For the sake of the sheep

A shepherd’s life may seem romantic, but in reality, it is often demanding, low-paying, underappreciated, messy, and seemingly never-ending, according to James Rebanks, author of The Shepherd’s Life.
For the well-being of the flock, a shepherd’s duties include constantly looking for nutritious grazing land and clean water – both in good weather and bad; protecting the sheep from predators; keeping a sharp lookout for dangerous terrain; spending hours recovering stray members of the fold; treating wounds and looking for signs of sickness; and sometimes turning a deaf ear to better opportunities.
Could there be a better metaphor than shepherd to describe the life and vocation of a faithful pastor?
In celebration of Pastor Appreciation Month, The Stand asked five veteran pastors, who are also current or former AFA staff members, what they are most thankful for about their calling, despite its high expectations and always-on-call demands.

Buddy Smith
AFA vice president emeritus
The parts of my pastoral call that I appreciate most are serving the Chief Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ; preaching and teaching His gospel; equipping the saints for the work of ministry; administering His sacraments; and prayerfully overseeing the spiritual health and protection of His church.
As one of His “undershepherds,” I find pastoral ministry to be especially fulfilling and fruitful when I get so close to the heart of God to hear Him say, “I want these people reached with My gospel, but that will only happen if someone will care for them as I do.”
As I make myself available to do His work, it is accomplished in and through me. When that happens, the church is strengthened, and God’s people become salt and light in all levels of society. This is the only way our lost, troubled world can be transformed (2 Corinthians 5:15). I am blessed to be part of the effort.

Abraham Hamilton III
AFA general counsel; AFR host
The thing that thrills me the most about being a pastor is seeing the transforming power of the gospel at work in people’s everyday lives. I enjoy a front-row seat to Christ’s miracle-working power. I get to participate in people surrendering their lives to Jesus in saving faith and dedicating themselves to fulfilling His purposes in and through them. In many ways, it’s akin to being present when Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb and told the people to remove his grave clothes. There’s nothing like participating in the fulfillment of the Great Commission."

Joseph Parker
AFA director of outreach and intercession; AFR host
My highest delight in the pastorate is being a vessel through which the Holy Spirit flows to draw people to Christ and to help them grow in their walk with the Lord. Also, I feel blessed to be one to whom people look as a godly role model. And when we do what we are called to do, the Holy Spirit reaches through us to do wonderful things in each of the lives of His people, including my own.

Matthew White
The Stand staff writer
Shepherding God’s people is both a sacred responsibility and a tremendous blessing. I consider it a great privilege to walk alongside people during the most significant moments of their lives. What a joy to witness a person experiencing God’s saving grace and be present for their baptism, as well as to offer God’s comfort and hope during trials.
I am grateful for the responsibility of guarding the flock God has entrusted to my care, protecting them against false teaching, and pursuing the truth of God’s Word with them. Perhaps I am most thankful for the privilege of opening Scripture and helping equip believers to grow and serve the Lord.

Raymond Rooney Jr.
The Stand blog digital editor
What I appreciate most about being a pastor is the companionship of the Holy Spirit as I am working on a sermon. Rarely is the sermon that I think I am going to prepare and preach next Sunday the one that actually gets delivered. I work a sermon through in one sitting. During that preparation, the Spirit brings things to mind from the past, nudging me in directions I had not intended, and giving me insight into texts and issues that I did not have before sitting down. Perhaps the better way to put it would be to say that because of the presence of the Holy Spirit, the sermon is working me out. When I finish and sign my name to it, I am so grateful to God for the certainty I have that the sermon is His will for His church.