The pastoral extra of the poor parson

This is not a new thought, but it is, I think, an true, important and useful one. It is, perhaps, something I need reminding of. Maybe you do too, whether you are a pastor or a church member (or both!).

We live in an age when wonderful Christian resources are readily available. The works of Owen, Edwards and Calvin will cost you less than a good car. Indeed, if you are willing and able to read online, much classic material is free. You can read the sermons of Augstine, Chrysostom, Luther, Spurgeon or Simeon. Click and Keller, Piper or Driscoll will preach to you, your chosen sermon on your chosen text in the comfort of your own home. The ministerial supermarket has arrived and delivery is free, no strings attached.  

So what place the poor parson?

He does not have the gifts of any of these greats and he does not have the hype of the ecclesiastical super-stars. He may be lacking in degrees or titles. He may not put on the best show within striking distance. You did not choose him and you can't get rid of him. You may not like him. What is the point of him?

One thing about him is that he is there and he can be there for his people. If your son is dying you can probably ring him at 3am and he will probably come. If you ask to see him about your soul, likely he will talk to you that week. When you can no longer get out, he will arrange for bread and wine and Bible and prayer to come to you if you ask him. He may well pray for you every day, perhaps twice, and perhaps once a month he prays for you by name. He can know and be known by you. If he will only stay put, he may well have baptised you and married you by the time he comes to burry your parents. You and he will have walked the same streets, drank in the same pub, used the same shop. You will have observed his way of life and seen his family. He ought to love you and perhaps for all his faults and foibles you might come to love him a little too. Maybe there is a place for the poor parson after all.