Subscribe to the NetworkWear the Title ‘Pastor’ Well
Pastor Joshua Griffin. That was how I was known at first, then it became Pastor Josh. I never liked the “PJ” nickname that came along with it, but I guess it worked. For a while it was Josh, then Griffin, now I think we’ve landed on Griff or JG for the time-being.
For many people, the title “pastor” means so much to them. Yes – by default you get asked to pray at all family gatherings – but it is almost like people think you have a special connection with God, that you are more trustworthy than normal people, that God will speak directly to them through you. Of course, you know that I’m just a knucklehead that somehow ended up being a pastor – but this week I’ve had a keen sense of awareness of the importance of the title I’ve been given:
- After church this morning, a husband and wife asked me, their pastor, to begin to counsel them about their marriage.
- This afternoon, my new non-churched neighbor invited me, a pastor, to pray a blessing on the move in to her new home.
- Tonight in the hospital, when we arrived, they stopped everything to circle up and be lead in prayer because the pastor was here.
I think the title of “pastor” is a much bigger deal than we might think as youth workers.
I’ve recently realized that I sometimes unintentionally de-emphasize the title of pastor, just to make sure that doesn’t get in the way of connecting with students. But a pastor might be just what they’re looking for. Wear it well. Honor it. Not because you have magical powers to connect with God – he’s given that to all of His followers. But people believe that you have committed your life to talking with God. That every breath you breath is one that is dependent on Him. That He speaks to and through you every day – something they think about but believe they could ever achieve. Be that person. Don’t let them down.
Remember your calling. Be holy. Walk with Jesus today. People are counting on you being a pastor.
PJ
AMEN!! I agree 100% You are a pastor to the students you work with and they need to see you that way. Wear the title with honor.