Pastor’s Appreciation Day 6

In December of 2000 Tori and I started our adventure at the Floyd Church of God in Midland, MI, and shortly thereafter I met Rev. James Shanks.  Pastor Shanks had been the pastor of the Floyd Church for many years, but had retired a few years earlier.  There was another pastor in between our two ministries so thankfully I did not have to follow him in Ministry (he was a really hard act to follow).  He was a true Shepherd who had a heart for the people that he served.  While serving the Floyd Community he had become the pastor to the whole area.  Even people who didn’t attend church at Floyd called him their pastor.  His impact on that community is still being felt today, as is his impact on me.

Because of his tenure at Floyd we did many funerals together. Pastor Shanks was always very respectful of my ministry, and tried his best to point those who still considered him to be their pastor,  to me.  It didn’t work….but he tried….and honestly I didn’t mind.  He was a great example to me of what investing your life in a community can do.  His quiet demeanor, and love for people were a tremendous witness to me of the importance of the pastor’s role as Shepherd and not just Leader.  Pastor Shanks lead the church through relationships that he had built over time.  My continuing prayer is that God will grant me the patience and passion for the sheep that I see in Pastor Shanks, and that I too will be able to earn the right to lead because the people I am leading see the love of Christ in me.

 

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