Years ago, I remember standing near the entryway of our church and noticing people as they were coming in and out. I instinctively moved to the door and discovered that the better part of my pastorate would not be realized from the pulpit but from the doorway – greeting, shaking hands and learning of folk as they came and went - one person, one family at a time. Yes, one of the truly great joys of my ministry was simply standing in the doorway before and after each service in order to greet people and offer a short prayer, blessing or word of love and encouragement as they came and went. It was a simple gesture, just a moment or two with each one, but as the years passed I noticed more and more people would linger there, knowing I would not tire nor leave till taking time to talk with each one. At the door pictures were taken - snapshots of the moment at events small and large - such as services, weddings and funerals et al. recalling more than a greeting now, but relationships to cherish as the years carried on. Looking back, this is what I most miss - the relationship between pastor and people realized, developed and warmed while standing at the door. I don't know if pastors do this today, but they should. The doorway speaks of accessibility and caring. It is a simple gesture expressing who we are as shepherds of a flock. When Jesus spoke of the Good Shepherd I think He had a doorway in mind. After all, He was Shepherd, Door and the Gate. Me? Well, I’m just a shepherd. But... just as the Good Shepherd knows His sheep by name, there, at the door of my church, I learned the names of mine - and I would not trade for it. “But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.“ John 10:2-3
