What's a Pastor to Do?

     I love to preach.  I really do.  I honestly feel I've been called by God to deliver good news to people who are hurting, struggling, hungry, satisfied, sinful....well, you get the idea.  And on some Sundays, I experience the preaching moment as a powerfully divine moment.  There are times when I experience God's presence in transforming ways.

     And then there are other Sundays.

     There are those Sundays when the words seems flat, and the Spirit seems distant, and the congregation seems distracted, and the benediction can't get arrive quickly enough for me, and probably for my parishioners also.

     But, whether I felt the Sunday Sermon was a keeper or more suited for the trash-heap, I'm always glad for the opportunity to turn my attention to the next sermon, whether to keep up the good momentum or to redeem myself. 

     The truth is, some sermons just seem to matter more than others.  Some sermons just seem to speak to a deeper place in the human soul than others.  Some sermons just seem to leave me completely spent and wasted more than others.  Some sermons leave a greater impression on the preacher, and the hearers.

     So, what's a pastor to do?

     I'm not really sure, but here's some thoughts:

      1-Remember, this is not about me.
      2-Don't stop believing I'm doing the right thing.
      2a-Don't stop trying to do the right thing.
      3-Pray!
      4-Rest.
      5-Serve.
      6-Love.
      7-Laugh.
      8-Study.
      9-Read.
     10-Write.
     11-Did I mention pray?
     12-Trust God.
     13-Sing.
     14-Play.
     15-Pray some more...

   After all, no matter how good or bad last Sunday's sermon might have been....another Sunday is just around the corner.

   Thanks be to God! 

    Pastor Randy