Tag: pastor

What Does it Mean to be a Sheepdog?

/ CD Hamman / Leave a comment

Lately, as I have become more concerned with protecting my church, and especially our people, I’ve been reaqcuainting myself with what it means to be a “sheepdog.” It’s often attributed with being a protector. And I’ve been contemplating this word today, and I wondered if it wasn’t more than just being a protector. So after I got parked I did a very quick search. I found that sheepdogs can be divided into two broad categories: Herding and Guardian. I also found that sheepdogs are often raised around the sheep so that a bond is created. The sheepdog guides the sheep according to the commands given by the shepherd.

Just my own simple observations, and thoughts. We often refer to pastors as shepherds. But maybe pastors should be referred to as sheepdogs. We already have a shepherd, Jesus Christ. Herding sheepdogs help shepherd to move the flock along, get them to go where they need to go. Guardian sheepdogs help to protect the flock from predators. Pastors serve their congregation in at least one of these roles.

As herders, pastors help to lead people to the Shepherd. They also help to lead them to where they can find spiritual food and drink. Pastors help guide people along the path of spiritual growth, and also provides admonishment when needed to help correct a wayward member to bring him or her back into the fold.

As guardians, pastors help to warn people of spiritual dangers. They may at times even be called on to do spiritual battle on behalf of someone.

Of course this idea of being a sheepdog certainly isn’t limited to pastors. I think as each of us grow in our faith, we will find ourselves called to help guide a fellow believer along. Or we may be called on to warn another of spiritual danger, to keep the wolves away.

I’ve spent much of my life learning to be a guardian sheepdog in a physical sense. Even as I continue to learn how to do that role, I realize that the most important part if being a sheepdog is the spiritual guidance and protection. And in any event, the only way to be an effective sheepdog is to be in obedience, and submission, to the Shepherd.

Pastor Appreciation 2014

/ CD Hamman / Leave a comment

This is just a short post to share my appreciation for some pastors whom I have had the privilege of meeting this year. Sadly, I am not great about remembering names, but I have tried to remember the churches, at least.

First, I want to express my appreciation for Pastor Nathan Hedge, at May Avenue Wesleyan Church, in Oklahoma City. I met Pastor Hedge around the beginning of this year. He loves his church and his congregation, and has a strong desire to reach all people for the Lord. I don’t know that anything I say can really do justice for the spirit and vision that I see when I get to be around him. He has even made sure I have a ride to and from church when I am on hometime. I know that I am truly blessed, and have no doubt that God led me to May Avenue.

I have also been privileged to get to visit several churches over the past 8 or 9 months, since I began this adventure of driving truck. I sincerely apologize for failing to recall the names of each pastor, but I have listed their church. I will certainly be going back and correcting this oversight as I find, or recall, the pastors’ names. I also pray I have not forgotten anyone.
Pastor William Hungerford – Springfield Dayspring Church of the Nazarene
– Huber Heights New Life Church of the Nazarene
Pastor Eric Norris – Amherst Church of the Nazarene
– Graham First Wesleyan Church
– Northridge Wesleyan Church
These pastors have been very welcoming and even made sure I had a ride to and from church, or assured me that I could park my semi at the church, or very close by.

Pastor Appreciation

/ CD Hamman / 1 Comment

October is pastor appreciation month. I want to take this post to express my thanks and appreciation for some of the pastors I have had in my life.

The best order I can think to use is simply chronologically. These pastors have touched my life in various ways from counseling to encouragement and just knowing that they were praying for me. These are the pastors and the churches they were serving when I met them.

Rev. Joe Pearce – Massillon
Rev. Wheeler – Bergholz
Rev. Watson – Wadsworth
Rev. Dave Aldridge – Columbiana
Rev. Ed Spangler & Rev. Ed Morrison – Akron Arlington
Rev. Bowles – Chester
Rev. Monte Nabors – Warr Acres
Rev. Wayne Stark – Oklahoma City First Indian (where I preached my very first sermons)
Rev. Gary Smith – Coraopolis
Johanna Riese – McDonald (my first local minister’s license, and where I first served as youth pastor)
Rev. Jeff Kramer – Atlasburg (Jeff taught me the importance of visiting with shut-ins)
Dr. Steve Green, Rev. Mike Platter, Rev. Jason Smith, Rev. Jon Middendorf, Rev. Chuck Mosley, Rev. Lisa Sanders, Rev. Jim Priest – Oklahoma City First (These pastors, and this church, hold a special place in my heart. They were there for my family during one of the worst ordeals we have gone through.)
Clifford Thirion – Oklahoma City Crown Heights (first place I served as worship leader)

Though he was not my pastor, I also appreciate Rev. Steve Diehl for his constant encouragement and prayer during my time at Crown Heights. Even in retirement he has a pastor’s heart.

Finally, this list is not complete without my father, Rev. David Hamman. He was officially my pastor at Bethesda Nazarene church. Even as my dad, and though I didn’t really see him as my pastor, (to me he’s simply always been Dad), I see the pastor in him, and the pastoral care he provides to those who need it.