Hooray! I learned
this week that I am finally above average at something. For a guy who’s spent his life hovering
around average this is really encouraging news!
I’m average size. I’ve always
been an average athlete. I’m an average
husband, an average father, grandfather, golfer, and singer. My birth certificate says my middle name is
Scott. I’m surprised my middle name is not
Average. It could have been. Hi, I’m John Average McCallum II. I guess that means I’m average
twice-over. Average. That’s not so bad. Most everybody is average or they wouldn’t be
considered … average.
Ok, I’ll confess that I do have some bright spots. I have always been a slightly above-average
student. And while I’m not trying to be
prideful, I’ve always thought I’m a slightly above-average pastor. Now I know I am. In fact, it’s been scientifically
confirmed. According to a March 1, 2017,
report on Barna.com the average age of American pastors is 54. Hey, I’m 60!
Boom goes the dynamite—I’m six points higher than average. (I wonder if I should ask for a raise.)
What’s good news for me may not be such good news for the
church. On the one hand it could mean
that America’s churches are being led mostly by seasoned, experienced veterans
who bring a lifetime’s wisdom to bear on the work. But on the other hand, it could mean that
America’s churches are being led mostly by a bunch of crotchety old
fogies. Each church with an
above-average pastor will have to figure that out for itself.
The sad thing about this report is that while the median age
of pastors in 1992 was 44, only one in seven pastors today is under 40. Yikes!
We need some younger pastors.
Pray, please, that God will call more young people into pastoral
ministry.
But in the meantime, I’ll try not to gloat about being an
above-average pastor. Gloating is not in
order anyway unless my gloating is in Christ.
I may be a C+ person and a B- pastor, but Jesus is an A+ Savior who can
take even below average people and do extraordinary things through their lives. And that doesn't just go for pastors, that goes
for us all.
But John, have you not heard? 60 is the new middle age!
ReplyDeleteI guess I am an old above average retired Pastor that has been put out to pastor ???
ReplyDeleteCharles, you're way above average to the point of superior! Glad you come in from the "pastor" now and then to use your gifts to serve the church.
ReplyDeleteDear John,
ReplyDeleteAs I was preparing to write a sermon on Matthew 5:8, I came across what I think is a sermon by you (http://storage.cloversites.com/firstbaptistchurchhotspringsarkansas/documents/The%20Pure%20Heart.pdf)
I wanted to thank you for this good word. May we become pure in heart to see God's work in everything.
Thanks, Will. You are kind to drop a note. Blessings in our common work.
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