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Rev. Victoria Handy's avatar

This is an “EXCELLENT” article about the highs, lows, joys, and challenges of pastoring! Very honest and a MUST READ for pastors and laity! Keep speaking truth and using your voice whether in the pulpit or with the pen. Blessings on this journey and Happy Pastor’s Appreciation Month.

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Samuel Hagos's avatar

Thank you for reading and this encouragement, Rev. Handy!!! I’m honored that you read. Blessings to you this Clergy Appreciation Month!

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Jenece U.'s avatar

Oh, I loved this message!! One of the things I love most about all of our PBC Pastors in particular is that you all aren't afraid to be human. That is actually such a powerful part of your ministry. If I don't say it enough, thank you for all you do! Your 20s are challenging enough without the added pressures of being a pastor, so I'm praying and rooting for you always 🙏🏽

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Samuel Hagos's avatar

Thank you for always reading, Jenece. And, thank you for your kind words, and especially the last sentence. I felt understood in a way that I am often not. I appreciate it!

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Christopher Graham's avatar

A good word, Sam. We depend on Pastors to help us individually and corporately maintain the Christian virtues: faith, justice, prudence, hope, temperance, fortitude, charity. We forget this because they rarely do this in a direct or spectacular fashion. It is rather through their mundane, nitty-gritty, quotidian service to others that they manifest these virtues. May God continue to compel you in your work for his people.

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Ernestine Lang's avatar

Pastor Sam,

Thank you so much for this incredible truth. I try hard to support our Pastors and their work. I am not a person who boast, BUT, when it comes to our Pastors,

I can and I DO! You are an inspiration and a bright light for youths and oh yes , seniors too, we love you.

While Pastor’s Appreciation Month is great. I am grateful for you everyday!

Grace,

Ernestine

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Samuel Hagos's avatar

Sister Lang, you are admittedly, my favorite reader! Thank you for your support and comment. You and Deacon Lang were the first people to ever gift me with a pastor appreciation card and gift. It will be something I will never forget. You both love and support Pastors well, and it is a joy to serve you all. It keeps me going. Thank you for your kindness!

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Nikki's avatar

Every word, every sentence = full of substance. Thank you for reminding us how to appreciate Pastors too!

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Samuel Hagos's avatar

Thank you, Sister Nikki! I appreciate you reading, always. I hope it was helpful!

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Kenyatta Sacha's avatar

Insightful, well written, and thoughtful. You ARE a writer!

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Samuel Hagos's avatar

Sacha! Thank you for reading and your kindness. I appreciate you.

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Gideon Ampofo-Williams's avatar

Write on Sam! Beautiful insight as well. 👏🏾

I have a lot of thoughts on this but all in due time.

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C. Elyse's avatar

This isn't limited to your profession/calling and its covers every aspect of other lives. People tend to speak out of turn, its annoying: For some odd reason, people feel the unmitigated need to tell pastors and ministers how to do their jobs.

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Samuel Hagos's avatar

Point taken. I agree, it is translatable to different jobs and vocations. Thanks for this.

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C. Elyse's avatar

Keep doing your thing, the fact that others are dipping is proof that you’re jamming! Have a great day, and you’re welcome.

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