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Pastor's Page

Posted on September 12, 2006 ...

Do you remember the phrase, The American Dream? It is an expression used more commonly during earlier generations. In general, it was the idea that, given opportunity and freedom, citizens of the United States could be successful in fulfilling their ambitions. In earlier times, The American Dream may have been the acquisition of land, ownership of an automobile, a home in the suburbs, or a well-funded retirement plan.
I recently heard a news commentator report on a study that asked young people to define The American Dream. According to his source, today?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s young adults tend to say that ?¢‚Ǩ?ìbecoming famous?¢‚Ǩ¬ù is their definition of The American Dream. I suppose the idea of an American Dream, indeed, evolves from generation to generation.
As a pastor, I have a few convictions regarding what constitutes our unique ministerial dreams. In short, I call this The American Pastor?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s Dream. My personal definition includes several components near and dear to my heart.
The American Pastor?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s Dream begins with spending your formative years receiving a solid spiritual foundation from godly parents. It is greatly complimented through the love and grace of a beautiful supportive wife. It is blessed beyond measure with outstanding children who grow up loving both their home and their church home. Finally, it is completed by the respect, faith, and admiration from a congregation and staff allowing that pastor the privilege to perform the task to which God has called him.
Last Sunday, I realized again how fortunate I am. I am living The American Pastor?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s Dream! All these precious elements have fallen to me! How blessed I am! Thank you all for so many wonderful expressions of your thoughtfulness. Your kindness has touched me beyond measure. Thanks especially to the team who (without my knowledge) planned and organized such a precious tribute to my home and me. In many cases, when a group of people in a church starts to meet in secret behind a pastor?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s back, talks about him, and makes plans regarding his office, trouble is brewing! These precious souls, however, were working solely for my good and motivated only by love. God bless you all. It has indeed been a great twenty years! - Jay

Pastor?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s P.S. This Sunday morning, I begin a series of sermons on things every Christian should know. See you there!