Tonight I had the pleasant surprise of being able to stay in the home of one of my personal mentors and pastoral heroes. The time I was able to spend talking and sharing about the Lord, the ministry and our families was some of the most precious time I have enjoyed in recent memory. It was one of those times where I realized again that somebody was pouring into me, investing in me, helping me to be more of what God has created and called me to be.
Brad WhittThis is one of the reasons why I desire so much to share and invest in the lives of pastors across our state – regardless of region, church size, or methodology. I have been blessed with godly men who have taken interest in a young Brad Whitt and have poured their lives into me, and I wish to give something back. Having said that, I realize there are many, many pastors across our state from whom I could learn much more than I could ever give – but I can give. I can give a word of thanks. I can give a word of prayer. I can give a word of caution. I can give a word of encouragement.
One of my favorite passages to share with pastors is from 2 Timothy 1:16, where Paul prays, “The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me.” Here was a man named Onesiphorus (his name conveys the idea of one who brings “profit”), and Paul says that he has “often refreshed me.” If you read down through the following verses, you’ll see the ministry that this man named Onesiphorus had to the apostle. He was investing. He was ministering. He truly was being an encouragement to Paul.
As pastors, we pour out ourselves on a daily basis into the lives of our people. If we are not careful, we can run dry and fall into a spiritual slump, selfishness or even sin. That is why the ministry of encouragement is so important. We need to be encouraged to keep going, keep giving, keep growing.
We all need those who will be Onesiphorus in our lives. I realize I am limited in how I can minister personally to pastors across our state. However, I can do my best to provide a Pastor’s Conference that will help encourage and equip you as you minister in your local context. That is our prayer and plan for this year’s conference, and why I am asking you to help make sure we get as many pastors as possible to join us at Riverland Hills Baptist Church in Irmo on Nov. 15. We can encourage, pour into, refresh and bring profit to the lives of each other as pastors. Don’t miss it. It’s going to be a great time together.
I want to thank Dr. Jim Austin for his support and encouragement as we prepare for this year’s Pastor’s Conference. He has shown early and clearly that he feels this conference is an important ministry to those who minister in the name of Jesus to people across our state – and even the world.
Thanks again for letting share and partner with you. Have a great week serving Jesus!
– Whitt is pastor of Temple Baptist Church in Simpsonville and president of the 2010 South Carolina Baptist Pastor’s Conference.