Look at that picture. Yep, that’s me. “Pastor” Jim Thornber. Even though I see the title, I truly do not comprehend the immensity of it all.
In a previous article called Saying Goodbye To My Beautiful Title, I wrote, “It is amazing how complete is the delusion that titles equals significance.” I’m not any more significant now that I’ve got a title once again – I’m more responsible.
Before my election as pastor, only a handful of people looked to me for wisdom, advice, direction, guidance, vision, counseling, etc. Now an entire church is waiting for waterfalls of wisdom to come pouring out. And that thought makes me want to crawl into a hole and hide.
Being a pastor of a church is a calling that is bigger than any one person. No single individual can be the leader of a congregation. Therefore, the local church needs every member to use their gifts for the Kingdom’s sake or we will never fulfill the King’s agenda. As I try to wrap my brain around the enormous task ahead of me, I realize that now, more than ever, I need every gift and talent God has brought to this small congregation He has guided me to. And your church needs you, too.
After installation service, with Bishop Drake. A good looking couple, eh?
After I found out I was the pastor of Cathedral of Praise, I wrote on my Facebook page, “Pastoring is not an arrival. It is just a pulling into the station of your destination where the real work begins.” There is a lot of work ahead of us in our small congregation. But even if you are part of a mega-church, you still have a part to play. I encourage you to find your part and use your God-given gifts for God’s glory. And believe me when I tell you, your pastor will appreciate it.
Thinking Out Loud 
Hi Jim;
Congratulations on your new journey.
As you know I am not a religious person nor one of the flock, but I can see that you are honest about your endeavor and a human being that is not totally wrapped up in self.
For those qualities, the congregation should appreciate you 🙂
May the Lord bless you and your beautiful wife on this new journey!
I so appreciate the wisdom in your appraoch to the “office” and the humility. Our church-planter pastors are now stepping back to allow our new pastor in. And we will be gathering around to support him and his family as we continue this work for our King and the Kingdom.
I pray that your congregation will embrace God’s gifts in both of you. May it be a fruitful season! Amen.
Beth,
Thank you for your prayers. I’m anticipating it to be a very fruitful season of our lives. We’re looking forward to preparing the people to serve one another, both within and especially without, the four walls of the church.
Robert,
You may not consider yourself “one of the flock,” but you will always be a welcome guest at any church I’m pastoring or any table I’m eating at. We may disagree on a few things, but I know our respect for each other would allow our conversation to be interesting, humorous, serious and probably a lot of fun.
Blessings,
Jim
Hi Jim;
I know what you say is true, that is why I congratulated you in sincerity.
You have worked hard to realize what is important to you and your core beliefs, and I do not think there is evil in you.
Through our discussions in the past, you have always been consistent and our discussions have never been tinged with the anger of judgment or damnation on either side.
Two human beings sharing thoughts.
That is why I believe the church is fortunate to have you as pastor. 🙂
Congratulations Jim! I can’t thank you enough for the insight and guidance you provided me during a tough time in my life. You urged me to do the right thing even when it wasn’t the easy thing and I and my family are now seeing the benefits of following God’s plan for our lives. I pray that you and Barb would always experience the same as you go on this new part of your journey.