I didn’t get accepted into Nelson Searcy’s Coaching Network which started last week. Why bring it up now? Well because I am bitter and angry and have been too upset to write about it up to this point. I am just kidding. I had a conversation this morning with breakfast buddy Carl and he asked me this question which made me think about it. “Who is my Pastor?” 

I was glad that he didn’t have a very good answer either but it did get me to thinking. Obviously I think having a Pastor is petty important or I wouldn’t be one but doesn’t every Pastor need a Pastor too?

There are some people who could fill that role in my life. My dad has been my Pastor in the past and filled the role of priest of his house but I really want my dad to be dad first and pastor second. His prayers, support and encouragement mean more to me coming from him as dad than they would coming from him as Pastor.

There have been other guys throughout my life that I have considered to be my Pastor but who would be the individual I would call if I was in some real personal trouble today. Professionally I have some accountability people to go to at the denominational level but if I get one “Pastor Call”, who is that man or women? 

I have individuals that if I called I believe would respond but this question has really clouded my mind as to what a Pastor is to me. I decided that somebody to call to “bail me out” of issues isn’t really what I look for in a Pastor. Even if they came to the rescue I don’t know if they would make them my Pastor.

At this point in my young ministerial career I need a Pastor to affirm me. To offer up encouragement, not only when I am in the valley but when I am on the mountain. Somebody that would give me advice and wise council if asked but would also take the initiative to offer it even if not asked. I need a Pastor who cares enough to tell me the truth even when it hurts.  

So I find myself defining the role of a Pastor for me. I know a pretty selfish move… I wonder what a Pastor looks like to you. Being that I am one, I think, I would love to hear what you look for and expect.