As a pastor, there are certain things that disappoint me. One of them is the inability to be with a family when there has been a death. Throughout my 23 years in ministry it has happened only a small handful of times. As a pastor, the opportunity to minister to a family at the time of a death is a very sacred responsibility. However, there are those times when such ministry is not possible. Sometimes, I am away from the parish and cannot get back to be in ministry with the family.
That is what I like about the United Methodist connexion. Even though I am not present, there are generally others present: former pastors or pastors from nearby churches– that can step into the void and minister in my absence. It doesn’t alleviate the almost guilt like feelings that I have of not being able to be present, but it does comfort me to know that there is still a minister present that can minister effectively in my absence.
