Throughout life and ministry we meet many people. One of the things I have learned through the years is that it is amazing how certain people continue to cross our paths. My first pastorate was in Attapulgus, Georgia, a small town just north of Tallahassee, Florida. We served there just less than two years. But in those two years we met people that remain a part of our lives today. When we left Attapulgus, it never occurred to me that we would return over twenty years later as their district bishop. In that capacity, I was responsible for guiding them through a pastoral appointment process. The families of that small church continue to be a significant part of our lives.
I discovered that truth anew this week. My mother had a heart event that required a visit to the emergency room. She was subsequently diagnosed with three severe blockages and had to have heart bypass surgery. After the surgery she recovers in the coronary care unit of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah, Georgia. Last evening, while we were visiting with her, she received a very special visit from Pastor Hugo Hammond. Pastor Hammond served as our pastor in the 1960s and early 1970s at the Baxley Church of God. He was the first pastor of my childhood. My family loved him and was very disappointed when he resigned the pastorate to enter the US Navy as a chaplain. I was a child of about 10 years old when he left, and I didn’t see him again for more than a decade. Through the years we would “bump into” each other at denominational meetings and he was always encouraging me in the ministry.
When we learned that mom would undergo heart bypass surgery in Savannah I sent Pastor Hammond a Facebook message and asked if he could come by for a visit (after retirement he lives in Savannah). It has been more than forty years since he served as our family’s pastor and he is now eighty years old. Last evening he became my mom’s pastor again. When he walked into the CCU room, with his smile and grace, the expression on mom’s face told the story. His visit and prayer were brief, but with lasting effect. In truth, Pastor Hammond never ceased being mom’s pastor. Decades of time had not severed the bond.
Through the years, I have served various local congregations. But, I have learned that I serve only one church in many locations. I never cease being the pastor of the saints and sinners I have served. Time and distance cannot erode the bond of love that unites us. I have often returned for a hospital visit, a funeral, or a wedding. Through the various social media I maintain contact with people throughout the world whom God has allowed me to serve. The church I serve is spread across the planet.
What life lesson have I learned? I have learned that one never really leaves a pastorate. The people you love and serve will always be a part of your life. So, treat every relationship as if it is a life-long relationship. Cherish and nurture every person, every congregation. If there have been difficulties along the way, make sure to practice forgiveness and reconciliation. The words of Paul offer the best pastoral counsel:
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity (Colossians 3:12-14).
