Friday Five: Perks of Ministry Edition

Kathrynzj at Revgalblogpals brings us this terrific Friday Five:

Thanks to #snOMG this week has had a different rhythm to it for me. Fortunately, one of the perks of ministry is a fairly flexible schedule and quite often the ability to work from home. Another perk of ministry is that I will be part of a worship service that celebrates my friend's gifts in ministry and the ministry she will do with the church she has been Called to lead.


These two things have me reflecting on the gifts and perks of ministry and what else I would put on that list.


What about you? What are 5 perks/gifts of ministry for you?

This is a terrific Friday Five because I've always thought there were som unique advantages to being a pastor (as long as some downsides, but lets save those for another day, 'kay?)

1.  I get paid to think, to study and to read.  Not all the time, but some of the time.  Reading books, thinking about things:  it's part of my job.  How cool is that?

2.  I get paid to talk to people, to listen to people, to hear their stories.  In other words, not only do I get to read books, I get to read people, too. 

3.  Two words:  "all ages."  One of the wonderful things about ministry is the ability to work with all ages, babies, children, old people, young couples.  I once, fleetingly, considered being a 1st grade teacher, because I do love children and I do love teaching.  But, it's good that I didn't.  It's better for me to be around all ages. 

4. Ministry is like a box of chocolates:  you never know what you are going to get.  This week I gave a Bible study for 80-100 seniors on the subject "Seven Women from Genesis"; I prayed with giggly seventh grade boys; I was involved in a fascinating conversation about Passionate Spirituality and how Lutherans can learn to speak more confidently about their faith. 

5.  I do love the view sometimes when I stand in the sanctuary, facing the congregation.  I marvel at how a congregation can look small when they are sitting, and suddenly look large and powerful when they stand to sing, or pray.  I like to see the parents returning to worship after delivering their children to Sunday School, families singing together, a child jumping up and down.  I still remember a great view from my first little church:  two little girls who decided to sit in the front row together, with the hymnal open between them, and singing at the top of their lungs. 

P.S.  I like the flexibility of the schedule too, but I know a lot of people mentioned that one.  We pastors do work a lot, but we aside from a few things which are set (confirmation classes and Sunday worship), we have a lot of say in when we do what we do.