Pastor Appreciation Day at The Springs

Greetings from The Springs. Sunday we celebrated Pastor’s Appreciation Day honoring Robert L. Terrell our great shepherd. The speaker was Rev. Hubert Langston of Elberton and he shared in his message the responsibility of the pastor.
He referenced several passages including Jeremiah 3:15-16 where it states, “And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” God gave specific instructions of the role of the pastor. He is to give us knowledge and understanding by pouring out the Word of God to us.
Another responsibility of the pastor is to keep his eyes on troublemakers. Rev. Langston stated that the pastor needs the ability to see people for whom they are whether they have goodness or ill intent, especially when it comes to those in his congregation. Romans 16:17-19 illustrates this point as Paul instructs to, “note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine, which you learned and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.” In other words the pastor has to be able to protect his sheep from divisive forces as he creates unity in the body of Christ.
The final point that Rev. Langston made is that the pastor is to help us find joy in Christ. The pastor has to be available to us especially when the difficulties of the world keep us from having joy. We should not have to always come into the house of the Lord feeling down or troubled. We can share our issues with the pastor and look to him to show us the way.   
As we celebrated Pastor’s Appreciation Day it was good to have a reminder on the role of the pastor. There is so much that the shepherd does on our behalf. We should not forget his burden for our souls and also understand his responsibilities.
I hope that you don’t mind me saying this but I was overjoyed to see Rev. Langston and his wife Josephine. I told you earlier in the month about our connection. They are just like family to me and I can’t wait to see them again.
Kudos goes out to Deacon Johnny Hubbard for organizing this wonderful celebration for our pastor. His theme for this year was focused on the college students and how pastor has encouraged them to pursue post-secondary education. I know that all in attendance enjoyed the entire day especially Pastor T. and Sister Toni.
Speaking of Sister Toni she will bring the message at Flat Rock Baptist Church Sunday, Nov. 4 for their Women’s Day Program. That service will begin at 2:30 p.m. so plan to join us as we support our First Lady.
“Remember your leaders who taught you the Word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives and follow the example of their faith.” This scripture text was printed on the program for Sunday and it speaks volumes about our Pastor.
Pastor Terrell I am sure that the church agrees with me in saying that we are truly be grateful for all that you do. And there is so much that you do on our behalf that we really don’t know the magnitude of it all. Yet the Lord knows and that is what matters. With your wife as a constant companion and greatest supporter your lives exemplify to your congregation, “what is pleasing in Thy sight.” The church says, Amen!

Printed in the November 1 edition.