A minister's job description

Let me set this up first.  I'm reading through the book of 1 Thessalonians with a commentary so as to study it more thoroughly.  Feel free to call me names.

Today's reading examined the second chapter where Paul (and others) go about metaphorically describing their role with the Thessalonians.  In twelve verses Paul typifies the relationships as a heavy-hitter, an infant, a wet nurse, as a brother/sister, a father, and an orphan.  Try to find consistency in that!

In as many examples as he offers, he shows the complexity of the relationship.  The leader is dependent, abandoned, and coexisting as they find their way along.  This peculiar detailing shows that in the minister's ways, variation isn't just expected but necessary.

If you're a pastor, this seems all too familiar.  No shock to think about the hats you wear that CERTAINLY weren't talked about in the job interview.  From plunging the toilet to dunking booth at the fall festival, you're not sure what happened, but you're pretty sure that it wasn't covered in seminary.  But somehow the craziness is found in you being both the father and the orphan, it rest some way in the call.

If you're a lay minister, this reality may seem par for the course.  But please, make an understanding face for your pastor when s/he starts mentioning that nowhere in their studying of the New Testament or Old did they cover heating and cooling services on 20 year old machines.

And for all of us in between, may grace cover and love abound.