One reason I love being a pastor...

I could think of dozens of reasons that pastoring a local church is the great joy and privilege of my life. To be sure, some days are better than others; but as a servant to God's flock, one reason that this duty is such a joy is the chance to have a "front seat" when God does a transforming work in someone's life.

Last night we hosted a local Christian band for an evening concert at our church. After the concert I was drifting around meeting visitors and enjoying fellowship with church members. A young lady introduced herself to me that had come with a friend. She was new in our city and looking for a church. I told her I was more than happy to talk to her about our congregation. During the conversation, she mentioned that she came as a guest of her friend, who was a friend of a band member. She mentioned to me that her friend wasn't a Christian, but was looking for answers.

In a few moments her friend walked up. We were introduced and began to talk. Here was a lost person who not only showed up for a concert at church, but had invited a friend. If that isn't someone who is ready for the gospel, I don't know who is! I began to explain the gospel to her and asked her if she was ready to turn her whole life over to Jesus. She enthusiastically said "Yes!"

It was a great finish to an incredible day: one other came forward for baptism and one teenager surrendered to missions Sunday morning. Those are the days when I love being a pastor. Every pastor has seasons of trial and grief in ministry, but thank you Jesus for letting us be a part of your eternal purpose in people's lives! I can't wait for next Sunday.

My Pick for the U.S. Open

This week Phil Mickelson will tee it up for the U.S. Open at Bethpage, New York. I don't know how he will fare in the final standings. Mickelson has always been a threat at major championships. Thus far he has won the 2004 Masters, the 2005 PGA Championship, and the 2006 Masters. But I feel safe in making this prediction: whatever the result come Sunday, in my opinion Phil is already the winner.

You probably already know by now that Mickelson's wife, Amy, began treatment for breast cancer last month. Earlier in the season at an emotional press conference, he announced that he was suspending much of his play this year to be with her as she goes through treatment. As of now, Amy's surgery is scheduled for July, with treatments to follow. The cancer was caught early, so prognosis is good.

"I'm putting everything I have into this week," Mickelson said, "because I don't anticipate being able to play for awhile." In an era where there are so many examples of men embracing passivity and ignoring their responsibilities, Mickelson is a model of what authentic manhood is all about. Real men are there for their wives, "in sickness and in health." I'm sure Amy has stood by him at all the high and low points in his career. And he is standing with her as she faces perhaps her greatest challenge. So that's my take. This Father's Day I'm picking Phil Mickelson. May many other men follow his example.

"It is a poor sermon that gives no offense—that neither makes the hearer displeased with himself nor with the preacher." George Whitfield