A Pastor

I am a pastor. :) I have been called in my heart to shepherd a flock and am attempting to respond. What does this mean to a 32 year old new comer to this field? This week I have found my heart strings being pulled in this discussion and train of thought, much to my joy. So far I have been operating from the thought process of pastoring as equating to: being prepared, being ready to give a word to the body, getting our music ready, setting out form and function of processes, but mostly being prepared for a gathering has been my focus, time and energy. This week God lovingly chastised me, "What kind of a Pastor do you want to be?" And I can feel the call of that ring deep in my heart. I want to be a pastor who is connected with his church and his community. One that feels the weight of his congregations burdens and takes that weight before the Only One who can truly understand and respond. I want to be the type of pastor that has enough time to sit down for coffee and listen to someones dreams, then encourage them on in love and good works. I want to be a passionate pursuer of Him, and from His life in me impact and bless the people around me. I know that God is shaping me, and our fellowship. We might be small, but we have a real and authentic community, called to reach out and influence for His Kingdom. We are broken and hurting, redeemed and sanctified, we are a group that is in passionate pursuit of Him. I loved this week. Getting a chance to visit the hospital, pray for our members, hear their struggles and successes. I am incredibly blessed, humbled, and grateful by what God is doing in our midst.