Welcome to the Pastor's Page - RESPOND TO: kenthross@aol.com

     Pastors go through tough times and exhilarating times, often in the same week, sometimes in the same day, occasionally between Sunday School & the Church service. In one church where I served, a long time ago, one woman ("bless her heart") frequently came into my office after I'd had an uplifting time in my S.S. class to explain to me how this young preacher down the road was so terrific, while I was just so-so. 
     I've often wondered, what was her thinking. She was worth quite a lot of money, and the younger pastor spent hours cultivating that relationship. I guess it's in what you value, but it often darkened me as I pretty to step to the pulpit.
     But my heart is with pastors, partly because I've been there, and secondly, I've also experienced discouraging, disheartening times, but still know that God calls us to serve and there are also great experiences . . . like when your young people begin coming forward to receive Christ, or when they decide to marry and you watch them become a solid godly family.
     Those times out-weigh the tough times . . . USUALLY, but if the tough times keep coming on you and it gets piled higher and deeper (that's your PhD), sometimes it breaks even the strong. Here at THRIVE, we regularly prayer for our pastors, all of you, and spent time especially praying for some who we know are going through the tough times.

       If I were starting over:
1. I would like and love my people more;
2. I would call on every family in my church in the first 3 months I was at that church;
3. I would spend, at least, one day a week with my wife and children;
4. I would read one new book every week, plus the Bible every six months for my own sake: &
5. I would pray more. 
WHAT MIGHT YOU ADD?