"OUR MINISTER IS 'ON THE GO', CONSTANTLY!"

By Hoyt W. Allen, Jr.

Many appreciative church folk are heard to say that the minister is on the go constantly in a positive spirit. May we who strive to call things properly understand that when one speaks of the minister, he or she is speaking of the man in the pulpit on Sunday. Thus, it is proper to call him the "Pulpit Minister". All Christians are to consider themselves as ministers, as the word in the Greek means a servant and every disciple of Jesus should be desirous of being a true servant (worker).

Once in a while one will speak negatively of the "Pulpit Minister" and is heard saying, "The minister never visits me". Probably when this is stated one should respond by saying, "That is great and you should be glad, because this means:
1) You or your family members are healthy and have not had any sickness at home, or have not been to the hospital operating room
2) You have been blessed by not having anyone in the family or a close loved one to depart this life. Isn't it just great not to have to visit the funeral parlor or cemetery
3) You have not had any crisis in the family such as suffering problems with your marriage, children, neighbors, or job.

Generally, the "Pulpit Minister" does not make calls upon the church membership just to socialize. It is not that he would not appreciate this - but it is a matter of time and priorities. The preacher of the Gospel and teacher of the Holy Scriptures must prioritize constantly.

The "Pulpit Minister", like the church member, does not have the time to do everything which he would like to do. However, the conscientious church member will be aware that the "Pulpit Minister" will do all that he can to be there in the "hour of need" for the members. That means he will "be there" at the hospital room, living room, school, jail, funeral parlor, to minister and to teach at any hour of the day or night. Normally the "Pulpit Minister" does not have a "quitting time" or a "day off" like the average church member. However, in order for him to minister properly to one's needs - he must know of one's needs. He is just a phone call away.

We should thank God that the "Pulpit Minister" has not been needed in our lives and understand that he has been with someone who has needed him".

KYOWVA EVANGELISTIC ASSOCIATION
IS WORTHY OF AND NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT
1541 S. 7TH ST * IRONTON OH 45638-2175 614/532-8020
Web page: www.kyowva.com * Email: KYOWVA@sbcglobal.net