If you get around this end of the blogosphere much, you’ve no doubt read something about John Piper’s upcoming sabbatical. I don’t know why so much is being made of it, but since it is such a hot topic, I, of course, am obligated to weigh in on it as well. Or not. I’m actually surprised I haven’t read anything critical of Piper for doing this. Maybe that’s because I no longer read (and am trying not to be) the kind of blogs that would normally do that. Or maybe I expect that because I myself am often quick to react critically. Be that as it may, I hope critics will restrain themselves in this case.
I must confess that my first thoughts were, while not outright critical, skeptical. I looked askance at the notion of dropping everything in this way, for reasons that may or may not become evident by the end of this post. It doesn’t really matter, because my reasons and my opinion don’t matter. What I know is that John Piper is taking time off for very practical reasons motivated by very noble desires. If his church says that’s alright, then it is. Period. I wish him well, and I hope he returns refreshed and ready to minister to the church for the glory of God in the same way we have come to appreciate in the past.
However, this has got me thinking. John Piper has appeared in a video explaining how you can pray for him while on sabbatical. By all means, pray for Piper. But I’d like you extend your prayers to some other very important men. They are the thousands of pastors around the world who will never, in their wildest dreams, be able to take a break of this magnitude. They work in small churches, with little or no support staffs, plugging away faithfully, week after week. They don’t have book deals; they don’t have the admiration and praise of multitudes. They may seldom get as much as a “thank you.”
They are often overwhelmed, discouraged, and lonely. They have the same problems as John Piper has. They have the same problems as you have. Their marriages are under stress; their children are difficult. They are very often financially strapped. They are, quite likely, your pastor. They sacrifice more than you will probably ever know, and they do it for you.
Pray for them; support them; encourage them. Minister to them as members of the body. Love them as you love yourself.
Bethlehem Baptist has John Piper; John Piper has Bethlehem Baptist. You have your pastor; he has you. By all means, pray for John Piper. Just don’t forget who serves you.
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2 Comments:
#1 || 10·05·10··04:42 || Kim in ON
That is a good thing to remember. I tend to look at my pastor like more of a parent than other pastors I have had because one of his kids has been my daughter's best friend since they were 13 years old. I know exactly what kinds of things he has dealt with, and I pray more for him and his wife as parents than anything. Recently, he was able to take a week off to visit family, who live about 14 hours away. He had to come back early to preach, but his wife stayed a few extra days because they seldom get to see their family.
#2 || 10·05·11··19:33 || Audrey
This is my first time reading your blog. Loved this post about prayer for the unknown! It is so true that pastors known or unknown need much prayer and support. I attend a relatively new and rather small church. The sacrifices our pastor makes are huge as he humbly serves our Savior.
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