When I first felt called to do more than just be a pastor to our church, but to be a pastor to our whole city, I wasn’t sure what it would look like. What does a city pastor do?
So, I decided to serve wherever doors opened. This past week they opened in places that I never anticipated…
I attended the monthly meeting of the Wilson Minister’s Association (of which I was formerly the president until last year). We met with a group of police officers, a Barton professor of criminology, and a rep from the juvenile court to discuss the growing concern of gang activity in Wilson. As pastors, we gave our support to help in any way we could.
A few days later, as a member of the board of directors with a non profit group called “Youth of Wilson,” I helped interview and select a new director for this very important program that matches mentors and at-risk teens together for life mentoring. The woman we’re hiring has a lot of drive and plenty of experience. I’m hopeful that she can really lead this program well.
Now, today I’ve just returned from Toisnot Park where I rode around our Disc Golf course with Dale, the guy in charge of grounds for Wilson Parks and Recreation. I sent an email complaining about the poor shape of the disc golf course earlier in the year and now I’m the designated expert. Dale says he doesn’t know anything about the sport, so he has named me his official “disc golf consultant.”
“Besides,” he says, “If someone doesn’t like the changes we make, who’s gonna get mad at a preacher?”
“Plenty of people.” I respond.
Is this what it means to be a city pastor?