He's Only Ten?

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, life, in love, in faith and purity.  1Timothy 4:11-12 (NIV)

      David needed a stepstool so he could look over the top of the pulpit and see his audience.

      “Good morning,” he said, “My name is David and I am the Junior Pastor. As many of you know, I plan to take Pastor Bruce’s job in about twelve years.”

      The congregations laughed.

      David continued, “I am ten right now so I have time to get ready for the job. I listen to Pastor Bruce and follow him around. The main thing I have learned is that it’s hard to be a pastor. There is a lot of work behind the scenes that most people don’t know about. He’s always available when someone needs him. He works long hours. We all know about those birthday calls he makes.”

      Almost everyone smiled.

      Then, David got serious with his audience. “I think I know the hardest part of being a pastor—that is people don’t listen.”

       David followed this statement with a list of Pastor Bruce’s past exhortations that he believed congregants had not taken to heart.

       Then he said, “Raise your hand if you brought a friend to church with you today.”  David paused.  “We have heard Pastor Bruce explain that it is the job of each of us to bring people to God.  Today is Pastor Appreciation Sunday. Let’s honor our pastor by bringing a friend to church each time we can—maybe every Sunday. That’s the way the great commission works.”

Lord, thank you for raising up a modern day David who chooses to serve you at such a young age. Bring us more Davids.

© Christy Struben 2013