A Pastor's Life in Uraba

Another cheater post...here is the latest accompanier report I submitted. I've been fascinated by the life of the pastor here in Uraba, especially with the tremendous challenges they face. As I think about my vocation and possible future in the pulpit, I'm humbled by these servant leaders. We in the PC(USA) world could maybe learn a thing or two from them!



A pastor’s life in Urabá.
From Urabá-based accompaniers Becca Weaver and Kelsey White, received 21st August, 2011.

We’ve had the opportunity to spend time with three pastors here in Urabá, and while we’ve noticed that each has their own style of ministry and unique needs in their congregations, the pastors here share a few common traits. During our time with these pastors, we’ve come to learn what the demands are like for these faithful servants who lead the churches in Colombia.

One thing they share in common is a willingness to set aside their personal comfort by living in manses next to the churches. This practice seems to be waning in the U.S., but the churches here each have a residence for the pastor that is located on the church property or very close by. While this offers a convenient location for the pastors to live, it can often lead to the loss of privacy as church members stop by at all hours of the day. Some of the churches also have Compassion projects with the joyful noise of children learning and playing often disrupting any hope for peace and quiet.

The pastors also share the reality of having few financial resources to support their positions. One pastor shared with us his monthly salary, roughly equivalent to $400 US. But he was quick to interject that the church also provides him and his family with a safe home, which he would probably not have otherwise and he is very grateful for it. For those who serve as Lay Pastors, there is no pension plan in their contract and the prospect of retiring comfortably someday seems a near impossibility for them.

Then there are the demands of the job. Although each of these churches has very active lay leaders who serve on Session and as deacons, the pastors here in Urabá are expected to be “Jacks of all trades” as they go about leading their congregations. They are expected to preach, teach, counsel, serve as administrators and community organizers as well as provide pastoral care.
These expectations sound a lot like those of solo pastors in small, rural churches in the U.S. But in addition to these challenges, pastors here in Urabá are faced with the reality of life in Colombia. They serve in a nation that is immersed in violence, poverty, injustice and corruption, each presenting added challenges to the job of ministry. Many pastors are “wounded healers” as they themselves have been affected by violence and injustice.

Learning about the lives of these pastors has been a humbling experience. Their jobs are demanding and the compensation for the work doesn’t sound enticing, but they continue to serve with love and humility. The churches here are blessed with these servant leaders who carry on with their jobs knowing that God is very much at work here in Urabá. Please hold them in your prayers.