Rock Star Pastor Fisk Ascends into Heaven, by Pr. Rossow

We here at BJS have obtained the attached still photo that shows the rock star pastor ascending into heaven just after breaking ground on the new youth and music building at Bethany Lutheran Church and School, Naperville, Illinois. Actually it is just a silly picture to post for April Fool’s.

On a more serious note, every once in a while the internet heats up with comments here and there about so called “Rock Star Pastors.” I have a different take on the matter. Based on working with Pastor Jonathan Fisk for the last couple of years I can assure you that he has a very good sense of authority and respect for vocation. I cannot think of a single example of Jonathan breaking ranks. He is very mindful and respectful of his senior pator and also the Board of Elders here at Bethany.

As a matter of fact, I have noticed that many in his generation of pastors have this positive trait. It is the exact opposite of “Rock Starring.” These guys are far more committed to their local parish than my generation of pastors. They really see their call as a call for life. They consider themselves married to the parish God has joined them to. I have gotten to know a certain satirical pastor not too far from here who likewise might be labeled a rock star pastor and after getting to know him, I have seen how humbly devoted he too is to his parish and to his call.

When I put myself in the place of these pastors I find myself asking, what if I were them? Would I pass on the opportunities before me to teach the Gospel through, chopped up videos, radio shows, satirical videos, and the like? I am sure that in the day, having Martin Luther or C. F. W. Walther visit one’s parish or circuit was quite a rush. Should they have backed away from their gifts of leadership, creativity and even charisma in order to avoid wrongly perceived arrogance?

I am not defending any sins of pride. If they exist, they should be confronted, confessed and forgiven. In my experience, these “Rock Star” pastors are no more given to the sin of pride, or other sins than the rest of us. They are plagued with sin just like all flesh.

Rock Star Pator or not, in the end, I look forward to being raptured into heaven someday with you and them where the videos aren’t choppy, everybody’s hair is perfect, and the praise bands will be really awesome, for eternity. Happy April Fools.

rossow

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