Archive for November 3rd, 2008

   
11/03
2008

8 pieces of advice for a new pastor

From Andy Rowell: 8 pieces of advice for a new pastor

1. Study the Scripture text you are going to preach on. Read 2 commentaries on the passage. If you and the commentators agree, you are on the right track. Preach it!

2. Take walks just for the purpose of praying.

3. Learn everyone’s name (first and last name) including the kids and janitor. Make your own directory or flash cards if you need to.

4. Schedule as many meals and coffees with people as possible.

5. Read books by pastors for some sympathy.

6. Eventually, read some leadership books to help you analyze the organization.

7. Get 8 hours of sleep.

8. Learn the history of the church. You need to be able to tell the old, old stories as well as anyone.

Posted in Pastoring | Comments Off

11/03
2008

Agreement in Unlikely Places

Interesting post from Thabiti Anyabwile with his reflection on Bill Hybels’ Courageous Leadership and loving the whole church and not just your ministry

Each part of the body is called to show equal concern for every other part of the body, and the body as a whole for each individual part (1 Cor. 12:25). That’s a high calling. But that’s what it takes to love as deeply as Christ Jesus has called us to love. And that’s what it takes to build church-split-preventing unity, lost-member-seeking concern, caring-for-the-poor-among-us compassion, and suffering-with-others empathy. If the members love only their little clique or part or ministry, then the muscular body we may enjoy at one point will slowly atrophy over time.

Posted in Faith | Comments Off