“What we have here is the life of an “ordinary” faithful pastor. He held no prestigious pulpit, he held no important professorship in theology. He founded no institution. He simply labored in relative obscurity, but did so faithfully and with perseverance.”[1] These words are found in the preface of “The Pastor of Kilsyth: Or Memorials of the Life and Times of the Rev. W.H. Burns D.D.”
The biography of a country pastor in 19th century Scotland puts on display the beauty of simple, faithful pastoral ministry that may be obscure in the eyes of men, but in Heaven’s eyes, it is precious and glorious. W.H. Burns exemplified ministry for the vast majority of pastors. The names and actions of very few ministers are known beyond their own pulpits and flocks, yet their steadfast love and care for people bear untold eternal fruit.
Recognizing and celebrating this kind of “ordinary” pastoral ministry is a much needed-tonic “In our celebrity driven culture (from which the evangelical church is far for exempt), this is exactly the kind of life we need to study. We need to be reminded of the beauty, dignity and ultimately the glory of humble, obscure Christian service (Matthew 10:42).”[2]
I want to say, “Thank you,” to my pastor and the multitude of pastors who selflessly and enduringly do the hard and often thankless work of shepherding the flock of God. Please know that while most of the world does not know your name, the church family you care for does. Perhaps more importantly, the Lord sees and knows your labors for his bride, and he will not forget (Malachi 3:16).
Do not labor for the approval of man, or of a place of high esteem in the eyes of the world, or of great numeric success. Rather, be content to persevere in the faithful and ordinary ministry planting, watering and cultivating; entrusting the outcomes to the Lord (1 Corinthians 3:5-9).
As the book says, “We need those whose life can be summarized thus: ‘He preached the word; dispensed the sacred supper; warned the careless; comforted the sorrowing; baptized little children; blessed the union of young and loving hearts; visited the sick, the dying; buried the dead; pressed the hand, and whispered words of peace into the ear of mourners; carried to the poor widow and friendless orphan the charity of the church and his own; slipt in softly into some happy homes and gently broke the sad news of the sudden disaster far away; lifted up the fallen one form the ground, and pointed to Him who receiveth the publicans and sinners … [He was] always at his work, happy in it, and desiring nothing better or higher on earth.’”[3]
To churches, give thanks for your pastor’s faithful service and care in these things. Never take your pastor for granted, but understand what a gift the Lord has given you. And to all the ordinary and faithful pastors,
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
[1] Islay Burns, The Pastor of Kilsyth: The Life and Times of W. H. Burns (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2019), viii.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Islay Burns, The Pastor of Kilsyth: The Life and Times of W. H. Burns (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2019), 43.
