My husband was recently asked about whether or not he got paid for the EMT stuff that he does and whether or not Chris does this on church time. When I heard this, my first reaction was fiercely protective and I was ready to take on every last nay sayer in the bunch. I am so tired of the negativity sometimes. But then . . . I took a moment to reflect from the other point of view. Maybe they haven’t heard the whole story. Maybe they missed the newsletter article that he wrote about it months ago. These things happen.
Chris volunteers (yes. v-o-l-u-n-t-e-e-r-s) his time for Angleton EMS. Once a month and only on his day off for a 12 hour shift. Why Angleton? Well, it’s 80 miles from Conroe and . . . my brother works as a paramedic and my sister-in-law also volunteers there occasionally. I grew up near Angleton and my mother still teaches in Danbury, so I love the fact that he gives back with my brother to my home community. And although this is the same brother who enjoyed tormenting me growing up, I love the fact Chris gets to hang with Will and bond over something that they both enjoy.
Chris only gets one day off a week. He may occasionally get a Saturday or a half a day here and there, but he tries to get one full day to himself or for the family. We are finally close to family after living 10 years out of state, and I love the fact that Chris wants to hang with my family on one of those days. And he does something that he loves. Some people go hunting, some people garden, some people golf. My husband’s hobby is being an EMT. He loves it. It is so different from his world as a pastor.
I have a friend who is a doctor’s wife, and she told me once (during the early years of Chris being a pastor) that when we go on vacation we needed to leave town. Otherwise, even on your days off you can still get called in. She is so right. I knew when I married Chris and when we decided to have children that his calling as a pastor is 24/7. And that we will need to put his role as Pastor above the family’s needs sometimes. I understand that. But if he doesn’t recharge his own batteries once in a while he is no good to anyone. The church or his family. For Chris . . . being an EMT recharges his batteries. Others may think that this is odd, but that is my Chris.
The better question to have been asked is . . . Does your family mind that you give up one of your days off to serve as an EMT? And the answer to that is . . . No! We don’t mind at all. My philosophy for his church ministry and for his hobby as an EMT is the same. When I need a pastor to be there in an emergency (sick child in the hospital, some one is dying, someone has deep questions about faith), I want a pastor to be there. When I dial 9-1-1, I want an ambulance to arrive quickly. It takes people to do that. I never want anyone to be alone in those difficult moments. And I am willing to sacrifice our family time with him in order for him to be there. Chris is a really good EMT and a wonderful pastor. Trust me you want him to be there with you in those hard times. He is so often a calming presence in a sea of chaos.
So . . . I am so proud of Chris. I love the fact that he gives so much of himself to others. What a wonderful example he is to our children.
The Puddles 
very nicely said!!! Could I pass this on the a few of the local critics:}
We are proud of Chris too! So glad he wants to help around Angleton and Danbury areas.
Amen to all said sister. I am also proud of Chris for making helping others as his “hobby”. I know first hand how wonderful he is in a crisis situation and today I am well on the road to recovey due to his patience and understanding. I just hope that if I ever need a ride in an ambulance it happens in Angleton on the one day he might be there. LOL
It makes me both sad and angry when these questions arise. We are so fortunate to have someone like Chris at Tree of Life. This is a man who, when my mother died in Indiana, contacted a friend and Lutheran pastor in Richmond and asked him to make sure I was okay. I received a call from this pastor as I drove to Indiana and met with him when I got there. Did Chris save my life? Maybe so… maybe so. I count myself among those in who he has made a profound difference for the better. I’m fortunate to have him as a pastor and a pastoral care mentor.
Beautifully said, Katherine!….and Chris is pretty blessed too!
Well said and so true. Chris is a gentle presence during a time of healing or crisis. We are blessed!
Kathy, I am very sorry you and Pastor Chris have to listen to people and their negative thoughts. Thanks for your sharing with us. We are truly blessed to have Pastor Chris for our spiritual guidance. He is a very kind, honest and humble servant of the Lord and we all benefit from this. We are also blessed to have you and the children has part of our lives. Your whole family are a wonderful example for all of us, with your love for each other and the sacrifices you each make for Pastor Chris to give to his Pastoral Care. As you mentioned he even continues to give of his time, love and patience on his days off, the EMS only one of the examples. I am so glad the Lord led us to Tree of Life when we were looking for a new home church.