Can Pastors Like Each Other?

Something happened today that was fun for me and seemed normal to me.  I saw a fellow pastor drive past me and pull into a restaurant.  (Ok, I will tell you who it is.  It was Paul Luman from Grace Family Church.  Website here).  I immediately pulled out my phone and texted him (I wasn’t driving.  I would never text and drive.  It’s against the law, you know.)  I said “I just saw the coolest pastor in town pulling into Colton’s.”  (I like inserting links).  We texted back and forth teasing each other.  It ended with him complementing this blog and me saying thanks.

Does that seem unusual to you?  Shouldn’t I be sending him hate mail?  Shouldn’t I be jealous, resentful and disdainful towards other pastors?  In our world, it is not unusual.  I really like Paul.  Would it surprise you that I spoke at one of the men’s groups at his church? Would it surprise you that men from his church come to one of our men’s groups?  Would it surprise you that some of my best friends in Cabot are “rival” pastors?  Would it surprise you that I recommend their churches to people?  Would it surprise you that I have recommended their churches to people who were currently visiting our church?

We are not rivals.  We are not competitors.  We are on the same team.  How can two churches trying to accomplish the same goals, led by the same God be on different teams?  The answer is rhetorical and obvious, if not rightly applied by people.

I hope that wherever you go to church, that God is blessing you and using you to impact the world.  I hope that all churches in Cabot and Central Arkansas and around the world prosper.  We are all on the same team.  Do you believe that?  I hope you do.