The Joys of the Pastorate...

The following thoughts are adapted from an article written by from John William Fesko, who is an OPC minister and the Harriett Barbour Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi. 

"There are certainly many challenges and trials in the pastorate, but on the other hand, there are also many joys, things that bring great encouragement and happiness. One of the tremendous blessings of being a pastor is the privilege to study the Scriptures full-time. What others have to squeeze into their busy schedules, you get to do on a regular basis . . . and get paid to do it! When I sit down, open my Bible, place a pile of commentaries in front of me, and begin studying the intricacies of the text, I try to remind myself how much of a privilege it is. I get to read scads of brilliant (and some lack-luster) theological works. I remember talking with a pastor who was still preaching in his 90’s. I asked him over a cup of tea at a post-worship service fellowship what he enjoyed doing. As tears began to well up in his eyes and voice quivered, he told me, “I find great joy in studying the word of God and preparing my weekly sermons.” 

Another great joy is getting to see the “lights go on” and watch people grow in their sanctification. I can remember leading a retreat on the doctrine of sanctification and talking about the importance of the means of grace. A few months later one of my colleagues told me that the wife of one of the men on the retreat told him, “Ever since that retreat my husband is a changed man. He’s constantly reading his Bible.” To hear such a report brought great joy to my heart. It’s encouraging to see people struggle with sin and then watch the Lord deliver them from it, and to play a role in bringing it about. Like a midwife helping someone give birth, or to use a biblical analogy, you plant and water, but God gives the increase. But even then, it’s exciting and a blessing to see the plant grow! It’s also quite humbling to know that God is using you to help others.

All of these things, and many others, convey to me the great joy that it is to be able to serve Christ and receive so many blessings in the process. Yes, the pastorate is a road filled with many difficult twists and turns, but it is most certainly a road filled with many tremendous blessings."

"For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy." ~ 1 Thess. 2:19–20

Shepherding Minds...

A good friend of mine, James E. Leary, has recently written "Shepherding Minds: Rebuilding the Church’s Response to Mental Health". I have provided a small taste for your reflection... I believe this book would be of great value to your ministry. 

   "As ministry leaders, counselors, caregivers, and church members, our role is not to rush people past their pain or fix their sorrow with platitudes. It’s to stand with them in it. To hold space for both tears and trust. To remind them that their sorrow is not the whole story, and that real joy—God’s joy—is still possible right there in the midst of the struggle. That’s where the strength is found: not in getting over it, but in walking through it with God beside us. That is where true healing begins. 

So, how do we bring this into our churches in a way that’s not just inspiring in the short term but truly sustainable over time? Here are practical ways to cultivate this kind of culture in a lasting way. 

✔️ Use Scripture in All Care Training Every time you train a care team, whether for grief support, crisis response, mental health ministry, or hospital visitation, anchor that training in God’s Word. Scripture provides the framework that keeps our care grounded in God’s redemptive story rather than merely human compassion.

✔️ Introduce Reflection and Lament in Worship. Not every worship event needs to be high-energy and celebratory. In fact, for many who are suffering silently, those kinds of services can feel alienating. Create occasions where honesty is welcomed. Plan occasional evening worship events on reflection, lament, and quiet trust. These can include songs that express longing and waiting, readings from the Psalms, moments of silence, journaling stations, and opportunities for prayer. 

✔️ Include Scripture in Care Conversations When you’re sitting with someone in pain, Scripture should neither be forced nor forgotten. The goal is not to “fix” their problems with a verse but to remind them they’re not alone. For example, you can create a gentle entry point by asking, “Would it be okay if I shared a verse that’s helped me?” A quiet reading of Psalm 23 or Isaiah 41:10 can often speak more deeply than lengthy advice. Let the Word act as a balm, not a bandage. 

✔️ Equip Your Worship Leaders. Worship leaders are not just musicians; they are spiritual shepherds. The songs they select and the atmosphere they shape on Sundays profoundly influence how people experience God. Encourage them to choose songs that reflect the full arc of the gospel story: creation, fall, longing, redemption, and hope. Urge them to build in moments of pause and silence, recognizing that someone in the room is carrying sorrow. Worship that honors this emotional reality creates a sanctuary where healing can begin." (chapter 8, The Word and Worship) 

   

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."  - 2 Corinthians 1:3–4

3 Areas of Pastoral Stress..

3 Areas of Pastoral Stress ...

      by Matt Henslee, lead pastor of Plymouth Park Baptist Church, Irving, Texas and co-author of "Replanting Rural Churches".

A recent Lifeway Research study found that nearly half of pastors say discouragement (48%) and distractions (48%) are challenges they face, stress (63%) emerges as the number one challenge for pastors.

👉 Stress is the number one mental challenge for pastors. Here are three areas that cause the most stress for a pastor.

1. Finances
It’s important to remember each of these areas undoubtedly have a personal or family side and a ministry side. Yes, this is about pastors and what causes us stress in ministry. But we’re still people, and many of us have spouses, children, and other things we navigate outside of our roles as pastors.

On the family side of things, most pastors I know will never crack the Forbes Richest People in the World list. While there are some wealthy pastors out there, many are everyday people like most of our church members—living week to week, battling debt, and feeling the crunch of ever-increasing inflation.

On the church side, we all experience stretches when the weekly giving is lagging, and the deacons start asking you to preach on tithing. Just as many of our members live week to week, battling debt, and feeling the crunch of ever-increasing inflation.

Church finances can be stressful for pastors because they ebb and flow with key members moving or facing financial hardships. It weighs on us because we know the adage, “The buck stops here.”

Pastor, be encouraged with a word from our Chief Shepherd in Luke 12:24: “Consider the ravens: They don’t sow or reap; they don’t have a storeroom or a barn; yet God feeds them. Aren’t you worth much more than the birds?”.

It’s going to be okay; God’s got this. He’ll take care of you, your family, and your church. Work to eliminate debt. Live within your means. Be wise. And trust God.

2. Relationships
People are another cause of stress for pastors. As a husband and father with four little ones at home, the family side of this stress point usually peaks around holidays.

If you have little ones at home as we did, that often means disappointing the people you love when your Christmas Eve service or even Christmas falls on or near a Sunday, causing your family to miss out on the traditional Christmas festivities.

When it comes to the church side of relationships, pastors see the absolute best of people—and the worst. You may have an impossible-to-please deacon, a member with the spiritual gift of anonymous complaint letters, or another who, if you let them, would fill every second of every day of your time.

If you’re a pastor reading this, we could probably share stories about relational stresses in our churches. But I’d like to remind you we stress people out, too. Our members are sinners. We’re sinners. And leading and serving in our yet-to-be-glorified state will bring about stress and animosity from time to time.

Shepherding sheep is messy, but what a privilege God gives us to lead and love His people with care. And do you know what? It’s worth it.

I’m reminded of Proverbs 27:23: “Know well the condition of your flock, and pay attention to your herds”.
Sheep may bite, run off, or do dumb things. It’ll stress you out, but it’s why you’re there.

3. Time
Time is the final stressor I’ve felt the most—both with family and at church. As a husband, I work hard to carve out time for date nights or downtime with my wife. As a father of four, I often feel like an unpaid Uber driver taking them from place to place.

And as a pastor, I rarely feel there’s enough time in a week—let alone a day—to write an effective sermon, handle administrative tasks, follow up with visitors, make visits, evangelize, and so forth. I’ve yet to meet a pastor who complains about having too much time.

Your wife will be with you long after any church you serve. Plus, she makes a much better date than your church … I’m just saying. Date her. Treat her like a queen, and make sure she’s not getting the leftovers of your time.

When you put your kids’ activities on your calendar, you have an immediate out—especially for trivial matters. But it’s also your reminder to be involved in their lives and activities.

Many of us are on social media, and it’s not only stressful in general, but it can easily be a major time-waster. Post a little something encouraging, and then get off. It’s not worth it when you have a family to love, a church to lead, and a lost and dying world in need of the Savior.

Finally, when you start your sermon prep early in the week, you build in some bandwidth for unplanned crises or ministry needs. Your sermon is important, but it’s one of many important aspects of being a pastor.

Don’t let an unfinished conclusion or illustration keep you from meeting the day-to-day needs of your flock or family—plan for disruptions by starting early in the week and picking it back up as soon as possible.

While finances, relationships, and time can cause significant stress for pastors (and their members), let’s not forget it’s a privilege to serve God’s people as pastor. It might not make you rich by worldly standards. Some people may drive you batty, and you’ll almost always be crunched for time. But it’s totally and completely worth it.

People Need the LORD...

On Tuesday morning, September 11th, 2001 I was sitting in my office at First Baptist Church, New Jersey. We were located some 14 miles from the World Trade Center Twin Towers, better known today as "ground zero". It was a crisp, clear morning with many ministry plans for the coming weeks on my desk. But, when the phone rang, the fact that I was unprepared for that news would be an understatement. The hours and days that followed were surreal.

Within our immediate congregation one member worked in the north tower and survived, exiting just shy of the south tower being struck by the second plane. He caught the last train out of the city. Other members of our community had to walk across the bridges to escape the devastation. A good number of other friends and neighbors never made it back home. The week unfolded day by day with lists of the unaccounted for, along with multiple prayer sessions. The simple fact was... People needed the Lord. 

As I look back, Sunday morning, September 16, 2001 was the most clear and concise service in which I have ever preached. I stood before an entire congregation of faces marked with grief, fear, brokenness, and confusion. Some people didn't even regularly attend our church, or any church. We were gathered that morning, while the fires still burned beneath the wreckage, with singular purpose - to seek the grace, mercy and consulation from of our heavenly Father... People needed the Lord. 

My friend, we share the same divine calling... We are physicians of the soul... Shepherds of the lost lambs... Healers of the brokenhearted... Bearers of light for those walking in darkness. Whenever we come to the pulpit, counseling room, hospital bedside, or graveside, we truly stand on holy ground. All agendas, programs, or projects must fade into the background in the face of eternity. Our clear and concise ministry should always be this ... People need the Lord.

Sunday morning will come, and your congregation will arrive with many who have experienced private wreckage, fires still burning, or hopes unaccounted for... Give them what they need... Give them the Lord! 

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."  ~ Psalm 147:3

~ PJVS

Risky and Adventurous Prayer...

As you seek the face of God these days, may the following section from "The Heart of a Great Pastor" by H. B. I London Jr. & Neil B. Wiseman give you food for thought... 

"PRAY RISKY and ADVENTURESOME PRAYERS ... 

Some prayers seem like tough exams that show us what we do not know, what the professor expects, and what significant issues we have overlooked. Spiritual directors and devotional saints across the centuries have cautioned believers against prayers that request miracles with no effort on their part. Prayers are generally not answered that way. 

Far from being magic formulas, prayers are usually answered by receiving an assignment that can be achieved only with divine aid. God answers prayers by empowering us after we have done our best. Human experience offers many examples. You will have your patience tested when you pray for patience. You will be given a peacemaking task when you petition for peace. Pray for generosity and God will ask you to give more than you have ever given. In a similar vein, genuinely great sermons usually grow out of human anguish or even travail before they receive divine anointing. 

Here are five risky, adventuresome prayers that will add a supernatural dimension to your ministry, send you into specialized tasks, make you more Christlike and require more than your best efforts. These prayers could change your ministry forever: 

1. Search me. 

2. Break me. 

3. Stretch me. 

4. Lead me. 

5. Use me.

 Seldom does a person pray even one of these petitions without incredible growth happening in his inner relationship with God or in his outer expressions of Kingdom service. These petitions produce authentic achievement in the front lines of ministry."

"Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked." 

~ 1 Chronicles 4:10

 

"Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood." 

~ Acts 20:18

Pastoral Care...

ONE THING I DID RIGHT IN MINISTRY ~

"PASTORAL CARE" 

by Shawn Merithew, Senior Pastor of Morningview Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama.

"I must admit that when I was in seminary, shepherding, or pastoral care, did not figure prominently in my understanding of the role of Senior Pastor. If I were asked to name the top qualities of a Senior Pastor, I would have said he had to be fervent in prayer and faithful in study, a gifted expositor, a dynamic leader, clear and sturdy in his doctrinal positions, and able to cast a vision for church health and growth. Sadly, being a compassionate counselor, a patient protector, and a servant to the suffering did not even make my list. My concept of the pastorate was grounded in seeing the church as an organization to be led rather than a flock to be shepherded.

I dare say that elements of this “Pastor as CEO” perspective are still too prevalent in our churches today. Some churches even hire a ministry staff member who is given specific responsibility for pastoral care so that the main preaching pastor is not burdened by such “distractions.” To be sure, some churches can demand so much pastoral care that it prevents their pastor from having adequate time to pray and prepare for the ministry of the Word. That is why a plurality of elders and deacons is so important to help meet those needs and to protect the senior pastor’s time in the study. But balance is key; we must prioritize without forsaking this critical element of shepherding.

Thankfully, the precious saints of my first pastorate helped me to see the immaturity of my earlier thinking and realize the beauties and benefits of compassionate pastoral care. By God’s grace, this is something I got right, and it remains a source of continued growth in my shepherding. What follows are four blessings I have personally realized through the ministry of pastoral care.

1. It fosters a reciprocating ministry of Christ’s love among Christ’s people. In Matthew 25:31-46, we have Jesus speaking of His final judgment. We are told there that the criteria by which He separates the sheep from the goats is how they treated His children who were in crisis. Providing for the hungry, homeless, and naked, and visiting the sick and the incarcerated are essential evidences of His love. We may speak with the tongues of men and angels, but if we do not have love, we are nothing but noisy gongs. Godly love moves us to meet needs. As pastors set the example in practical demonstrations of love, members reciprocate, and the entire body is built up in Christ. (Eph 4:15-16)

2. It is one of God’s means of sanctification. It is in the valleys of crisis, illness, and hardship that we learn greater dependence upon Christ. This is true not only for members of our congregations, but for us as well. It was a thorn in the flesh which brought Paul to realize that God’s power is perfected in weakness. And it was in his restoration from his denials where Peter learned that love for Christ is manifested by tending His sheep. Visiting at the bedside of a cancer patient, helping a weeping mother to release her lifeless child, and counseling a couple through the hardships of marriage are but some of the challenges that grow us, shaping us into better pastors. Charles Bridges, in his classic work The Christian Ministry, wisely said:

“The visitation of the sick also, in the exercise of Christian sympathy, is of the highest importance to the probationer for the Ministry. Lessons are learned here that could never be learned in the study. There the importance of the Gospel may be described or contemplated — here it is realized. . . How important is the observant study of the sick chamber! How fruitful are the instructions connected with it! How varied and direct their bearing upon every department of public and private Ministration! Many have been trained for important usefulness in the Church by frequent, and, in many instances, painful attendance upon this school of instruction.”[1]

3. It builds credibility and accountability between pastors and their congregations. Pastors must remember that we do not preside over our congregations, we lead from among them. As Paul David Tripp said to pastors in Dangerous Calling, “Autonomous Christianity never works, because our spiritual life was designed by God to be a community project.”[2] As pastors and congregants walk together through hardships, the shared experience of God’s proven truths and tender mercies builds a tangible sense of family connectedness and trust. This is a critical aspect of fellowship for us all. And the trust we develop through shepherding proves vital to leading effectively through seasons of change, difficult cases of church discipline, and periods of loss or suffering.

4. It significantly enhances the effectiveness of your pulpit ministry. Preaching is one of the aspects of our ministry in which we take our greatest joy. But we do not preach for preaching’s sake; pulpiteers do not belong in the pastorate. A dear fellow pastor once told me that every time we ascend to preach, we do so with two books in our possession: the Bible, and the book of the human soul.[3] Our calling is to rightly divide the first, bringing it to bear with passion and love upon the second. We learn this second book as we walk the path of human need. As you know your congregation and are known by them, this relational knowledge gives true relevance to your preaching. It is then that your applications of gospel truth will be marked by compassion, depth, and poignancy.

Ultimately, what is ‘right’ in ministry is measured by the standard of Christ. In John 10:11-13, He said, “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep.” What is ‘right’ is loving, protecting, and laying down our lives for our sheep, and we embody each of these as we rightly engage in pastoral care."

__________

1. Charles Bridges, The Christian Ministry (Banner of Truth Trust, Reprinted 2009), 65.

2. Paul David Tripp, Dangerous Calling (Crossway, 2015), 38.

3. Tom Hicks, Jr. PhD., Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Clinton, Louisiana.

Be Encouraged...

Dr. Chuck Lawless, Vice-President for Spiritual Formation at Southeastern Seminary, has the following seven words of encouragement for us... 

"I want to encourage church leaders with some thoughts that have been encouraging to me over the years:

1) If you are where God wants you to be, you’re the person God intends to lead your church. You needn’t worry about impressing anybody or seeking praise—your calling is God’s affirmation of you. Just be obedient.

2) If you don’t see God work in mighty ways this weekend, that doesn’t mean He hasn’t worked. He simply may not let you know yet what He’s doing. After all, He’s not obligated to let us in on the details of His work.

3) God knows where you are and what you’re facing, even if it feels like He’s distant. It might seem that you are in the desert, but He is Lord over the desert, too. You are not alone.

4) The Spirit of God still works through the Word. I trust that’s good news for you—perhaps even a needed reminder as you prepare a lesson or sermon for this week. God takes even our most feeble efforts and works through them when we teach the Bible.

5) It might feel otherwise some days, but folks in your congregation love you and are grateful for you. Sure, every church has a headache member, but God’s people are incredibly giving, forgiving, and loving. Rest in the love God has given them for you.

6) Somebody’s been praying for you this week. I don’t know about you, but just knowing someone’s covered me in prayer every day gives me great peace and godly confidence as I look toward the weekend.

7) God still reigns. And, that’s all that matters.

Be encouraged, friends!

"He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it." ~ 1 Thess. 5:24

How to Endure as Pastors...

ENDURING PASTORS 

by Alan Small, Senior Pastor, Creekside Community Church, Elizabeth, CO, and Executive Director /Mission Strategist for Dogwood Trails Baptist Association. 

"A common theme in the New Testament is endurance. In Revelation 3, Christ’s letter to the church in Philadelphia, Christ commends and blesses the church for following the command to endure.

At times, we endure trials (James 1:12), we endure discipline (Hebrews 12:7); we endure health issues, conflict, financial insecurity, societal changes, and the list continues to grow. Recently, I heard the average tenure of pastors continues to hold steady at about three and a half years. In too many cases, churches have acted like God has placed us in a spiritual sprint and not a spiritual marathon. Tenures for pastors setting in at less than five years have little chance to propel a church forward to its best days.

Below are a few of my thoughts about how we can endure as pastors...

KEY #1: BUILD YOUR STAMINA ~ 

When I first began pastoral ministry, I had no idea the amount of mental stamina it took being a pastor. The ebb and flow of serving a local congregation is challenging. Sadly, many pastors and congregations view some of the challenges that happen in ministry as reasons to give up and move on. Time is the only real answer for building stamina. Some suggest a pastor does not truly become the pastor until he has led a church five years. Giving up too soon is too much an epidemic among many pastors.

KEY #2: FIND and BE ENCOURAGES ~

I remember preaching a particularly bad sermon. As was her custom, a precious lady came to me and told how good the message was and she grabbed my hands in such a way to let me know she had not given up on me in spite of recognizing the sermon fell flat. I would never make it far without the countless people who stand around me to encourage me through the good and bad. Encouragers give us strength which give us stamina. A simple rule of thumb in finding encouragers is to become an encourager. Encouragement is contagious.

KEY #3: PROGRESS MOST OFTEN COMES in SMALL INCREMENTS ~

Like many students of the Bible, the Day of Pentecost stands out as a day I would like to have experienced. I want to see the dynamic expression of God moving among people. The reality on most days, however, is slow and steady growth. Little by little and day by day God does things that we often do not see until we take time to see how far we have come. When you do, take a few moments to celebrate the way God has worked.

KEY #4: TAKE ADVANTAGE of REST DAYS ~ 

To coach effectively, I have had to learn that training for endurance events requires specific rest days. The amount of rest needed may vary among different philosophies, but science and wisdom have proven rest days are essential. We all need to take time to rest, to sit at the feet of Jesus and enjoy Him. Several people in my life encourage me to guard my time off and take advantage of it. Burn out is a terrible reality for too many, and it often arises from ignoring the importance of rest days.

KEY #5: RUN WITH SOMEONE HEADED in the SAME DIRECTION ~

Most people hate meetings, but I have one that stands out as the best one ever. I was laying some groundwork to unfold a vision for our church’s future. Before I could jump into it, a member from our church’s board, said, “Pastor, tell us what you see.” Before we left that day, my okay idea had become our great idea. Walking alongside another makes an enormous difference in our churches. Why walk alone?"

Six Reasons for Courage ...

SIX REASONS Why Pastors and Church Leaders Must Be More Courageous Today... by Thom Rainer 

If I could choose one more course for ministry training and preparation, it would be “Courageous Leadership.” I hear from so many pastors and staff who are trained well in the classical disciplines, but who are ill-prepared for the real world of church ministry.

Though there have certainly been more difficult times in the course of Church history for pastors, leading a church today is much tougher than it was 20 and 30 years ago. There have been some demographic and cultural shifts that reflect this reality. But some of the challenges can only be understood in the context of spiritual warfare.

So, what are some of the specific reasons pastors and church leaders must be more courageous today? Though my list is far from exhaustive, allow me to name six of the key factors.

 1️⃣ There have been dramatic shifts in culture, most of them adversarial to biblical Christianity. Church leaders can no longer assume that biblical values are normative in culture today. To the contrary, many of the cultural mores are antithetical to Christian truth. The pastor must take a stand in this adversarial environment while remaining pastoral and compassionate.

 2️⃣ The position of pastor is no longer held in high esteem in many communities. When I was a pastor in the 80s and 90s, I could count on some level of respect from community members because of my vocation. That is not the case most of the time today.

 3️⃣ Church critics can be vicious. Have you noticed that, throughout the Bible, the greatest harm to a believing community comes from dissension among the believers? Opposition from the outside is a challenge; dissension from within can be devastating. And church critics today seem to have gone wild!

 4️⃣ Pastors must push against the “me” mentality of many church members. For reasons I have noted for years, many of our church members see church membership as tantamount to country club membership. They pay their way and get their perks. Pastors who push against this pervasive and unbiblical mentality often do so at great cost.

 5️⃣ Good church leaders must say “no” often. The best church leaders say no to the good so they can say yes to the best. But those who receive a “no” don’t often receive it well.

 6️⃣ Ultimately church leadership is spiritual warfare. Paul leaves no doubt to this reality in Ephesians 6:13: “Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil.” Pastors and church leaders are truly engaged in spiritual warfare. They must have courage, a courage that can only come from God.

I am not certain about the mindset of Joshua before he led the people of God into the Promised Land, but it seems like he needed an extra dose of courage. Repeatedly in Joshua 1, God tells him: “Be strong and courageous . . . “ (Joshua 1:6).

Church leaders need to be reminded of the need for courage today. Serving as a pastor is an impossible job without the strength and courage that comes only from God.

https://churchanswers.com/podcasts/rainer-on-leadership/six-reasons-pastors-must-be-more-courageous-today/

~ Thom S. Rainer is the founder and CEO of Church Answers, an online community and resource for church leaders.

An Iron Grip in a Velvet Glove...

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love." -- 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

My grip is no different than most men my age. I can easily crush a soda can with one hand or maintain a firm grip on my "All American" hound when she wants to chase a squirrel across the street. At the same time I can hold a new born infant tenderly or carry an egg across the kitchen without breaking the shell. It's God's creative gift to have an iron grip in a velvet glove.

The believer has much the same quality spiritually. As Paul counsels, we are to be firm and strong, doing everything in love. Our guard should never be down and our courage should never wane. We are to have a spiritual strength that confronts evil forcefully and presses on toward righteousness powerfully. At the same time we are to minister with the loving compassion and tenderness of our heavenly Father. We are born anew with an iron grip in a velvet glove.

How about you my pastor friend? Are you the kind of leader that is known to be firm and strong? Yet, is it rare that anyone experiences your loving touch? Or are you quite loving in everything but have lost the courage to deal with evil, choosing the hard, but right path? The Lord created and gifted you with a unique grip, both physically and a spiritually. As you follow the call to lead with an "iron grip in a velvet glove" you will discover amazing balance and blessing in all your ministry pursuits. 

~ PJVS

LEADERSHIP is BUILT ...

 

To His Fullest Glory...

"For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God." - 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 

People have flocked to hear skilled and eloquent speakers for generations. The story is told of an occasion when the ever popular New York pastor, Henry Ward Beecher was on vacation from his pulpit. Ward's brother was scheduled to preach in his place and when he came to the platform a number of people gave sighs of disappointment. As the guest preacher began to speak he offered this invitation: "Those who came to hear Henry Ward Beecher may feel free to leave at this time, and those who came to hear the Word of the Lord, please remain seated." God intentionally chooses to use the foolish, the low and despised and those who are considered nothing that He alone will receive all the glory.

Paul lived and ministered in a day when traveling speakers were very common. Large crowds would gather whenever a well spoken personality came to town. Average preachers and lesser public speakers were ignored or ridiculed. How interesting that into such an atmosphere God sent fishermen, tax collectors and men like Paul to proclaim the eternal truths of God's Word. As a result, there was no room to boast in the presence of God.

Take note my pastor friend. We are all different. This is as God intended. In His providential wisdom the Lord has called his servants from every walk of life; some with great strengths and others with incredible weaknesses. Yet, no one can ever boast of anything other than God's grace and mercy in His calling. Serve with open hearts, all those who our Chief Shepherd has entrusted to you. In turn, He will use you to His fullest glory.

Think about this: "God's main concern is that we are more interested in him than in work for him. Once you are rooted and grounded in Christ the greatest thing you can do is to be. Don't try and be useful; be yourself and God will use you to further his ends." ~ Oswald Chambers

Our Family Commitments...

"Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home." - John 19:25-27

Far too many families are lost to the pursuit of careers. Both men and women are consumed with making it big and finding success in their field of expertise. There is no sacrifice too great to achieve their goals. With such overwhelming preoccupation, family commitments fade.

Jesus went to the cross with the greatest goal in all of history. His purpose was to redeem the souls of mankind through the shedding of his blood. He became sin for sinners so they might be clothed with the righteousness of God. While this demand was tremendous, his devotion to family remained a priority. To Jesus, family commitments never faded.

How about it my pastor friend? Where is your family in the flow of your life? Have you become so entrenched with your ministry and all your expectations that your family has become a distant second? Look to the cross and see the Savior; in the midst of incredible suffering, loving and caring for his mother. Be wise, and never, never, never let your family commitments fade.

Consider this... "The life of religion, and the welfare and glory of both the Church and the State, depend much on family government and duty. If we suffer the neglect of this, we shall undo all." ~ Richard Baxter

BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP...

 

Choose Wisely...

"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." - Galatians 1:10

The Sunday that I was being considered for the role as pastor at my first church, a young believer asked this question: "Do you serve God, or man?" The very next year Bob Dylan wrote the song "Gotta Serve Somebody". The issue was thought provoking and life directing. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, "No one can serve two masters"

Paul faced quite a dilemma with the churches in Galatia. The believers had initially trusted in the finished work of Christ for their salvation, but now there were false teachers that sought their allegiance. These teachers were winsome and convincing, teaching a works salvation. They were seeking the approval of their own circle of peers and were determined to increase their followers. Paul sought the approval of the Lord alone and was simply saying, "No one can serve two masters"

At every level my pastor friend, there is no safer path than the one that follows the Lord alone. Are you seeking the Lord's approval first and foremost in every ministry decision? Is His will not more important than the opinions of church power brokers? At every crossroad, choose to serve the Lord and you will never go astray. Remember, "No one can serve two masters". 

Think about this: "We put one foot on God's side and one on the side of human reasoning; then God widens the space until we either drop down in between or jump on to one side or the other." - Oswald Chambers

One Thing...

"But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her." - Luke 10:41-42

Every season has the potential to overwhelm a Pastor with stress. Particularly during the Easter season, when friends and families seem to come out of the woodwork to attend special programs planned at your church. As the calendar will begin to fill up this year, there might not seem to be enough hours and days to get it all done. If you're not very careful, you may become "anxious and troubled about many things."

When the above words of counsel were given, do you think that Jesus was suggesting that food was not necessary? Or was He just encouraging Martha to slow down and follow the example of Mary? Scheduling quality time to sit at the feet of Jesus makes every day and every ministry go so much easier. When we make communion with the Lord a priority, everything else falls in place in just the right way.

"One thing is necessary"! In simple words my pastor friend, let's keep the main thing, the main thing. Martin Luther put it this way, "If I fail to spend two hours in prayer each morning, the devil gets the victory through the day." Life must go on... Ministry presses us to the limit... but it always goes best when we start with Jesus.

~ PJVS

The Fellowship of Suffering...

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." - 1 Peter 5:8-9

Elijah complained in 1 Kings 19:14, "I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” To this the Lord responded in verse 18 with, "Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him." In the face of spiritual warfare even pastors may feel alone in the battle, but we will find new courage when we remember that there are others who are fighting with us. We're strengthened by the Lord and inspired by the fellowship of suffering.

As Peter wrote to the early church under severe persecution, he charged them to resist the devil and stand firm, because there were others in the fight as well. To be encouraged to remain steadfast, Peter reminded them that they were not alone in the battle. Just as with Elijah of old, there were others who were suffering persecution but were remaining true to their faith and calling. There was strength in Lord and inspiration in the fellowship of suffering.

Shepherds of the flock will always face lions, and tigers, and bears... Oh, My!! The spiritual warfare will be difficult and the pressure will be great, but we are never alone in the battle. Be steadfast my pastor friend, resist the devil and stand firm in your faith and care for your flock. Take time to remember, there is strength in Lord and inspiration in the fellowship of suffering.

~ PJVS

 

Relational Harmony...

"Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity." -  1 Timothy 5:1-2

Of all those who have darkened my office door for counseling, the problem of broken relationships has been most common. People just can't seem to get along with each other. Whether they be family members, fellow believers or staff members at your church, healthy relationships can be hard to maintain. Relational harmony begins with the way we treat one another.

The elder statesman gave wise counsel to the younger pastor when he emphasized proper treatment of age and gender. Paul knew that true community depends on mutual respect, honor and purity. It's not always "what" we say as much as it is "how" we say it. Words can heal or hurt, and as Solomon wrote in Proverbs 16:24, "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."  Relational harmony begins with the way we treat one another.

How do you speak to those who are older than you? For that matter how do you speak to your peers and those who are younger? The choice of words, tone of voice and body language can be a "make or break" in your relationships. Be wise and think before you speak because... Relational harmony begins with the way we treat one another.

~ PJVS

High Expectations...

I was recently reading Acts 9:15-16 and stopped to reflect on the implications of these verses... 

"But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

I remember the day that I responded to the invitation at end of the Sunday morning message. I stepped out of the aisle, a little anxious but very sure that the Lord was calling me into the ministry. 

Questions flooded my mind as I left church that day. What would all of this mean going forward? What kind of training would I need? Where and how would God have me serve? Yet, in all of this, I was very excited about this leading and call from God.

It's rather interesting that in the midst of excitement and great expectations, I never gave thought of the possibility of God's calling me to seasons of suffering for the sake of His name. As pastors and church leaders we have all been visited by dreams of success and high hopes for ministry growth. We expected this to require hard work... but not suffering. Where did we read this in the job description?

Paul's ministry was historic and life altering in more ways than one, but God never sold him a bill of goods. Making a difference for Jesus was going to cost him, and it did. A little over twenty years later Paul wrote the following in his second letter to the Corinthians... 

"For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again."~ 2 Cor. 1:8–10

Fifty-nine years have past since I walked down that church aisle. Many expectations blossomed in ways far greater than I had hoped. Yet, they didn't come without hard hits, rough roads, and yes... some suffering for His Name. Would I do it again? IN A HEARTBEAT! 

It's an incredible privilege to serve the Chief Shepherd my brother. I stand by the statement that there is no higher call in life than the call of God to the ministry. So, as you face aother year with high expectations and potential suffering... Stay the Course! Because, "On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again." and again, and again... Until the doors of glory open wide and the words are spoken so tenderly... "Well done". 

~ PJVS