“Are you a lawyer?” I was asked that question this morning as I was writing this. I am standing in a suit and tie right now, not in a church behind the pulpit, but in court, giving moral support to some people who are trying to settle some matters. I can understand the question; it seems that not many people dress up for court matters anymore.
A few days ago, however, the question was quite different: “Where did you get that pirate costume?” And it was a truly impressive costume; as I threw in a few “Arrghhs” and “Ayyyyes,” I thought I would have fit in well as a shipmate on the Queen Anne’s Revenge. This was at our Family Vacation Bible School, by the way, a truly unique type of Vacation Bible School where everyone in the church, from the youngest to the oldest, is fully involved.
Lately, though, I haven’t just been a lawyer and a pirate. I’ve also been a lifeguard (literally) at night swims, helped keep the kids safe and get them home to their parents, driven the bus to and from our portion of the kids at Junior Bible Camp, and was one of the two keynote speakers at that Junior Camp.
I have also been an evangelist, traveling to Powder Springs, Georgia, to preach at an anniversary. And in my own church, I have been a pastor, Sunday school teacher, marriage counselor, grief counselor, and plumber.
All in 10 days.
I don’t just wear a lot of hats; I wear a lot of hats, pants, shirts, suits, ties, breeches, patches, boots, shoes, guns, and tool belts.
And I take a lot of Tylenol.
I remember sitting in a lecture hall many years ago and hearing a professor say, “You should be prepared to do the hard work it takes to produce two or three good messages a week!” I don’t remember him or anyone else telling me that I also had to be prepared to stop leaks, go to court, drive a bus, rescue drowning children, and steer a pirate ship.
It’s actually a pretty good life. But it requires this strange ability to completely change your personality as needed. You have to be able to be silly, hardworking, and as serious as a blood clot, often all within the same hour.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” As uncomfortable as this thought may be for young men fresh out of seminary who believe they are called only to an ivory tower and a pearly pulpit, the needs of the people often require that a pastor be an ordinary, approachable, even ridiculous human being.
Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount to many people – and he also made sure that the people got their lunch.
Jesus stood before a king, the governor and the high priest – and he also took little children in his arms.
Jesus explained the Old Testament – and he also told stories.
Jesus was worshipped as the Messiah and Son of God – and his feet were also washed.
Jesus thundered in the temple – and he also wept with Mary and Martha at the tomb of Lazarus.
Jesus made sure that his disciples were taught the right teaching – and he also made sure that their fishing nets were always full when needed.
Jesus was and is the door to heaven – and as a carpenter he also built doors on earth.
Jesus was transfigured on the mountain, expressing his glory and power – and he was humbled on the cross, expressing his sacrifice for all humanity.
This all seems like a pretty good template for any preacher. I guess we could put it this way: Ivory towers and pearly pulpits are fine, as long as they are part of a balanced diet that may also include piracy, plumbing, and personal assistance.
Bo Wagner is pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Mooresboro, North Carolina, a well-traveled evangelist, and the author of several books available on Amazon and wordofhismouth.com. He can be reached by email at [email protected].
