Never On Monday!

 I think my Dad has been an ordained pastor for 64 years.  I know it's more than 50!  Anyway, as a child I remember my Dad frequently saying, "Never on Monday!"  I didn't realize what that phrase was about until I was serving on his pastoral staff in my first church position and going to seminary.  Someone caught him walking down the hall and asked, "Hey Pastor, do you ever feel like quitting?"  With a twinkle in his eye Dad replied, "Every Monday!"

Suddenly it hit me what my Dad meant all those years during childhood when he said, "Never on Monday!"  He was referring to resigning after a tough week of pouring out his heart in ministry to people, often getting it stomped, receiving complaints from members, leaders and staff, washing dirty feet and sometimes feeling under appreciated.  He meant, "Never resign on Monday!"  Dad knew that on Monday every minister is tired, worn out mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.  Depleted, on an empty tank as we should be if we've really done our job.  But he had the wisdom and maturity not to act on sheer emotion, or react in the flesh.  Though he felt like it, he was a "Never on Monday," guy.  Hence the reason for another often repeated phrase, "Don't pull a Jonah!"

I've been in pastoral ministry for 24 years and I get that.  There are many Monday's when I want to chuck it, run away from my calling, hide, work at Walmart, disappear, or go back to broadcasting.  Yes, I know there are ministers that say otherwise, but I'll call it like it is---they are lying!  We're human.  Just like a doctor after a brutal day of rounds, or a firefighter that pulled a double shift.  But deep down I know I can't, and I won't.  Satan loves to come at ALL of us when we are weak, tired and vulnerable.  One of those times for ministers is Sunday afternoon to Monday.  Ever notice how Jesus withdrew from the crowds after a long and taxing day of ministry and healing?  He needed to refuel, replenish and renew with the Father.

On Monday's we worry about our teammates on staff, their families and other leaders.  We worry about offerings.  We worry about members who haven't been involved, or have gone AWOL for no apparent reason.  We worry about people who are troubled in our flocks.  We worry about those who aren't growing in their faith and don't want to grow.  We worry about those caught in sin, because we know exactly what it's like.  Monday diagnosis is not good.  We need time, space, distance and rest.

However, there are many Sundays when we and the church get it right.  The Holy Spirit is always present, but I'm talking about the times when we let the Spirit work and get out of the way. It could be in the teaching message, or a powerful song of praise, the reading of Scripture, prayers, or communion. And it is always evident in baptism.  Sunday, we baptized three adults.  Trophies of God's grace.  No matter what else happened Sunday, no matter what news followed on Monday, nothing can take away the significance of those three precious people yielding their lives publicly in Believer's Baptism!

Cary, Emily and Perry you made my day!  Heck you made my week and month!  I'm so proud of you. God bless you as you grow in Christ.  I can't wait to see ALL God is going to do through you!  As for me, not on this Monday!