I hear people complain about their jobs. They talk about their co-workers, their boss(es), management, governmental interference, regulations, restrictions, paychecks, insurance, taxes. The list goes on and on. I hear preachers complain about churches, elders, members, pay, hours, taxes, unwritten expectations, etc.

My first paid ministry position was an internship in Calhoun, Georgia the summer of 1986. After that I worked part-time with Pine Street Church of Christ in Bay Minette, Alabama until graduating with a degree in Bible from Faulkner University. Since then I have held four fulltime ministry positions in three congregations. In these thirty years, there were times when things were not going my way and there were lean financial years when I began – but that is true of any career. But looking back, I can honestly say, “I have the greatest job in the world!’

Here are just a few reasons why:

1. I have the privilege of spending the day in God’s Word.
2. I have the honor and responsibility to share what I learn from God’s Word with others.
3. I have  and have had great co-workers (other ministers and church secretaries) who genuinely care for each other and help each other succeed.
4. I have elders who watch out for my soul and encourage me.
5. I get to meet and often hold new-born babies welcoming them to the world and congratulating their parents.
6. I get to watch these babies grow up.
7. I watch or assist young people as they obey the gospel! ( I witnessed two obey the gospel yesterday evening.)
8. I have performed or had a part in many weddings.
9. I get to sit with families during good times and difficult times.
10. I have the honor of being asked to be with families during the difficulty of death.
11. I get to talk during worship.
12. During difficult times in my life the Church has been there for me in more ways than I can list.
13. I serve the greatest people on earth – God’s people!

Preaching is the greatest job on earth!

-Scott