Pastor Pete Poem by Randy McClave

I pray for our Pastor Pete
With a prayer I hope others will repeat,
For our church he does a very fine job
Without him, I know our church would sob.
For me and others he has given us prayers
And for our joy to others he shares,
And besides me and you
Pastors also need our prayers too.
97% of all pastors have been betrayed
Falsely accused, or hurt by their trusted friends for whom they prayed,
And then there's another saddened course
50% of all pastor's marriages ended in divorce.
70% of all pastors fight depression
And only God hears their true confession,
7000 churches close every year
Sadly less confessions and salvations a pastor will hear.
Each month 1500 pastors ultimately quit
Sad news I will sadly admit,
80% of all pastors feel discouraged and let down
They feel as though they've lost a crown.
94% of a pastor's families history
They all feel the pressure of the ministry,
78% of all pastors have no close friend
In the beginning, in the middle, or even in the end.
90% of pastors report working 55-75 hours per week
And still the lost soul they still do seek,
And though they ask not for gold or a gem
I think we should sing them all a thankful and beautiful hymn.
So, here's my prayer to Pete my pastor
For God he is a great and splendid and wonderful broadcaster,
He delivers great hope and stirring messages
Many times they heal the wound better than bandages.

Randy L. McClave