by: Dan Hauser
10/1/2003

Many people have seen their pastors as shepherds, mentors, teachers, or even their “heroes.” I’d like to tell you about the most influential pastor in my life, because I think most pastors will be able to identify with him.

This pastor was never famous. Although he served God faithfully for many years, he never had a radio program or TV program of his own. Obviously most pastors can identify with that.

Although this pastor had wonderful insights into Scripture, he never authored a book, nor did he have his sermons published. I know most pastors can also identify with that.

Even though his churches loved him as pastor, no one ever wrote a book about him or published an article that described his ministry as “a great success.”

He was loved by his parishioners, but he never pastored a megachurch. In fact, he probably never preached to a congregation of more than 400 people. Again, I think most pastors can identify with that.

By earthly standards this man of God was not wealthy. His wife carefully collected coupons every week before going grocery shopping. His children often wore hand-me-down clothes.

And the furnishings in their parsonage were very modest at best. I know many pastors and their families can identify with that.

He never had a large pastoral staff to assist him. Most Saturday evenings were reserved for his family to fold the bulletins in preparation for the next day’s services. And for many years his family served as the janitors for the church as well. I’m sure many pastors can identify with that.

A pastor’s job is 24/7, and he was no exception. His passion for ministry consumed his hours. Countless days were spent counseling church members, visiting the sick in the hospital, or calling on new families that had recently visited the church, when down deep he would have loved to have had more time with his own wife and kids. And I know that all pastors can identify with that.

His wife shared his calling as God’s shepherd and served the church in many ways, such as teaching Sunday school, leading the choir, singing solos, and doing church-office work. This pastor has been faithful to his wife for over 50 years, and I hope that now or someday, whether you’re a pastor or not, you’ll identify with that.

Throughout his lifetime in the pulpit, he pointed everyone to Christ. For the children, he made the Old Testament stories come to life. For the new believers, he explained with simplicity the “milk of the Word.” And to the mature believers, he gave greater substance and challenged them to follow God’s calling on their lives. I trust every pastor can identify with that.

More than anything, he demonstrated his Christianity in works not just words that reflected his godly character of a servant. He was quick to lend a helping hand to anyone, that often being the extent of his physical exercise. He was always willing to give money to missionaries who were needier than he was. He made himself available to serve everyone, even when there was nobody to serve his needs. I know many pastors can identify with that.

His teaching motivated me personally to memorize many of God’s promises. His life set a standard for me to be a man who reflects God’s love wherever I might be. And the day is soon coming when, as he enters his eternal reward, Jesus will be there saying, “Well done, faithful servant.” I hope we all can identify with that.

There are so many pastors that fit this description. I want to honor all those who can relate to these characteristics, all the servants of God who have faithfully served with little public fanfare or popularity. The man in particular that I have described is Rev. R.W. Hauser, of Turlock, California, and he happens to be my father.

Would you join me in thanking all our pastors during “Pastor Appreciation Month”? In the coming weeks would you send a thank-you note to a pastor who’s had an influence in your life? Consider