stephen R Harrison

I spent some time tonight reflecting on the past 25+ years of ministry. What a joy! What a ride! There have been many victories and trials, laughs and tears, and joys and heartbreaks. I thought of all the weddings I’ve had the honor of preaching (two more in the next two weeks). And all those babies I’ve got to visit, hold, and dedicate when born! That’s one of my favorite parts of ministry! The many funerals of weeping and grieving with precious families also stood out. No less than a few dozen incredible saints came to mind tonight that I miss dearly and can hardly wait to see again in Glory!

25 years – countless hours invested sitting with and encouraging others to trust in Jesus and His Word, well over a thousand sermons pointing people to the Savior, sleepless nights spent in emergency and surgical waiting rooms praying and hoping with loved ones, enough coffee sipped to fill a small pond while growing in fellowship with brothers in Christ, and so much more…all worth it. In all those moments, in every friend I’ve had the joy of shepherding and growing in the faith with, God has been all-comforting and all-powerful, Jesus has been so gracious and kind, and the Spirit has been ever-present and full.

25 years of ministry has gone by way too fast! If I could do anything over (although I have no real regrets), I would have enjoyed the moments with others more – laugh, sit still, listen, pray. I would have worried less about the outcomes, furrowed my brow less about what I couldn’t control, spent less time trying to grease the perpetual squeaky wheels, slept more instead of wondering if certain big dogs were pleased, been less jealous of the bigger church, given less of a rip of what a handful of critics thought, thanked God more for faithful members, prayed longer for seemingly hopeless situations, lingered longer with loyal friends, extended more grace with troubled saints, been bolder where the Word directed, more humble where the Spirit led, and more loving where Jesus modeled.

But that’s what His grace is for – enough to pardon the past, permeate the present, and prepare the future. I don’t deserve it, but I sure do enjoy it! What an honor and joy it is to be a shepherd of the Good Shepherd! Here’s to 25+ more!