what I think I thought…

Just recently I heard someone speaking about the abundance of pastors who are falling by the wayside due to burning out…due to stress, blowing up…due to moral failure, or giving in…because the just can’t deal with it anymore.

Sadly, for most pastors, their last day is not a good day.

I am thinking about this today because I just spent the morning with a Pastor who is ending well.
As many of you know Dr. Rodgers is retiring (sort of) at the end of this month.

I met Dr. Rodgers for the first time while interviewing for the Lead Pastor position here at PCC nearly 2 years ago.  From our first interactions with him, my wife and had, were blown away.  Here are just a few of the things I have learned about Dr. Rodgers over the past two years.
•    His humble heart and kind spirit have a way of making everyone feel important in his presence.
•    His unassuming demeanor masks the reality that he is often the wisest man in the room.  But he is.
•    He is more than willing to set aside what is best for him for what is best for the Kingdom.
•    He has the gift of encouragement.  I have never of him speak poorly of anyone.
•    His integrity is impeccable.  He is the same whenever and wherever you see him.
•    His marriage of 60+ years just might make it…
•    He heart is so bent toward helping people…he has a really hard time saying no.
•    His knowledge of scripture is so vast, I can only marvel at his depth of insight.
•    He has opinions about everything…but you would never know it.  Because unless you ask he will keep them to himself.

This list could go on for pages.

But let me wrap this up by saying this:  for the last 2 years it has been my great privilege to work alongside Dr. Rodgers.  I can only image some of the thoughts he must have been thinking, as an experienced Pastor of 60 years, watching me take my first swing in a Lead Pastor position.  But I can honestly say he has been a source of strength and encouragement for me since day one.  And for that I am eternally grateful.

Dr. Rodgers, Thank you.  Thank you for your lifelong contributions to the Kingdom.  Thank you for modeling how to love your bride while serving the bride of Christ.  Thank you for not giving up on the church when things got tough.  Thank you for your leadership that has changed the lives of thousands…literally all over the world.  Thank you for your kind words, heartfelt prayers, and humble heart.  Thank you most of all for showing me what it means to end well.

You are Loved.