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Q: What would you say to a man—young or old—who's considering becoming a pastor? A: I think I will speak to those who are trying to fight against being a pastor, and I'll say this—I hear you. I know it is a scary prospect. The care of souls is chal- lenging, particularly when you are well aware that your own soul isn't perfect. But God is faithful. The task of a pastor is to till the soil, plant, and water. God will give the growth. You're not responsible for the most important part, God is. So if you (and others around you) think you are equipped in skill and temperament to till, plant, and water in God's garden, then let God take care of the rest. Q: What role can laypeople play in encour- aging men in their congregation to con- sider the call to be a pastor? A: Discernment is a spiritual gift that not everyone has. If you have this gift, use it. Encourage those you perceive God has gifted to be pastors to pursue pas- toral ministry. Q: Any encouragement you'd like to give to fellow pastors who might be tired or discouraged in ministry right now? A: One of the verses I remember being shared at my ordination was 1 Corinthians 15:58: "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." Your labor is not in vain. Not because of the office you are in, not because you are so good at your labor, but because of the Lord. It is the Lord's harvest field. Till, plant, water, and let God give the growth. Q: Anything else you'd like to share about being a pastor? A: One of the most important things about being a pastor I have found is having a dedicated Sabbath day. Not just a day off. Not a day where you sort of finish up the sermon. But a true day (or at least part of a day) of rest. A lot of pastors forgo this, but I find it is vital to my recovery as well as mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. If your pastor does not have a day of rest, advocate for whatever needs to happen to make that a reality. • As you read through the Bible, ask yourself these ten questions and use real-life applications to gain confidence journeying through God's Word. Find this title and others in this issue at cph.org. TEN QUESTIONS TO ASK EVERY TIME YOU READ THE BIBLE Lutheran Life 5

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