I love Donald Miller’s writing. I thought about putting my interest in him in the “like” category but seeing that I own all his books and read his blog religiously, I’m going to use stronger language.  I connect with him.  What he thinks and writes are words that resonate deeper within me.

On his blog yesterday he wrote about his 10 reasons why he believes that pastors are important.  I loved the list and thought I’d steal copy it for my blog.  In my opinion, he’s spot on in his summation of the power that pastors have in our lives.  Check out his site and see the list and the rest of his entry (and his motivation for coming up with the list).  I’ve been blessed by some pretty incredible pastors that believed in me and were willing to speak truth into my life.  Some of the most influential moments in my life have been shared with pastors.  Much of my worldview and how I’ve learned to love Christ has been formed through the impact that pastors have had on my life.  I hope to impact others in that same way.

Without further ado, here’s Don’s Ten Reasons Pastors are Important…

Here are ten reasons pastors are important.

1. They lead social movements that change the world.

2. They speak truths that create guardrails to keep us out of danger and stop us from hurting each other.

3. They introduce us and remind us about God, who redeems us and guides us in love.

4. They model good marriages and families (Your mind may have gone to an exception, but quickly list five who do. It’s an easy list to create.)

5. They bring people together to live and work in community.

6. They counsel hurting and broken people.

7. They bring the presence of God into the most dark and painful circumstances.

8. Most of them could be making lots more money doing something else, but they sacrifice to build God’s kingdom.

9. They put up with our crap.

10. Because without them the world would be unimaginably dark.