My first church job was the summer of 1985. I was 19 and was hired by my home church in Eatonton to work as in intern with the youth and children’s ministry. I remember that I felt a bit guilty receiving a check from my church, and for the life of me I cannot remember what I was paid. Since then I have served churches in a variety of positions, but mostly as a pastor, and a privileged pastor at that!
I really cannot think of any job, any career that allows such access to a person’s life. From birth to death, as a privileged pastor I was invited into the intimate and personal spaces of others trying to make their way through the world. We are all pilgrims of one sort or another, and a pastor is allowed to walk alongside others on their way through life.
Privileged. As I write this article I am sitting in a waiting room as a friend in her 20s with thyroid cancer prepares for surgery.
Privileged. Leaning in the stairwell that leads to the baptistery holding the hand of a 12 year old with developmental disabilities. He is practicing his lines: “Jesus is Lord.” I am reminded that in the baptistery we all enter with special needs.
Privileged. Sitting in jail with a young man who cannot shake his addictions and now is frightened with the costly consequences. He feels ashamed and alone.
Privileged. Attending a birthday party for a widow who just turned 100. She will die two months later, but that day I belted out “happy birthday to you” alongside her family and friends.
Privileged. Cradling an infant in the neonatal ICU as I speak the rite of baptism over him. I know I am a Baptist and we traditionally do not baptize infants, but the mother is anguished and this child will soon die in her arms.
Privileged. A youth confides that they are confused about their identity. Afraid and hopeless, she is trusting that I will not shame her, condemn her. All she really wants is to be unconditionally loved.
Privileged. Standing up on Sunday mornings – sometimes facing hundreds of people and other times just a few – and sharing words of hope, love and grace to people who long for something good, even when they don’t always know it or understand it.
Privileged. Surrounded by her family, breaking a crust of bread and serving a few drops of grape juice from an eyedropper to a 33 year old in hospice care. The next day she takes a last, shallow breath with all of us by her side.
I could go on and tell you about evening committee meetings that accomplish little or the pettiness and occasional toxicity of some church members. I could tell you about the politics of staff management and the cold, hard business involved in running a large organization. But I would rather tell you about some of my privileges, because that is really what matters. Year after year I have lived this privileged life and the privileges far outnumber all the other “stuff” that goes along with serving
It is said that for those of us privileged we should share our privileges for the sake of others. I agree with this, but I confess as a privileged pastor I am not sure how to do this. I suppose all I can do is share my story with the hope that others might discover this privilege too and answer a call that does not always pay well (or at all), but fills the soul with grace and gratitude. Whatever other difficulties and drawbacks involved – and I assure you there are many – they really do not matter much when compared to the beautiful privileges.
Gratefully privileged,
Greg
You are amazing, Dr. deLoach. I look forward to hearing you on Sunday mornings and the inspiration and wisdom you give, even though I am hundreds of miles away in Ohio. Cindy and I send our best to you and Amy.
I, too, am privileged. God has graciously placed me in a community that allows me to share in the lives of others in a very intimate way also. I give thanks to Him every day for such a privilege. Thank YOU for sharing the message that those privileges far outweigh the drawbacks. Privileges are God granted and the difficulties and drawbacks are man-made.
Thank you Greg!
So marvelously said. Appreciate you and those like you.
Greg,your Bible teaching on Wed. nights and your sermons on Sunday morning meant so much, but the little short talks we would have sometimes after prayer time at Benevolence helped me so much and I’m sure you never realized that. You just took time to listen and share. Thank you. Blessings to you and Amy as you continue to share His love with others. Jean
Thank you Greg! We are the ones who are privileged to have been in your presence and experienced such love and compassion during those very difficult days and difficult times! We love you and pray God’s blessings upon you always!
Dr. Deloach, thank you for sharing. It is a privilege to serve God’s people. I served as a Church Business Administrator for almost 20 years in three different churches, and you are right – it was a privilege.
Blessings!
Greg…I would love to know where this photo was taken. My grandpa Elisha Roberts was an itinerate “Old Line Primitive Baptist” preacher in South Georgia. Though slightly different, the interior of this church looks almost exactly as New Valley Grove Primitive Baptist Church in Irwin County Georgia. Would love to get a JPEG!
As always you are amazing ! As much as you feel privileged I know how privileged I was to have you as my Pastor but more as a brother, son and true friend to my family. And still have you as a friend!
Beautifully said, Greg! Thank you for persevering during the hard times and not letting the negativity change you or stop you. You were a blessing to our church and you continue to bless us when we listen to your sermons from Monroe. Miss you and Amy!
Beautiful
We comfort as we have been comforted!
I know your dad and rest of your family are so proud to call you son and brother. May God bless you
Privileged to have you by my side on the most difficult time in my life as my son Kent was dying. Thank you for being there. May God continue to bless you and Amy .
AWESOME observations Greg! Your descriptions of the privileged blessings you have received on the job and your obvious motivations for continuing your labors in life’s vinyards are equally awesome. Thanks for sharing !
I miss my friend and our conversations over coffee as we shared a little of our life challenges with one another… brother to brother. Beautifully written and, because you wrote it, I know it’s from a genuine heart.
Thank you, Greg. So well expressed. Those of us to whom you have been pastor are also VERY privileged.