Shhhh….Don’t tell him I took this picture….

But I wanted you to see it.  It’s almost as good as capturing a photo of Bigfoot.  And not because he’s tall and has large shoes.  And not because it’s rare.  But because it’s rare.  Let me explain…

Folks, what we have here is a bonafide “Secret Service Pastor”.  No, not the kind of “Secret Service” you’re thinking about (although he does look like he’s about ready to drop everything to dive in front of the President, doesn’t he?).

He’s a “Secret Service Pastor” because he serves in secret.  He’s not seeking to glorify himself, but rather to glorify God in everything he does, whether it’s preaching on a Sunday morning or shop vacuuming up rainwater in the 5th and 6th grade classroom on a weekday.

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” – 1 Peter 5:2-3 (NIV)

Crosspoint, you have a good shepherd who walks in the footsteps of THE Good Shepherd.  And he cares for you.  Deeply.  Enough to speak the truth in love, and enough to roll up his sleeves and complete the mundane task at hand.

Not because he must.  But because he is willing, as God wants him to be.

Not pursuing dishonest gain (If he would have known I had snapped this picture, he would have made me delete it.  It’s a good thing I have some sweet ninja photo-taking skills.), but eager to serve.

Not lording it over you, but setting an example for you.

Aren’t you thankful to have a lead pastor who models the humility of Christ on a daily basis and not just on a Sunday morning?

How ’bout you?  Will you follow his example as he follows the example of Christ?

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” – 1 Peter 4:10-12 (NIV)

Church, thank God for your pastor.  Thank God for your gifts.  And then use them with the strength that God provides, for the benefit of His Body, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.

His glory, not ours.

Amen.