7 Reasons I love the "Under Dog" Pastor

April 25, 2011
Leadership Clip to Evernote
29

Not every pastor is a Superstar. Not every pastor gets to write books, main line at conferences or see their names in print. The majority are just following their call the best they know how.

Most of the pastors I know hurt a lot, they struggle with their marriage like everyone else. They aren’t sure how to balance things with their kids and consider quitting at least once a week!

But, in spite of the pain, the doubt and disappointment. These unsung heroes mange to change those around them out of pure love and obedience. This is why I love them…

1- They love when they aren’t loved by others.
2- They don’t quit… Because they can’t. (They hear God)
3- They are there when everyone else has left.
4- They believe in those who think they can’t.
5- They live by Faith, because that’s all they have.
6- They don’t look for glory, they don’t want it.
7- They do what they do because that’s the only thing that brings joy!

I love my fellow pastors who love and serve and grow the Kingdom from their passion and not from their position. These will be called great in the Kingdom…

They may not be Superstars, but they sure are Super Heros to me!

What say you?

 

About artie: I'm the lead Pastor at Cornerstone, a Multi-Ethnic church in the heart of Orangeburg, South Carolina. Also the founder of the Comb Network.com, a movement to plant Multi-Ethnic, culturally relevant churches in smaller cities. I direct a gathering of small city leader called "The Sticks."

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  • bill (cycleguy)

    Thanks Artie. I used to be one of those who wondered why God hasn’t given me a bigger church when all my friends were, etc. Now I know, and I am totally content in that. I love being a pastor of a small town church in middle Indiana because I am where God wants me to be.

  • Michael

    Artie, out of all the blogs you have written, this one speaks directly to my heart. Thank you.

    • Anonymous

      Thank you my brother, and you certainly are one of my heros! But…I hope you know that :)

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1462898821 Buddy Knight

    This also applies to those in itinerant ministries, missionaries, and the like, especially during the recession when their support may have waned…or "pert near vanished" as a friend said.

    #2 and #5 are very "up close and personal" to me these days!

    Rock on, Artie. You are a fount of truth and wisdom!

    • Anonymous

      Thanks Buddy, I will pray about your 2 & 5. Love and Lead BIG my bro!

  • http://www.mhmcintyre.us Mark McIntyre

    For all of you who sit under such pastors, you can help them by refraining from lauding the virtues of the "leeks and onions" that were at your previous church. It didn’t help Moses, and remains unhelpful.

    I thank God for faithful pastors (I am not one) who are trying to do the right thing for the right reasons.

    • Anonymous

      Amen Mark. Not all are hero’s but there are many! Thanks bro.

  • http://j4man.wordpress.com/ Jim F.

    Thanks so much for this Artie. It is my favorite of all that I have read that you wrote because it speak directly to me. Being the Pastor of a smaller church is one of the hardest yet most fulfilling things I have ever done.

    • Anonymous

      I feel you bro. Only God knows how many great workers of the Kingdom will be called great because they served and gave the "mite."

  • mjharvell.com

    Well said!

    • Anonymous

      Thanks Michael, appreciate that.

  • http://revdavidh.blogspot.com Pastor David

    Well said!

    • Anonymous

      Thanks Pastor "D." Really appreciate that !

    • Anonymous

      Thanks Pastor "D." Really appreciate that !

  • http://aprilhawk.wordpress.com April

    Artie, I really appreciated this post. I grew up in a minister’s home and yes, we do struggle with every day issues just like everyone else. My dad will be retiring this June after 40+yrs. in the ministry. Again, thank you for sharing and blessigns to you, your family and ministry.

    • Anonymous

      WOW! That’s a hero for sure. I know he has some HUGE crowns coming when He stand before Jesus.

    • Anonymous

      WOW! That’s a hero for sure. I know he has some HUGE crowns coming when He stand before Jesus.

  • http://theperkinsblog.net MichaelDPerkins

    Artie, being one month into my first lead pastor position this speaks volumes to me. I appreciate your encouragement and your heart friend.

    • Anonymous

      Prayed for you about your new church, (When I read it on your bog). I’m proud of you bro, going where others aren’t willing to go, to do what others can’t…Bring life to that which seems dead.

      Love & Lead BIG in the small my bro!

    • Anonymous

      Prayed for you about your new church, (When I read it on your bog). I’m proud of you bro, going where others aren’t willing to go, to do what others can’t…Bring life to that which seems dead.

      Love & Lead BIG in the small my bro!

  • http://twitter.com/markignacio Mark Ian Ignacio

    2- They don’t quit… Because they can’t. (They hear God)
    so true..nice post
     

    • Anonymous

      Thanks Mark. Sad though… many quit because they don’t take the time to listen.

  • Timbosbeautiful

    My grandfather was a pastor and my dad is still pastoring (44 years). I married a church planter and one of the hardest things too do is balance life and ministry. After 20 years in the ministry I can say that if we weren’t called we would have found something else to do by now. Thanks for the shout out to the every day heroes of churches who faithful follow God’s calling.

    • Anonymous

      Thanks Robin, you guys are heros, even when you don’t feel like you are!

  • http://twitter.com/brentlacydotcom Brent Lacy

    Artie, 
    This is awesome! 

  • Michael Collins

    Great for me to read this on a Monday . . . thank you!

  • CJ Rich

    Very true. I encounter so many "underdog" pastors in my ministry travels. At the risk of unintended self-promotion. here is a link to one story in Sri Lanka: http://richsofhope.wordpress.com/2011/08/20/equipping-the-pastor-sendhils-of-the-world/

  • Revrick56

    I keep getting "Server’s certificate does not match" popup when coming to this site

  • Jeff_Hoglen

    Thanks for the encouragement!!