My new Appreciation For The Church

Wednesday, November, 21,  

            I never had a huge Church background. I did not know very much about the different denominations or all of the spiritual gifts that are expressed in Church. However, I have recently completed a Foundations Of Church Ministry course and had the opportunity to gain greater knowledge about the Church. I really enjoyed the course and learned a lot. I think that one of the major parts of the Church that I have grown in appreciation for is the pastors.

            Before coming to camp Qwanoes for the Kaleo program and before taking this course, I had no idea all of the work pastors put into their job, and how hard it is for them and their families. During class we invited some pastors to join us and to tell us a little bit about their journey as a pastor. They were asked three questions "What are the joys of being a pastor?", "What are the burdens of being a pastor?" and "What effect has being a pastor had on your family?". The question that really stuck out to me is the question about their family. I learned from the pastors that they get persecuted and judged by so many people some even within the Church. The pastors explained how some of the judgment they get their family gets as well. The pastors told stories about problems their children have had because of them and about feeling terrible about taking their frustrations out on their families during hard times. After listening to the pastors speak, I have gained a great appreciation for them and really respect them for sticking with it, and realizing that its God they are doing this for. 

              In conclusion, I have really enjoyed all of my courses so far and really loved learning about the Church. Through my new knowledge of the Church I can strive to become a solution to a healthy Church. I think that with my new appreciation for the Church that it will make my experiences with the Church more enjoyable and productive. I am really looking forward to learning more about the Church and am excited for my Gospels class that is coming up.