Captains David and Selah Bender are the corps officers of the Salvation Army Allegheny Valley Corps in Brackenridge, Pennsylvania, with a passion for pastoral ministry.

Captain David Bender

What excites me is playing a small part of the transformative work of God in people’s lives. God allows me to share His Word each Sunday, which I view as a high calling. One of the most difficult challenges is witnessing to people who don’t want to believe or who fall away. I feel responsible for their spiritual well-being, and it can be heartbreaking to see them struggle. I want to be a source of comfort and help.

When I think “am I doing enough?” I rely on Zechariah 4:10 (NLT), which says, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” Balancing all the demands and tasks can be hard. I also find strength in the support of peers and spiritual leaders in my life. Psalm 55:22 (ESV) says, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” God will provide me with the strength and the answers I need; I just need to trust and have faith.

Focusing on the things of eternal value reminds me that my work has a higher purpose and calling, which allows me to feel great joy and fulfillment. The blessings I feel in ministry come from serving others and seeing change in their lives.

My reward is in Heaven. I don’t feel burdened by what I may or may not receive from my congregation. However, we have seen members who are willing to step up and volunteer without complaint or wanting anything in return.

Captain Selah Bender

I get to be a part of what God is doing in His Church and His world and that is truly exciting. It is a holy privilege to journey alongside individuals and families as they navigate the varied seasons of life. We get to grow together in our faith, refining one another and speaking life with the truth of God’s Word.

The challenge most pastors seem to face is the tendency of others to put us on a pedestal. The belief is that we are super believers. But we’re only human, with all the limitations that come with that. We get sick, tired, discouraged, and we make mistakes.

The best defense is for pastors to show their humanity. We are all disciples of Jesus.

The greatest satisfaction for me is knowing the people: their names, children’s names, favorite colors, hometown, personal struggles, and strengths given them by God. When I know these things, it means I’ve gained their trust. They also learn things about me. These signs resemble the early Church in Acts.

Pray for us as pastors and pray for our children. Then offer up your gifts to help edify the Church. We pastor well when we live out our calling. This happens when the church works in unity and cares for its lesser parts. We are in this together.

“We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” —1 Thessalonians 1:3

October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and we’d like to thank our Salvation Army officers — pastors — for their faith, their dedication, and the hard work they do for their communities and the Lord.