Doug Creamer

            I think I am a pretty lucky guy. I have close relationships with several pastors. I guess I have always had good relationships with my pastors. I have enjoyed meals with them and have even helped some move.

            I realize that pastors are real people like you and me. They get dust bunnies under their beds. They can get frustrated with the crazy things of everyday life. Some have strong political views. All of them enjoy good food and laughter. I have a lively sense of humor and several of my more recent pastors have indulged and appreciated it.

            I pray for my pastors and their families often. I have had the distinct pleasure and honor of sending them encouraging words at key moments in their lives. Pastors need to be encouraged just like you and I. I know that pastors have a difficult job as they attend to people’s needs. I have sought comfort, wisdom, and direction from my pastors. They have listened, shared their wisdom, encouraged, and challenged me to walk in the right direction. I don’t know about you, but I deeply appreciate the pastors (and their assistants) that I have known over the years.

            One of my recent pastors always receives a rhyme or poem for the year. This year his message told those who would listen that we need to dig into God’s word like a miner digging for riches. When we discover the nuggets of God’s truth we need to treasure them. Before I saw his message, I was digging in Philippians. Since then I have stayed in Philippians for about 3 weeks and plan to stay longer. Every day I am seeing specific words that have been lighting up inside of me. I printed out a couple of verses and put them on the bathroom mirror.

            My current pastor shares a word or thought for the year and spends several Sundays unpacking the power of that word for our congregation. His first year as pastor the word was to expect “even greater.” I really liked that. I should expect an even greater relationship with God this year than I had last year. I should expect greater insight into the word of God. I should expect growth and maturity in my life. I should expect God to interact in a greater way with me. I should expect to see God do even greater things through my life.