Encourage One Another: Pastor Pete Lasutschinkow

I Thessalonians 5:11, in the context of looking to our future glory and hope in Christ during our temporal sufferings, says, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." Though the people I highlight in these I Thessalonian posts may not be facing the sufferings of the Thessalonian church Paul was addressing, we all must navigate through trials, weariness, and spiritual warfare in our ministries. What a motivation booster to see that our work on behalf of our Heavenly Father, thanks to His gracious gifts and the opportunities He prepares for us, is producing fruit!

It is such a pleasure to highlight the hard work of Pastor Pete Lasutschinkow. He is the Associate Pastor of Compass Bible Church and a bold and valuable worker for God's glory. He and his family sacrifice much of their energy and time to shepherd God's flock and reach the lost in the community around us. If Pastor Pete isn't meeting with the staff and ministries he oversees, he can be found preparing sermons for weekly ministries, counseling those in need of Biblical guidance, and performing a whole myriad of other tasks that help our church run smoothly.

One recent weekend, Pastor Pete was running between giving a sermon to the high school ministry and doing the announcements in the main sanctuary. Another Sunday morning, he continued after both morning services by supervising and leading two meetings for the Bridge and Thrive ministry, leaving at the end of both to graciously attend a church member's birthday party. Last week he took the time to meet with the Thrive leadership team for over an hour and then give a teaching to the Men's Bible Study about an hour after the first obligation. Needless to say, his schedule is FULL.

Instead of becoming weary or complaining, Pastor Pete rejoices in these opportunities. It struck me as quite telling when Pastor Bobby Blakey recently told the congregation how Pastor Pete had told him he was SO grateful for the opportunity God had given him to work with the church body at Compass Bible Church. He loves God's people and, most of all, He adores his Heavenly Father. His joy and thankfulness are evident in his daily service and attitude.

In Women's Bible Study, we are finishing our year's study of I Peter. I was completing my study questions concerning the passage of I Peter 5: 1-7. The first four verses address pastors, or elders, who shepherd God's people. It says, "Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away." (verses 2-4) After reading these passages, one of the questions asked, "How does your pastor show his eagerness to serve? How is he an example to the flock?" I answered this question in regard to our Senior Pastor, Mike Fabarez, who is also an amazing servant of our King. Looking at Pastor Pete, however, yields similar results.

Pastor Pete shows his eagerness to serve us by preparing his teachings and SEARCHING God's scripture so he can accurately show what God has to say. This is an example to us in how we value God's Word, how we spend our time, and how we give priority to reading the Bible. In addition, it underscores how much Pastor Pete cares that we obey God's commands and live holy lives in thankfulness and obedience to the Lord.

Also, Pastor Pete is constantly supporting ministries feeding the flock and looking for ways to grow the ministries so new people can be reached. He cares about our lives and our spiritual health. His desire is to see Christians flourishing in our walks with God and to support the groups that can foster an increased understanding of how we are to live for and follow our Creator. This is a great example to love others and consider them better than ourselves. Any ministry blessed enough to work under Pastor Pete is spurred on in service to others by his example.

Finally, Pastor Pete is a terrific example of a pastor never seeking self-edification. He gives all the credit to fellow workers when they have worked hard, and his focus is always on giving thanks to God for the opportunities, strength and ability to work for Him. What an example this is to all of the church. To those leading ministries, it is a template of humility in leadership that we all can strive to follow.

I will never forget when Ryan and I had our son, Carter. We were in the hospital with a newborn. Not many friends came to visit due to the fact we were not long in the hospital. Both Pastor Dale and his wife, Shawna, and Pastor Pete took the time to come see Ryan and I, however. Not only did Pastor Pete come visit, but he brought a precious little gift for our son. This little act of care is something I will always remember and hold dear. Ryan and I have both known Pastor Pete for several years, and each one has been a blessing. We pour thanks out to God for the opportunity to work under Pastor Pete. He has always been approachable, honest, forthcoming, quick to respond, and Biblical. His wife, Val, too has always been such a great example of a godly woman to me. I so admire her support and love for her husband and her gentle spirit. She is beautiful inside and out!

Next time you see Pastor Pete at church, tell him how he has been an example to you. Thank him for being a servant leader and encourage him. God has used him greatly in our lives, and I look forward to seeing how his obedience will be used in the years to come!