I grew up a pastor’s kid. I was born in the first year of my dad’s ministry of planting a church in Rhode Island. I’m now 34 years old, roughly the age that he was when he started. Recently my father retired after 35 years pastoring the same church in the same place. He did so honorably and deeply loved by his flock.
There’s a lot that could be reflected upon. Like the time a man dressed all in white attempted to hijack the pastorate from my father, claiming he was the Messiah and my dad was John the Baptist preparing his way. Or when our church gathered on log pews in the forest, worshiping together on the land that would one day hold the beautiful building that has housed worshipers ever since 1997. Many births and many deaths; many baptisms and many who’ve fallen away from the faith they once professed. Lots of joys and lots of sorrows. It would take a book to reflect adequately upon all that takes place in 35 years of one man’s ministry in one place.
On a magical Saturday evening, I beheld what I’ve called my dad’s “George Bailey Moment.” Perhaps you remember the scene from the well-loved film “It’s a Wonderful Life.” George Bailey, a man of faithful character, has fallen on hard times. He views himself as a failure and a disappointment to all. He wishes he’d never been born. You likely know the rest, but do you remember that final scene? George arrives home, and finds a multitude of friends in his living room coming to his aid. Every person is a life that has been touched; a person who is thankful to have known George Bailey; a person who displays that George’s life mattered a lot.
After 35 years, my father was blessed with something quite similar, and eternally significant. Lines and lines of Christians formed on that Saturday evening, people whose lives have been eternally touched by the faithfulness of one pastor who stayed his post in one place. One man cried as he reflected upon being pastored to persevere in Christ through his divorce; another spoke of his pastor being his best friend; several men and women proclaimed that they not only came to faith, but also continued in the faith because of the shepherding care of this one man who was used by the Great Shepherd. Their stories are all different, and yet they share one common story - they’re pilgrims journeying together down the narrow path that leads to glory.
The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth “that on the day of our Lord Jesus you will boast of us as we will boast of you” (2 Corinthians 1:14). Jonathan Edwards preached on this verse in his farewell sermon at Northampton, after being voted out. It was a solemn warning. No pastor will stand alone before the Lord, but he will have a company with him (either to his shame or honor). Paul clearly knew that his future day before the Lord would not be a solitary experience. “For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?” (1 Thessalonians 2:19).
Small-town pastor, let that Day motivate you. That small band of disciples who you pray for and preach to will one day stand with you in glory. And you all will rejoice together that you helped each other get there! Through many dangers, toils, and snares - for sure; but by God’s grace you will get there. My father was blessed with a foretaste of his coming reward and heavenly celebration. Not every pastor gets his “George Bailey Moment” in this life, but by God’s grace each of us will in eternity.
Keeping our eyes on that glorious Day can help keep us faithful, even on our hardest days. Ultimately it won’t be for our glory. It will be for our everlasting joy “when [Christ] comes on that day to be glorified in his saints” (2 Thessalonians 1:10).
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Joel Sedam
Joel grew up in Westerly, RI. After graduating with a B.A. in Theology, he continued his studies at Southern Seminary. He has worked with InterVarsity Fellowship and has served on the pastoral staff at Grace Harbor Church in Providence. He and his wife Jen moved to Bristol in June of 2015, where they and their core team planted Mount Hope Church.