On one occasion while I was senior pastor, the church chose to mark an anniversary with a special reception. That is always a humbling experience because, as any pastor knows, the honors should go to a whole lot of people, starting with his wife and family as well as scores of others. Paul spent a lot of ink in the last chapter of the book of Romans expressing his heartfelt appreciation for all who had helped make his ministry possible—people who for the most part were unknown. More about that later.
Let me share with you a bit of what I said when honored on the above-mentioned anniversary:
“Actually, you folks are the ones who ought to be receiving the honor here today. Without you, I would not be here. Without faithful parents, I would not have had the opportunities, the encouragement, and the direction necessary to pursue God’s calling as I have. Without good people who’ve influenced me—pastors, teachers, friends along life’s way, I’d not be here speaking to you today.
Without a devoted wife and helpmeet, I could not have given myself to the ministry as I have desired and done these past years, with Ellen always by my side. Without children who have honored me through obedience and respect, who have believed in my Savior and made my God their God, and who have lived their lives in a way that has not brought reproach upon our Lord, I could have no ministry to you or to any of the Body of Christ at this hour.
Without faithful deacons who’ve supported me through bad times and good—through thick and thin—I’d not have any effective ministry in this church. Without a faithful and Bible-loving flock who have loved and obeyed the Gospel and the whole counsel of God, and who have followed the leadership of their God-appointed under shepherd, I would be a pastor without a congregation, a man without a church.
And so, you’ve honored me and for that reason I am indeed appreciative, BUT you are also deserving of much honor. I think a fitting scriptural lesson in this regard is Romans 16. Paul, in writing to the saints at Rome, which place he had at that time not yet visited, singled out many people who were to be greeted, saluted and commended on his behalf. I could single out many of you by name and commend you and salute you. Many who have gone more than the 2nd mile. Many who have labored behind the scenes to make the public ministry of your pastors more effective. I will not do that, but I would direct your attention to this passage and to some thoughts from Paul concerning such helpers—then and now.
- Their number—about 30 or so individuals were mentioned, both men and women. These were unsung heroes. These kinds of people are the backbone—the nerve center under the guidance of the Holy Spirit—of any church that is alive. It has been said by astute observers that 90% of the work in a church is done by 10% of the people; but to get the job done for Jesus today, it is going to take everyone doing what he or she can. Those of extraordinary talents and those of ordinary skills; those who work with their hands, and those who work with their tongues (as in teaching); those who have money and those who have none; those who are employed and those who are unemployed; those who have been to Bible college, and those who have not; those who have been saved many years, and those who are new-born babes in Christ.
- Their names—some were well-known; some were unknown to most. In God’s church, there are no “Big Shots.” God keeps His own list of “Who’s Who.”
- Their necessity—Paul could not have done what he did for Christ without them! Without Acquilla and Priscilla; without Mary, Phebe and Urbane. And each and every one. No preacher can buy love, loyalty and faithful, dedicated servants. Paul: “And this they did, not as we had hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.” (II Cor. 8:5)
Their nature—they all had one thing in common: all were servants (succorers, helpers, laborers and/or fellow prisoners, Romans 16:2, 3, 7, 12).
As such, they were in good company: ‘Paul, a servant of Christ,’ ’James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,’ ‘Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ,’ and ‘Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James.’ (Rom. 1:1; James 1:1; II Pet. 1:1 and Jude 1) “And whoever will be the chief among you, let him be your servant.” (Matt. 20:27)
So, that was my message then and remained so until September of 2019 when I then delivered a “farewell” address—but that will be the subject of a later post. Many who were serving with me on that anniversary were still faithfully serving their Savior alongside of me when I spoke my last words to them as their pastor. Now, almost six years later, many of them are still serving Jesus Christ our Lord alongside their new pastor, Joel Stevens. “Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” (Eph. 3:21)
“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love which ye have shewed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” (Hebrews 6:10)
YOU and GOD 