In a new Epiphany video message to the church, LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison encourages members to focus on loving and supporting their pastors and their families.
“It’s not easy being a pastor. In fact, it’s extremely difficult. You cannot please all the people all the time,” Harrison says in the video.
“This Epiphany, how about bending over backwards to love your pastor?” he asks. “That’s right. Love him. Love his family. Speak well of him. … he’s got his mistakes and faults and failings and sins. [But] love him.”
The Synod president encourages congregation members to be kind to their pastors, pray for them, take them to dinner.
He also asks them to study Baptism in advance of the Synod’s 65th Regular Convention, July 20-25 in St. Louis. The theme of the convention is “Baptized for This Moment,” from Acts 2:38-39.
“Blessed Epiphany. You’re baptized,” Harrison says. “The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who grabbed you by the neck and made you … His own, will bless and keep you. In the name of Jesus. Amen.”
To watch the video, click here.
Posted Jan. 17, 2013