I served as a senior pastor for 14 years in Ohio prior to becoming a seminary professor in 1996. To be honest, I think often about those days. I realize the Lord has not placed me in the role of pastor for this season of life, but I miss shepherding a local church.

I’ve thought about this role a lot this week. This Saturday, the Charles Spurgeon Center for Pastoral Leadership and Preaching at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is sponsoring a discussion on “What I Love About Pastoring.” Our goal is to encourage pastors while also learning from them how we might best serve them in the future.

I know pastoring includes tough days. Sometimes “power players” are a thorn in a pastor’s side. Sermon preparation is time consuming. Many church members struggle with change that threatens the status quo. Nevertheless, here are some of the reasons I would return to pastoring if the Lord so allowed:

1. The pastor’s responsibility carries eternal significance. A quick reading of Hebrews 13:17 makes this point clear: “They keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account” (HCSB). Pastors are undershepherds called to care for and lead the flock entrusted to them. The responsibility is huge—but so is the privilege.

2. A pastor shares all of life with others. The pastor is often one of the first to celebrate a birth. He’s invited to celebrate birthdays, graduations, promotions … and most importantly, Christian conversion. He provides a shoulder in times of difficulty, and he’s there when death occurs. To my knowledge, no one else has this level of opportunity to walk through life with others.

Dr. Steve Greene is now sharing stories, teachings, and conversations with guests who lead with love on Love Leads, a new podcast. Listen now.

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