we can stop at Bronner’s (the world’s largest Christmas store) in Frankenmuth to purchase a few ornaments. All this to say, the Eastern Michigan Pastor’s Christmas dinner is a far cry from some district’s pastor’s Christmas dinners in musty church fellowship halls or at greasy truck stops along the freeway. 

When I first started attending this event, it was a much more dress-up affair. I once called the gathering the “Nazarene Prom.” It’s not as “promy” these days. There will be still be red sweaters and a few Christmas ties, but no gowns or corsages. We will eat chicken (and schnitzel), sing Silent Night and see pastor friends from across the district. It will be a nice evening.

I’m thankful for the brother and sisterhood of ministry. Some of the finest people, I know are pastors. While pastoring has its moments of glorious victories, there are also many times of disappointment, betrayal, loneliness and heartache. It’s not always easy being a pastor (believe me, I know). Some have toiled in difficult situations with little thanks, yet are still faithful. Some have been slandered, lied about, criticized by carnal members and still serve Jesus. Social media has butchered plenty of fine pastors (or their families) and caused many sleepless nights. Some have been passed over because leaders have listened (whether consciously or not) to those corrupt and sinful voices. They have endured loss and hurt but press on. It’s a calling not a job. It’s that calling that gets them up every day and keeps them working hard into the night. There once was a commercial saying being a U.S. marine was “the toughest job you will ever love.” Not true. Being a pastor has that distinction.

All this to say, tonight, as we are singing “O Come All Ye Faithful,” I will look around the roomful of pastors and see plenty who are “joyful and triumphant.” They are so, not because of accolades or church statistics. Instead these faithful shepherds, empowered and enabled by Jesus, are fulfilling the call He placed upon their lives. The Kingdom is enlarged because of these “joyful and triumphant” men and women

I will be honored to be standing in their midst. 

Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding. Jeremiah 3:15