1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 – We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. (ESV)

A new pastor was settling into a new church. The toilet wouldn't work so he called the plumber. The next day he found a broken light switch so he called the electrician. On Sunday, the president of the church council said, "You know, the old pastor used to do the repairs herself." The new pastor replied, "I know. I called her and she said that she didn't want to do them anymore!"

The arrival of a new pastor is a time of joy for a congregation. But it can also be a time of stress when they find that the skills of the new pastor don't match those of the former pastor. But rather than be upset at such a time, let's follow the apostle Paul's advice and esteem the new pastor highly in love. And, above all, let there be peace.

In time, we will likely find that while the new pastor may lack abilities in some areas, he or she will have many strengths that will be of great blessing.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we hold up before You those congregations who are welcoming new pastors. We pray that Your peace will rule over both the pastors and the people as they become acquainted and form new partnerships for ministry. May all things be done for Your glory. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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Richard Frith <richard111@hotmail.com>
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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