Archive for the ‘Pastoral Longevity’ Category
Posted on April 7, 2010 - by Admin2
A Divine Call?
By Lonnie Skiles
The very necessity of this article indicates a “falling away” from the basic truth of Scripture today. As ministry moves more and more toward professionalism, the need for and belief in a divine call seems less and less relevant to the average “minister” or church member. Nevertheless, the Bible does teach that God does call, by divine selection, ministers to preach the unsearchable riches of God. (more…)
Posted on April 7, 2010 - by Admin2
Called to the Ministry
By Clarence Hearron
While a student at the University of Florida, I met another minister, a classmate who was preaching at a small church he located through the Baptist Student Union. Our term was almost over, and he wanted someone to take his place before returning home to Tennessee. Together, we consulted a young man we had heard was a preacher.
He asked the young man to share his experience of grace and his call to the ministry. The young man replied, “That is a private matter and is nobody’s business but mine.” (more…)
Posted on April 5, 2010 - by Admin2
How to Leave a Church
By Dennis Wiggs
Today, pastors are staying longer at churches. But every pastorate eventually comes to a conclusion. Many reasons exist for departing—death, disability, resignation, retiring, losing a confidence vote, or being asked to leave. Leaving can be unpleasant for the pastor, his family, and the congregation. When the spiritual leader finds it necessary to leave a congregation, for whatever reason, scars may develop that affect the pastor or church for years. The young pastor owes it to himself, his family, and the church family to leave with as little fanfare as possible. (more…)
Posted on March 24, 2010 - by Admin2
When You Move
by Dennis Wiggs
Excitement fills the air when the young pastor and his wife make plans to move to a new church—new visions, greater opportunities, the challenges of preaching, leading, witnessing and visiting. The move is made, the furniture unloaded. Some church members drop by. And suddenly, it hits him like a ton of bricks. “l am the pastor. I am the one the church has approved. I’m it! Lord, help me. Where do I begin?”
Posted on March 22, 2010 - by Admin2
Seven W’s for Young Pastors
By Dennis Wiggs
The first years in ministry are learning times. Almost every opportunity is a challenge, and behind every challenge is a decision. Some preachers quit. Some change paths. Some stay in despair. But many others accept the challenges, grow, and develop into productive preachers. Here are seven Ws to guide the young pastor through his foundational years. (more…)
Posted on March 17, 2010 - by Admin1
Surviving Ministry Stress
By Randy Sawyer
A few years ago I received the following correspondence from a brother in ministry:
More has happened since my last e-mail. One of the leaders decided to stay and continue the fight. Tonight I gave notice to our leaders that I’m burned out and have no fight left. (more…)
Posted on February 17, 2010 - by admin
Thoreauly Equipped
By Robert J. Morgan
Somewhere, someone is sitting down, glancing at this page and reading these words in a state of utter exhaustion. Perhaps you’re a pastor or you work on a church staff. Perhaps a deacon, trustee or children’s worker. Perhaps a parent, a caregiver or a community volunteer.
To that person, I’d like to share a word of personal testimony. (more…)
Posted on February 17, 2010 - by admin
Ten Commandments for Ministry Survival
By Kevin Riggs
Transition. It means to pass from one condition, place or thing to another condition, place or thing. Another word for transition is change, and change is never easy. Transition brings with it fear, excitement, insecurity and uncertainty.
I am in transition. I am passing from one place to another. I am changing, and I am afraid, excited and unsure. I am looking forward to the challenges ahead, but I am ready for the dust to settle. I am ready to not be in transition anymore. I am not as fond of change as I used to be.
After more than 14 years at the same church, God called me to a new ministry in a new state. In addition to saying goodbye, selling a house, packing boxes and crying, I have done a lot of introspection. What have I accomplished? What have I done right? What have I done wrong? What would I do differently? What mistakes do I hope to avoid next time? (more…)
