The Two Hats

     One would think that being a pastor would in and of itself bring enough ministry opportunities into his life to satisfy even the most insatiable of appetites; however, when a pastor adds the funeral profession to his résumé, the opportunities increase exponentially.
     It has been my observation throughout the years of my pastoral ministry that much of what is called “ministry” is nothing more or less than a good way for the pastor to fill his time with what his parishioners seem to desire and bless—busyness. It reminds me of the bumper sticker that each of you has seen by now, the one that reads: “Look busy! Jesus is coming soon!”
     Now don’t misunderstand me! I am not implying that hospital visitation, or nursing home visitation is a waste of time, nor am I implying that the pastor is wasting his time by visiting shut-ins. Heck; it suits me if he joins the local Garden Club and learns to plant daffodils! Why, I even believe it is beneficial for him to play golf with the guys, even smoke a few stogies and drink a few scotch drinks with them.  The truth is most of the ones I know would probably be much more productive, as far as ministry goes, if they learned to hang out in the bars with the drunks! Apparently, after Jesus left home (Joseph’s & Mary’s), He got pretty good at it! He wasn’t called a “wine-bibber” and a “glutton” for nothing and you know that is true!
     Anyway, I am merely pointing out that being able to wear both hats—the pastor’s hat and the funeral director’s hat—especially at the same time (though it might look a bit strange), opens doorways into incredible ministry opportunities, opportunities that would, otherwise, never be opened. There is, simply, something about being able to journey with a family through the gut-wrenching agony of planning the funeral service for someone they deeply love, guiding them through one of the darkest, most unfamiliar and difficult times of their lives, caring for the physical remains of that loved-one, and at the same time offering them the incredibly good news of the gospel, that is just so incredibly fulfilling and so uniquely worthwhile.
     Just yesterday the husband of a lady I have known for many years was killed in an automobile accident. On the morning of the accident, she left home for work at the Medical Center, where she is a nurse, and he left home to take her car to have the speedometer cable repaired, neither of them having any idea as to what was ahead. Not far from home, the accident occurred and his physical life abruptly ended—no warning, no signal, just death—the final enemy.
     Somewhere before the foundation of the world, our God had carefully orchestrated the entire series of events, for our good and for His glory (I do not fully understand that, just know it is true). In His providence, I served as pastor to this dear lady’s parents from 1979 until 1985 when they died, and during that time, they blessed my life in so many ways, and I learned to love and appreciate them.
     Well, as you might imagine, in His further providence, it fell my lot to once again don both hats and to meet with my friend to guide her through this very difficult time of her life. As we sat together, I listened as she shared her heart with me and as she began to tell me about her beloved husband. During this conversation, the various decisions that needed to be made were made; not the least of them was that she asked me to officiate at his funeral.
     This might not seem as awesome to you as it does to me but let me tell you that I was thrilled, even through my bones. Why? Because I knew that many years ago, when I was trying to do whatever I thought pastors were supposed to do, busying myself with ministry, trying to be the good and respected pastor, God was disregarding my foolishness and planting good seed, seed that would produce a crop, a crop that would continue to yield fruit, even 27 years later! It is the kind of fruit that is unspeakable and full of glory—fruit that remains!
     I am both humbled and honored to know that He will trust me one more time not only to journey with a bereaved family and to guide them through this very difficult and dark time, but also to preach the unspeakable, unsearchable, glorious riches of His grace to a group of His hurting children! WOW!!