I recently returned from Ecuador where I was able to witness firsthand the work of Compassion International. It was a great trip, I learned a ton, and I’m now even more committed to Compassion International.
The best part of the trip, however, was the people with whom I traveled. For the week I was surrounded by other pastors. What a joy!
It’s great to be with people who understand the pressures, stress, frustration, and honor of being a pastor. Hanging out with pastors is something I need to do more often. I needed this week.
If you are a pastor, do you have other pastors with whom you connect frequently?
Do you see the value?
Do you wish you had such a group?
We go on Pastors' family camps and Pastors' fellowships every year. In our gatherings we play, we have fun, we share and encourage each other.
I love this Yohan. What a blessing.
I absolutely see the value and sincerely wish I had such a group even if online for the time being. I have reached out to a few both locally and online. Unfortunately I am finding it difficult to get a response – I know pastors have a busy schedule – but if it truly is a value to all parties isn't the investment of time worth it?
Pastor John
That's a good question. Are you asking within the right circle? I find that if I try to reach people like-minded, similar style, size church, etc. to me I get better response. This is, however, one of the reason so many pastors are lonely.
Honestly I tend to think outside the circle. All I know is that God is urging me, nudging me to reach out to other Pastors and leaders so that we can – through God's grace – add value to one another lives. This I also know, because the Bible tells me so 🙂 That when I accepted God into my life He took residence in me, He dwells in me and I in Him. Now since He also dwells in you and you dwell in Him, does that not put us in the same circle? I only use you and I as examples as I feel this should apply to all Pastors,nay to all of God's children. Yes I realize that there are exceptions, however that is by there choice as I do not believe God called any of us to be elitists, nor did He call us to be alone or lonely. Well I did not mean to rant, I just tend to get passionate about my purpose and principles, now if I just had a plan! Which is yet another good reason for God's kids to associate to share our plans, to help each other refine and focus them.
I love the passion. Praying God opens these doors for you soon. Keep looking, this sounds like something He might do!
Being young in ministry, I make it a point to build relationships with older pastors. There is huge advantage to it. Especially when to engage or not engage on an issue.
Great idea! Keep that process and it will be rewarded.
Btw. How would someone get to participate in s trip like that?
I was asked based on our work with Compassion already. I would contact Compassion and tell them you are interested.
I have a few I am in contact with but it’s not frequent enough and I really wish I had a regular time of hanging out, doing fun things and dreaming about bigger kingdom things
It makes me better!
I see the value in the pastor connecting frequently with other pastors. (since I find great value in connecting with fellow certified public accountants). People from same profession with similar temperaments will have a great time when they connect.
Absolutely. BTW, my wife is an accountant.
That's great Ron! From: [email protected]: [email protected]: ronedmondson replied to your comment on Hanging out with Other Pastors
Twitter: Patrickcmoore
says:
Ron,
It was a great trip. Thanks for all your insight and great conversations. You were a great encouragement to Laurel and I. I look forward to continue learning more from you and your church.
P
Thank you Patrick. Let me know if I can ever help you.
Bro, it was an absolute blast going with you! I’m not a pastor but I still liked hanging with ya!!
My friend, you say that, yet you are every bit the pastor I am…and your pastoring heart motivates so much of what you do. Proud to call you friend.