Pastor, The Best Job In The World! (1)

As I reflect on my 24 years of pastoring, I find myself filled with gratitude. When I first felt the call to ministry, I had no idea just how transformative and fulfilling this journey would be. Today, I want to share with you why I believe pastoring is the best job in the world.

It starts with this humbling truth: we serve the Creator of heaven and earth. As a pastor, my calling is not tied to any earthly authority, company, or market trend. I serve the King of kings - the One who spoke the universe into existence. I have found immense peace in knowing that no matter what happens in the world around me, my work has eternal significance. While other jobs may come and go with the rise and fall of the economy, God’s mission never ends. The call to share His love and shepherd His people is a calling that will never become obsolete.

More than that, we serve in the body of Christ. Ephesians 1:22-23 tells us that Jesus is the head of the church, and we, as pastors, serve within His body. This is not just an organizational role - this is an intimate spiritual connection. Pastoring is not about leading a group of people; it is about co-labouring with Christ to guide His people closer to Him. I have seen life change, not because of me, but because Jesus Himself is the source of all change. When I feel weak or inadequate, I remember that He is the head, and I am merely a servant, privileged to be part of His plan to witness His work among us.

While serving Christ alone, I am also part of a human structure - a structure that at times feels like a furnace, threatening to extinguish my passion for God. This can be deeply uncomfortable, yet it is through this furnace that God shapes me. It is not always easy; the heat can be unbearable. But ultimately, this is how God molds me for His purposes. Through every trial, God holds me steadfast, ensuring that these experiences work for my good. The church, the body of Christ, is the closest place to Christ I can find on earth. It is here, amid the flames, that I am drawn nearer to Him.

One of the most profound joys (or challenges) of pastoring is that it is all about relationships. Over the years, I have walked alongside people through the joys and sorrows of life. I have been there for weddings, births, and baptisms, also for funerals, grief, and moments of despair. Through every high and low, I have experienced the power of God’s grace working in people’s lives. It is not always easy. To be honest, there are times when I have made mistakes or felt like giving up. But I have learned that even in my failures, God uses me to make a difference. Seeing lives transformed by the Gospel has been the most rewarding part of this journey.

And the trust - oh, the trust people place in their pastor. This is the greatest honour of this vocation. As pastors, we are invited into the inner lives of our flock. People open their hearts to us, sharing their deepest struggles, fears, and hopes. I have had the privilege of walking with people through their most vulnerable moments. There is a depth of intimacy in these relationships that few other professions can offer. Being trusted with someone’s spiritual journey is a sacred privilege, and it is one that fills me with awe every day.

In Missional Spirit,

Pastor Forest

PS: To be continued….