I was raised in a Christian home where my father pastored for almost forty years until his untimely death at age 66. For forty-six years I was a pastor. So for about 57 of my 65 years I either lived with a pastor or I served as a pastor. You could say it's in my blood.
I'd rather say it's in my heart.
I don't have a church that I lead any more. I don't team together with a staff of people to provide guidance for a body of believers. I don't have a group of people who see me and say "Hi, Pastor Dale" any more. It feels different.
But I am not different. My heart still wants to pastor. And I've discovered that in some ways I will always have that opportunity.
I am a pastoral counselor and this morning I have two former parishioners and a former client by phone. I really was functioning in the familiar role of sharing the Word of God with someone with an express need. As a pastor I loved doing that and I loved and cared for the flock God had entrusted to my care.
The setting is different. The responsibilities are reduced. I am part-time, without formal pastoral responsibility.
But my heart is still full-time. And I am figuring out joyfully how to continue to share the wisdom of God's Word with those God sends my way.
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