I love pastors and others who serve churches vocationally. But I must admit, I don’t verbalize or write about that love very often. Shame on me. Allow me to take a few moments to articulate some of the reasons I love my pastor.
- I love my pastor because he studies and preaches the Word faithfully. He is consistent every week.
- I love my pastor because he is a man of prayer. He knows he cannot lead and shepherd our church in his own power. He is totally dependent on God.
- I love my pastor because he is always on call. His workweeks are long. He knows his vacations and days off will often be interrupted by crises and deaths, but he doesn’t complain. He views it as a part of his call.
- I love my pastor because he is there to celebrate my victories and to comfort me in my difficulties. His life is a roller coaster of emotional events, but he remains constant and strong for our church.
- I love my pastor because he leads our church with a vision. And he constantly seeks to make certain it is God’s vision and not his own.
- I love my pastor because he endures criticism from church members. And though the critics hurt him, he perseveres and loves them anyway.
- I love my pastor because he is authentic. He does not act spiritually superior or condescending. The pastor I see in the pulpit is consistent with the pastor I see in other settings.
- I love my pastor because he bears the burdens of leading many people without complaints or self-pity. He hears of so many challenges and problems in others’ lives, but that does not deter him from listening and praying for us.
- I love my pastor because he is sacrificial. He seeks to put us church members before himself. He is a selfless man and a grateful man.
- I love my pastor because he loves to share the gospel and the power of the resurrection. He is truly passionate about seeing those without Christ become followers of the Savior.
- I love my pastor because he disciples and mentors many. He understands that his role is not to do all the work of ministry, but to equip others to do the work of ministry.
- I love my pastor because he loves our congregation with a Christ-like love. Though he can get frustrated and discouraged, his love for us does not wane. Indeed we get a glimpse of the love of Christ through the love of our pastor.
I could name so many other reasons I love my pastor, but I will let these be sufficient for now. I would love to hear from you about why you love your pastor. Feel free to give the name of your pastor and the name of your church.
By the way, my pastor’s name is Mike Glenn. He serves the congregation of Brentwood Baptist Church. I am really looking forward to your responses.
Posted on April 29, 2015
With nearly 40 years of ministry experience, Thom Rainer has spent a lifetime committed to the growth and health of local churches across North America.
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106 Comments
I could probably add another dozen or so reasons why my pastor is much beloved – and he would always say “To God be the glory.” His name is David Gallamore, pastor of Rock Springs Baptist Church, in Easley, SC.
I love your love, Freeman!
I love this article and I appreciate the sincere love that you feel for your pastor. It’s intertwined within this article.
I love my Pastors because they are selfless and their heart is to serve and follow as well as lead.
My pastors are Dr. Mary McMiller & Dr. Kendrick McMiller of Truth & Restoration Global Ministries Inc of Tallahassee, Florida.
Thanks so much, Janet.
Great post! New hashtag idea. #ILMP (I Love My Pastor)
Mine is Richard Hinojosa, Good Shepherd Community Church, Brownsville,Tx.
I love it!
I have enjoyed your many posts but as a female clergy I am shocked that inclusive language is not being used. There are many pastors out here doing effective, fruitful ministry that are a “she” not a “he”. Sad that one who is encouraging ministry and ministers fails to acknowledge that.
He is using “he” because he is describing his Pastor who is a “he”. This article is describing the person who he calls Pastor. (Mike Glenn) I do not think Mike is a woman!
Sara, I’m not Thom but I took this to be a personal note to HIS personal pastor. If that had been a lady he would have said why he loves her. Just a thought.
Dr. Rainer is a Southern Baptist and he does not believe it is scriptural for women to serve as pastors. Is it too much to ask that you show some respect for his convictions?
I don’t agree i have a lady as a pastor and she teaches us the right word she is great in the Lord it been many many miracles in her church and I feel God just about every time me and my family is in there and I love her and I would have it no other way love my pastor
My husband Brian and I love and admire our pastor’s transparency. He’s not afraid to let us know that he struggles, and he grows. The two go together. So, in addition to supporting all of us, and building us up in the Word, he’s a clear picture of what faith looks. He just loves people, no matter what. Worth all the lessons we got in bible college. Our pastor’s name is Mike Blalock and our church is Heart of Worship Baptist Church in Irving, Texas. Thanks for asking
Gloria Beard
Thank you, Gloria.
We are blessed to have 2 pastors who meet this criteria. One at our home church at Goreville IL First Baptist Church, Joseph Pike. The other is at our winter church in Umatilla FL, Brooks Braswell . We are so blessed.
Outstanding! Thanks, Carol.
It would be nice if all the churches did. However, your wording is quite sexist. He, him, man. Last I looked, God did not ask me who God would call to preach.
LAZ-
I never take offense when a person refers to me as a woman. I doubt Dr. Rainer’s pastor, Mike Glenn, a man, takes offense being referred to in the masculine. Dr. Rainer isn’t expressing reasons he loves pastors generally, but his pastor specifically, a man.
LAZ, the Bible is clear that the office of pastor is limited to men. 1 Tim. 3:2 says an overseer must be “the husband of one wife.” 1 Tim. 2:12 doesn’t allow a woman to teach. There’s a place for women serving in churches, it’s not the office of pastor.
Dr. Rainer is a Southern Baptist, and we don’t believe it is scriptural for women to serve as pastors (as you have probably figured out, I am a Southern Baptist, too). It is your right to disagree with Dr. Rainer on that point, but this is his blog and he has the right to stand by his convictions. If you find that objectionable, then perhaps you should read a different blog.
Excuse us for “piling on” like this, but you are not the first to raise this issue, and it is getting rather tiresome.
Tony Deese
First Baptist Church – Columbia
I love my pastor because he has the perseverance of Isaiah and the heart of Jeremiah.
Good word, Ken.
I love my pastor for these reasons and because He lifts up Jesus most!
My Pastor is Darrell Owens at Christ the Rock Community Church, Cooper City, Fl.
His pastor is a man.
Thank you, Luz.
Thank you for this. I have been pastoring a church for just under a year and, to me, this list represents the type of pastor I aspire to be for the congregation God has given me the tremendous blessing to serve. This is only possible when pastors abide in Jesus first. Thank you for taking time to encourage your pastor in this way.
I agree with you, Isaac. As a pastor this list encouraged and challenged me. Some things I do well and some things need improvement. But this is the type of pastor I aspire to be.
My prayers, Isaac!
Hi Thom,
I love our pastor because he challenges us to put God’s word to action. Listen and do.
Eddie Sipe
Our pastor is Clint Darst, Freedom Church, Lincolnton, NC
Thank you, Eddie.
Hi Thom,
One other way that members try to control is by saying, “Preach what I want, or I will walk out.” or “I will not be engaged.” Spitting the dummy seems to becoming more prevalent.
Grace and peace
Al
Thanks, Al. I think you meant for your comment to go on one of my other posts.
I love my Pastor John I Caples, Jr. because he teaches the Word of God and he is real. He had a vision and it is coming to pass every day. He loved me first and is a soul-saving preacher. I love him because he is truly a God-send.