Pastoral Ministry is the type of work that doesn't stop. Most people can say they're finished their job at 5 in the evening and can come home and put work aside until the next morning. But the work of the pastor isn't quite so easy to put aside! Pastors struggle constantly with the balancing act. And while it isn't easy, it is important to find balance, to find a way to step away from 'the job' and intentionally engage in life giving activities outside of your ministry setting.
It's interesting to hear from our pastors and discover some of the ways that they do this. Sometimes we learn hidden talents that our workers possess outside of formal church ministry. Pastor Brian Buhler of our Pacific Community Church in Surrey, is one of these pastors who harbors such a talent.
Brian is a pastor and a painter. When he isn't preaching about the life that God gives, he is painting pictures of that life! Brian writes on his website of his discovery of this hidden talent:
"I began painting 20 years ago. As a minister who regularly performs weddings, I was
counseling a couple in preparation of theirs. I asked the groom (Doug) if he enjoyed any hobbies, and said, "Yea, I paint watercolours." I told him that painting was a dream of mine, but that due to my busy life it was unlikely. He went out and bought me a "Watercolours for Dummies" book with five colours of paint and a cheap brush. It was a 20 dollar investment that changed my life! I got hooked and haven't looked back. Don't worry, I've thanked Doug numerous times over the years."
If you want to see some of Brian's work, check out his website at www.brianbuhler.com
Having a hobby is a great way to unwind doing something you enjoy. Often God uses our hobbies as a way to breathe life back into us, or to refresh our minds and get us inspired and energized again. I know there are many of our other workers out there that have similar 'hidden talents'. We would love to feature them in newsletters to come! Seeing the creativity and artistry of those that serve in our district is a reminder of the creativity of our God! And it's an encouragement and reminder to find hobbies as a healthy way to balance out some of the stressful demands of ministry! Who knows how many people be blessed by what you consider to be 'just a hobby'!