Pastoral work is unlike any other vocation, not because of the…

>> long hours worked (doctors, nurses, and first responders may work more).

>> physical demands of the work (blue collar workers exert more)

>> intellectual efforts employed (scholars and lawyers study more)

>> organizational oversight given (CEOs may manage more)

>> leadership provided (Military officers may provide more)

BUT because of…

(1) The STAKES of his ministry of higher (no less than heaven and hell; 1 Tim. 4:16),

(2) The WEIGHT of his unique accountability to God (as one who “will give an account” – Heb 13:17; cf. 1 Cor. 3:12-15; Jas. 3:1)

(3) The PROMISE of a unique reward from God (1 Peter 5:4)

In these realities—all matters UNSEEN rather than seen—pastoral ministry is a vocation unmatched by any other earthly vocation.

•  Pastor Jeff Wiesner