Bullseye Mike! A few months ago, I retired after 36 years as a pastor. I started at the age of 35. My life experiences up to that starting point had taught me to do much of what you said. I rarely heard anybody teach that. When I was starting out, a small group of pastors who were interviewing me, asked me how I saw myself as a pastor. I replied that it would be helping people discover God’s presence in their lives as we followed Jesus together. And that I would be walking with them. A couple of them didn’t seem to understand that. It was always my focusing point in the good times and not-so-good times. The joy came with, and through those who wanted to be Jesus’ disciples, all of us together. The anxiety happened whenever somebody would try to “order” everyone to do it their way, always. Your words are good for all. Thank you!
If the Pastor "loves" his church as Jesus "loves" the church I believe the message for that congregation will be received by that Pastor. You are right about knowing your flock. I pray that God will give the men and women of God the Lord's love for their flocks--their sheep--their disciples. The calling to serve Him asks for much but can we even imagine the eternal rewards?
Bullseye Mike! A few months ago, I retired after 36 years as a pastor. I started at the age of 35. My life experiences up to that starting point had taught me to do much of what you said. I rarely heard anybody teach that. When I was starting out, a small group of pastors who were interviewing me, asked me how I saw myself as a pastor. I replied that it would be helping people discover God’s presence in their lives as we followed Jesus together. And that I would be walking with them. A couple of them didn’t seem to understand that. It was always my focusing point in the good times and not-so-good times. The joy came with, and through those who wanted to be Jesus’ disciples, all of us together. The anxiety happened whenever somebody would try to “order” everyone to do it their way, always. Your words are good for all. Thank you!
If the Pastor "loves" his church as Jesus "loves" the church I believe the message for that congregation will be received by that Pastor. You are right about knowing your flock. I pray that God will give the men and women of God the Lord's love for their flocks--their sheep--their disciples. The calling to serve Him asks for much but can we even imagine the eternal rewards?
Thank you Mike
As a professional minister, I don’t live the normal Christian life.
My job is to help laypeople live the normal Christian life.
Really good! Thanks.