joy and pain-my first 3 months in a new church

Alright, it's been over 90 days now. As I try to describe my first several months in a new pastorate I can only think of the title to a hit song that was popular during my college days by an artist that went by Rob Base; anyway, Joy and Pain was a catchy ditty.

Joy:

• the opportunity to fulfill my calling as a pastor in Christ's church. Having served as an associate for several years I was and still am excited about the opportunity.
• the opportunity to preach the Word of God every week. Again, I had always done a lot of teaching, but it is not the same as having the responsibility/opportunity of addressing the church each week in a corporate setting.
• the opportunity to meet, know and love new people.
• being there when the light bulb goes on in someone's head as they understand the Word of God and how it applies to their life through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
• watching God's people come together for a common cause or opportunity to serve others.
• having the opportunity to lead someone to Christ or be part of a Christian's life who rededicates himself to the Lord.
• watching someone in the church anonymously meet the need of another.
• noticing that each week more people are taking notes and bringing their Bible to church.

Pain:

• the reality that Christians can be self-centered and full of pride (myself included at times) as I watch them gossip and tear each other down
• presiding over a congregation that seems to have skipped a generation
• watching a saint suffer
• seeing God's people get caught up in issues that are not of eternal value and lose focus on what is important
• Realizing that my own lack of discipline, indiscretions, and mistakes will not only negatively impact me and my family but many families
• the reality that there are many all around us who are lost and are not being reached with the Good News of Jesus Christ

Well, these thoughts are not comprehensive but are the ones that came to my mind the quickest. No matter what the circumstances I know this: the church is Christ's; He suffered and died for it. I am only His servant, and I don't serve in my own strength.