From the "Gracevine" newsletter for Grace Lutheran Church in Thornville, Ohio, May 2022.
Cheerleading
And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ… - Ephesians 4:11-12 RSV
When I was growing up in my community in southwestern Minnesota, cheerleading was an exclusively female thing. Boys played sports. Girls did too, at least some of the time. But the girls were known more than anything for being cheerleaders. It took me by surprise, then, when I realized that there is such a thing as a male cheerleader. At larger schools and especially colleges and universities, cheer squads often include young men, who perform various functions.
Because of my experience as a youth, I never considered the possibility that I would serve as a cheerleader, nor did I have any desire to do so. But as the years have gone on, I have come to see that my role as a pastor is in many ways like that of a cheerleader.
Over the last sixteen years that I’ve served as a pastor in different locations, the question of how to understand a pastor’s role in a congregation and community has been one with which I’ve continued to wrestle. I know I’m not alone in this. Is the pastor a preacher? Is the pastor a “nice guy,” an involved member of the community? Is the pastor a judge of doctrine, a scholar? Is the pastor a listener, a counselor? Is the pastor an administrator? There is some truth behind all these descriptions, and that is why it is hard to come up with single label for what a pastor is. It is a diverse, multifaceted role.
In addition to these things, I have come to believe that a big part of a pastor’s role is that of a cheerleader in a congregation. Part of what I am called to do is cheer on and encourage the great work that goes on, carried out by so many here. When the Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians about the calling that some have to serve as pastors, he described it as designed “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up the body of Christ.”
This season of Easter consists of fifty days of rejoicing in the good news of Christ as our risen Lord and Savior, who has accomplished his work of sacrifice, shown his power over hell and all that keeps us from God, and now proclaims that victory to the world. It is a time of joy, and for me it is a time of thanksgiving.
Even though I have only been among you for a few months, I want to take an opportunity in this time of Easter joy to serve as a cheerleader. You won’t see me doing flips in the air or holding pom poms, but let me encourage you all by saying the following:
It is obvious that people here at Grace Lutheran bring many and various gifts to this place. Because I don’t want to risk leaving anyone out, I won’t “name names.” But the dedication of so many people skilled in so many areas is what keeps this place running. All the attention devoted to worship, facilities, education, music, outreach, and service does not go unnoticed. The work of everyone is appreciated. Everyone’s willingness to come together and cooperate in the life of this congregation is an expression of our unity in the risen Christ.
And there is room for more! Feel free to reach out to those in charge of various areas for ways to be involved. Our new Ministry Directory is a great tool for navigating congregational life.
I am grateful to be among you, and thank you for serving as the body of Christ in this place!
Basking in the Easter afterglow,
Pr. Tom Jacobson
Cheerleading
And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ… - Ephesians 4:11-12 RSV
When I was growing up in my community in southwestern Minnesota, cheerleading was an exclusively female thing. Boys played sports. Girls did too, at least some of the time. But the girls were known more than anything for being cheerleaders. It took me by surprise, then, when I realized that there is such a thing as a male cheerleader. At larger schools and especially colleges and universities, cheer squads often include young men, who perform various functions.
Because of my experience as a youth, I never considered the possibility that I would serve as a cheerleader, nor did I have any desire to do so. But as the years have gone on, I have come to see that my role as a pastor is in many ways like that of a cheerleader.
Over the last sixteen years that I’ve served as a pastor in different locations, the question of how to understand a pastor’s role in a congregation and community has been one with which I’ve continued to wrestle. I know I’m not alone in this. Is the pastor a preacher? Is the pastor a “nice guy,” an involved member of the community? Is the pastor a judge of doctrine, a scholar? Is the pastor a listener, a counselor? Is the pastor an administrator? There is some truth behind all these descriptions, and that is why it is hard to come up with single label for what a pastor is. It is a diverse, multifaceted role.
In addition to these things, I have come to believe that a big part of a pastor’s role is that of a cheerleader in a congregation. Part of what I am called to do is cheer on and encourage the great work that goes on, carried out by so many here. When the Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians about the calling that some have to serve as pastors, he described it as designed “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up the body of Christ.”
This season of Easter consists of fifty days of rejoicing in the good news of Christ as our risen Lord and Savior, who has accomplished his work of sacrifice, shown his power over hell and all that keeps us from God, and now proclaims that victory to the world. It is a time of joy, and for me it is a time of thanksgiving.
Even though I have only been among you for a few months, I want to take an opportunity in this time of Easter joy to serve as a cheerleader. You won’t see me doing flips in the air or holding pom poms, but let me encourage you all by saying the following:
It is obvious that people here at Grace Lutheran bring many and various gifts to this place. Because I don’t want to risk leaving anyone out, I won’t “name names.” But the dedication of so many people skilled in so many areas is what keeps this place running. All the attention devoted to worship, facilities, education, music, outreach, and service does not go unnoticed. The work of everyone is appreciated. Everyone’s willingness to come together and cooperate in the life of this congregation is an expression of our unity in the risen Christ.
And there is room for more! Feel free to reach out to those in charge of various areas for ways to be involved. Our new Ministry Directory is a great tool for navigating congregational life.
I am grateful to be among you, and thank you for serving as the body of Christ in this place!
Basking in the Easter afterglow,
Pr. Tom Jacobson