Better than Trumpets in the Morning
October 1, 1998
At the reception following my ordination years ago, an older woman approached me and said, "It's a wonderful thing you are doing, young man, giving up all the pleasures of life to serve the Lord." I don't remember how I responded—probably something pastoral like, "Thank you very much." But her comment stayed with me. I had the uneasy feeling she knew something about ministry I didn't, and I sometimes wish that I had asked which pleasures she had in mind. Have I really given up "all the pleasures of life to serve the Lord"? She still makes me ask, Why am I a pastor? BMW-sized sacrifice
Not long ago I celebrated both a milestone ordination anniversary and a milestone birthday (one with a zero in it, and that's all I'll say about it). My thoughts turned—quite naturally for men my age—to sports cars, and so on a day off I went to a car dealership and drove a used BMW with low mileage that was in my price range—that is, the price of a new American car. I hadn't been so excited about a car since I was 16 and drove my mother's Mustang. Since my last two cars were a station wagon and a minivan, I had a lot of pent-up automotive excitement waiting to be let loose. (Did I mention that the BMW was a convertible?) Later that day I called a member of the church with whom I talk over lots of things, and I mentioned the car. Since he drives a pretty fancy vehicle, I thought he would say, "Go for it, Doug. You're only [this particular age with a zero in it] once." Instead he said, "I don't know, Doug. The church is looking at a major building campaign for next year. How's it going to look if the minister is driving around in a BMW?" I felt crushed. Who cares how it looks? I thought, but I knew he was right. How was ...
Please complete one of the following:
If you're a Leadership journal subscriber...
...but have not yet registered for online access to CTLibrary.com, you can receive a full-year's access for just $29.95!
Register Here | | If you're NOT a Leadership journal print subscriber...
You're entitled to a special, introductory offer for new subscribers only! Subscribe now and receive a one-year Leadership journal print subscription and one-year access to all Leadership archives for just $39.95!
Subscribe now!
When you log in as a Leadership Journal subscriber, you'll see additional articles noted as premium content only available to CTLibrary.com members. To access the entire CTLibrary requires a CTLibrary subscription. If you would prefer this option, select the offer below that best fits your needs.
|
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
