Mike Edmisten Follower of Jesus. Husband of Nicki. Father of Ryan & Brock. Communicator of the Word.

Enjoying the Encouragement

There are some weeks in ministry when it seems like all you do is field criticism. It's easy to come away from those weeks feeling like you can do nothing right, thinking that everyone is against you, and wondering if you should see if the local McDonald's needs another burger flipper or chicken nugget fryer. (No offense intended toward burger flippers or nugget fryers.)

Then, there are other weeks. Weeks where you get absolutely love bombed. Weeks where the encouragement flows.

I'm happy to say that I'm having one of those weeks. I've got encouragement coming at me from all sides. (It's doubly nice because I had a burger fryer week not too long ago.)

I can't begin to put into words what it means to me when the people of our church encourage me as their pastor. I'm not looking for a pity party, but ministry is a tough gig.

It got even tougher when I accepted a Senior Minister role. I was in different ministry roles for the first 10 years of my career. I didn't realize how much the Senior Minister, Lead Pastor, Preaching Minister, or whatever you want to call him, has to deal with. It's tough…therefore the encouragement I've been receiving is a blessing that I can't begin to measure.

To anyone who has spoken an encouraging word, written an uplifting email, or done anything to bolster me emotionally and spiritually…

THANK YOU!