Richard was astonished by the magnitude of the hall when he arrived. It was Wednesday evening and many people had already gathered, standing around in groups, chatting cheerfully, while others were taking their seats.
He could hear the conversations taking place among acquaintances, close friends and even closer friends as he passed them. In his heart, he longed to have just one friend with whom he could share his feelings. “I’ve never felt so lonely in my entire life” he suddenly thought.
He had no close friends and even his closest friend for years, his wife Anne, had become so busy in her part of their activities that he couldn’t think of her as a close friend any more. They had grown miles apart.
Just thinking about it sent a chilling pain through his heart. Nevertheless, he missed her presence at this moment very much. At the same time, he wished he had a friend of his own gender, someone who loves sport and cars and things men usually do. “I’m among hundreds of people and feel so deserted,” he thought.
Walking across the auditorium, he became aware of the sheer luxury and beauty of the place, and a feeling of total inadequacy and insignificance filled his heart. An urge to turn around slowly and leave unnoticed entered his mind. Then, Jesus spoke into his heart, “Richard, I love you very much. I sent you here because you have to deliver My message to these people. They need to hear it, son! Remember, I will be with you and I will remain close to you every second.”
Calmness returned to Richard’s heart.
“Pastor Richard!” He turned around and saw the pastor of the congregation approaching him. “Welcome! Come let me introduce you to the rest of our staff.” They disappeared into his office.
What is described in this short fictitious narrative, is in fact not entirely fiction but something often experienced by many pastors.
Pray for your pastors, some of whom might be amongst the loneliest people on earth. Some have marriage problems, generating spiritual, emotional and psychological scars and they seldom have someone to share their feelings with.
The marriage counsellors, psychologists, financial analysts, and other counsellors are mostly part of the congregation or the neighbouring congregation, which would put them out of reach in terms of counselling.
Get the picture? Be a friend and pray for your pastors. They need it much more than you ever could imagine! The pastor is only another person, a pastor person.