My First Pastoral Duties ...

Luke 22:25-26 And he said, The kings of the Gentiles are lords over them, and those who have authority are given names of honor. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.

This Sunday was our "Transition Sunday" where we transitioned from my Dad being the Senior Pastor of EWC, and I became the Senior Pastor and Jason became the Associate Pastor. Vic Hildebrand was here and gave a great message and commissioning to shepherd the flock and oversee the congregation. The service comes to an end and as we are walking into the hallway, with so many people wanting to shake hand and give their encouragements, Danielle got a head of me. By the time I caught up with her she had borrowed a baby that she was proudly carrying around the hallway. And just like babies do, next thing you know there is 'baby barf' (yes I know the polite term is spit up) flying everywhere. I quickly ran to the kitchen to grab some towels to wipe it up before people started slipping in it (wouldn't that have been a sight) when it occurred to me ... this is really what being a Pastor is all about.

Too often we think of ministry as what happens on the stage, or what people notice and then congratulate you on how 'spiritual' you are. The truth is most ministry goes unnoticed behind the scenes. Even on a Sunday morning the service doesn't go well just because the preacher did his part well or the worship team all played well. Things come together when each one does their part ... the Sunday School teacher who is so faithful to teach the Word of God to the kids, or the ladies working in the kitchen through the sermon so the food for the carry-in dinner is ready right after the service ends, or those who stay after to help clean up even though they would like to go home, put their feet up and watch TV like everybody else. That is real service! Not the church 'service' that serves only ourselves, but sacrificial service that gives even when we don't really feel like it. That is worship! (Giving of our time, talent and treasure for God's glory not our own) So I am thrilled that my first official act as Pastor of EWC was cleaning up baby barf in the hallway.

Pastor Matt