Pastor Ken
A few days ago, as I pressed the button to close my two-car garage, the door abruptly tilted to one side. Upon inspection, I discovered that the steel cable on one side had snapped, while the other side remained intact. No matter how hard I tried, I was unable to lift the door manually.
An aluminum garage door of this size weighs several hundred pounds and cannot be moved by one person. Additionally, powerful springs above the door are connected to steel cables on both sides to counterbalance the door’s weight. Many people underestimate the strength of these springs and attempt repairs themselves, often resulting in accidental injuries. Each year, at least 7,000 people in the United States are injured in garage door-related accidents. I wouldn’t risk doing it myself. The issue was that it was Friday, and my car was inside. If the door couldn’t be opened, I would be stuck all weekend, unable to go anywhere, including church on Sunday. Even though I knew that calling for emergency service after hours would be more expensive, I decided to bite the bullet and proceed.
On Saturday, the garage door technician arrived to service our system. He inspected the horsepower of the electric door opener and assessed the condition of the rollers on both sides. After engaging the opener and pressing the button, the door lifted. In under half an hour, he attached the steel cables on both sides, adjusted the springs, and replaced the damaged parts. By the time he finished, the garage door was functioning perfectly. The total cost for labor and parts came to nearly $500.
Though a few hundred dollars might seem substantial, it’s important to consider that he is a professional mechanic who provides service on a weekend. The fee likely covers his insurance, vehicle maintenance, taxes, and various other operational costs.
Many years ago, in a different house, I discovered a non-functional light switch. Unable to determine the cause, I called an electrician. Upon his arrival, he briefly inspected the situation and identified faulty wiring. In just five minutes, he resolved the issue but still charged me the minimum one-hour rate. With my limited income at the time, I felt reluctant to pay that much. Yet, he was a professional, and his expertise and time justified the cost.
In a free society, supply and demand influences a professional technician’s hourly rate in the labor market. When demand outstrips supply, wages and additional fees tend to be high. Some professions necessitate years of education and ongoing annual training to uphold standards. Additionally, some jobs demand physical labor in hazardous environments. That kind of job seems to have a labor shortage all the time.
In general, occupations requiring formal training and certification by trade unions tend to charge professional rates. More specifically, “professionals” such as engineers or doctors, are typically those who hold a college degree or higher, plus specialty training. Usually, salary correlates with academic qualifications, though there are exceptions. My profession in pastoral work is comparable to counseling or social work, as it involves helping people. Data indicate that wages in this field are lower than those in other professions with similar academic qualifications. This suggests that income is not the sole factor in choosing a profession, nor can it measure a profession’s value.
Pastors are dedicated professionals who require academic qualifications and specialized training. Besides, we must have professional ethics and conduct. Our work demands a deep commitment to ministry, often requiring time and energy beyond the ordinary. Our primary goal is to and uplift those in our care while ensuring the overall well-being of the church. We strive to live up to our calling from God to shepherd believers. Our reward lies not in financial gain but in the profound satisfaction and fulfillment that comes from our vocation.
