Reading an epistle (a formal letter) is like listening to one side of a telephone conversation. In 1 Thessalonians we have heard Paul say again and again that he loves the church, was worried about them, and is relieved that they are standing firm in the Lord even in the midst of trials. We hear Paul reveal his heart, a pastor’s heart, and we ask God to bring us a pastor who will devote heart, soul, and energy into protecting and building up the flock.