#DearPreacher

 

As a Pastor, I believe:

•Jesus died for sinners.
•Morality can’t be legislated.
•I must preach the Word & live my convictions.
•I owe love to all.
•We must stand up for the voiceless.
•The Church must spend more time reaching the world & less time judging it.

So…

• Don't preach your convictions. Preach the Word & live your convictions!
• Truth is multicultural. If you just preach the Word, it will fit everyone.
• Preach the word, in & out of season.
• Preach the word when they like you & when they don't.
• Preach the word with love & grace.
• Preach! If your commitment is to "relevance", you'll need to keep up with every trend. So just preach the Word. Set the trend!

Every Blessing!

India Pastor's Conference

I've been invited to be part of the "INDIA PASTOR'S CONFERENCE" this coming September, and I'm very humbled & honored to receive this opportunity.

Pastor Nathan Sherer from Mena, AR & myself will be ministering to over 100 pastors in the region of Punalur, India. I'm asking for your prayerful & financial support, as we fulfill this call to encourage & equip pastors.

Your giving will help me reach my destination, as well as provide transportation, meals & lodging to the pastors in India who need help getting to the conference that otherwise will not be able to unless funds are provided.

Click here to help make this a reality: https://www.easytithe.com/f/f2.asp…(Donations are tax deductible.)

Thank you so much!

Pastor Commits Suicide

A WEEK AGO TUES., DEC. 12, 2017, PASTOR JULIO CESAR SILVA TOOK HIS LIFE.

"Pastor Silva was the Superintendent of the Assemblies of God in Brazil. Before he did, he stated the following:

“It does not matter what you do for them, they will never thank you, it does not matter that you put off your family by surrendering to them, it is your duty to say, and they will criticize you because you prefer your family or because you postpone them. Because you pray, because you help the needy, because you were not there for their birthdays, etc. People will always forget everything you do for them, they will get angry with you, take their family and leave the church without telling you "goodbye, much less thank you.”The ministry hurts, it hurts, you live in loneliness and constant depression People do not care about their pastor, nor about what can happen to him or suffering He may be put through, if you get sick they will say that you are in sin, if you do badly in the finances they will say that you mismanage the money, if you have conflicts in the marriage they will say that you are not a good priest of your home, if people leave they will say that it is your fault, if your children deviate they will say that your children are demons or that’s the kind of father you are. It is always the fault of the pastor. Nobody cares about their life or their needs.”

This is likely why the apostle Paul instructed his spiritual son Timothy, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” 1 Timothy 5:17

Unfortunately, Pastors are also human. May this precious brother find rest in His father’s arms. My heart breaks for his family. 

- Mario Gonzalez"

Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10211032008065235&set=a.1056237335274.2013223.1506065634&type=3&theater

MAY I ADD THE FOLLOWING...

You can try, but you can’t help everyone. Some will exhaust your resources & then act like you didn’t do enough for them as they move on to their next watering hole. But eventually they’ll drain that place & those relationships dry, too.

It’ll never be enough, no matter the person or place, until they fix what’s broken inside them.

Sadly, they’ll damage a lot of people in the process, trying to justify themselves & project their perceived need to find the “right” thing for them.

They’ll use you till they’ve drained you dry & then have bogus complaints to try & justify their actions.

When you’re dealing with this kind of spirit, don’t take things personal. People who carry offense & disinterest will find fault with everyone & everything, once the newness wears off.

Determine to help everyone, but know when you’re being taken advantage of & refuse to allow yourself to give unlimited access that you once graciously provided. Your attention is needed with those who are committed to maturity & development.

Jesus hand picked His disciples. Even Judas. He knew what was in his heart & what he would do, but He loved him anyways. You can love someone, but that doesn’t mean you have to go along with their bad choices & decisions.

I’m connected to Pastors & Leaders all around this country who are facing & dealing with hardships from two things: PERSONALITIES & PRINCIPALITIES. I do my best to encourage them...because, truly, only another Pastor can identify the load they carry trying to help people.

Everyone Needs A Shepherd

Because of the odd dimensions of a sheep's body they're 

unable to pick themselves up if they roll over on their backs. 

WE NEED SHEPHERDS!

Why SHEPHERDS are needed...

1. They keep a lookout for predators and protect their sheep from attackers.
2. They care for the wounded sheep and nurse them back to health.
3. They rescue the sheep that become lost or trapped.
4. They spend time with their sheep, guiding them to places of nourishment and rest.

The RESULT?

1. Trust and relationship that keeps the sheep following the shepherd.
2. The sheep are attuned to the shepherd's voice to the point that even if they were temporarily mixed with another herd, at the call of the shepherd, they would separate & follow him.

Pastors are called SHEPHERDS...

1. Their calling and gifting are much like those who care for sheep.
2. They are called and gifted to care for the spiritual well-being of a local body of God's people. 
3. Pastors are first and foremost servants...(servants of God and His bride, the Church.)
4. Pastors are given a mixture of abilities by GRACE that allows them to serve the needs of an entire community.

The Pastor's goal...

1. Reveal the glory of God in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit!
2. This is achieved by TEACHING the Word of God to the church. (Ephesians 4:11)
3. By teaching the Scriptures to the church, the pastor feeds the "sheep" of God. (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9)

The Holy Spirit helps the Pastor...

1. ...Humbly teach the church, guid them, protected them and lead them in the mission that God has for His church, namely THE GREAT COMMISSION.
2. ...Keep the Gospel of Jesus Christ at the center of his life and ministry.
3. ...Walk in his place of spiritual authority through the power of the Holy Spirit.

There is a tremendous difference between PREACHING for a church and SERVING as a Pastor. I love Peter's interpretation of this in 1 Peter 5:2-4

"Feed the flock of God which is among you taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."

SIX BASIC FUNCTIONS OF THE PASTOR...

1. FEED THE FLOCK

• Pastors must TEACH The Word of God.
• There's a big difference between having to say something and having something to say!
• Studying the Word of God is demanding but it is essential to feeding the flock.
• Just any sermon won't do! It must be a message from God's Word that is needed by the body at that time!

2. LOVE THE FLOCK

• It is one thing to be given the title of "pastor" but it is quite another to be give the trust of the people. A good shepherd will give their life for the sheep.
• You cannot fake real love for people! Either you do or you don't!
• Love is always the first step in leading.

3. LEAD THE FLOCK

• The Pastor must seek and share the plan or vision of God for the church.
• The writer of Proverbs tells us that "where there is no vision the people perish." 
• Not everyone wants to be led...but a Pastor must continue to lead!

4. KEEP THE FLOCK TOGETHER

• Resolving conflicts and uniting various personalities under one goal consumes a large amount of energy and time!
• Facing multiple forms of conflict causes many Pastors to want to flee instead of staying and solving the problems.
• To be a part of a significant work of God one will have to weather many storms and trials!

5. TEND THE FLOCK

• Psalm 23 is a good example of what a SHEPHERD does in the lives of his sheep. 
• Shepherds provide general oversight, according to Ephesians 4:12 - to PERFECT the saints for the WORK of ministry.

6. PROTECT THE FLOCK

• A Pastor not only deals with sheep, he must also deal with WOLVES. Paul warned the leaders at Ephesus about the wolves that would seek to destroy the flock. 
• A Pastor must not only PREACH THE TRUTH, he must EXPOSE ERROR. This is why we must reprove and rebuke. One day, Pastors will give an account to God for they they executed their role.

Final thoughts...

There will be times when you will fall over on your back and will need a SHEPHERD to help you back up on your feet. #everyone needs a shepherd.

Sometimes It's Heavy But It's Worth It!

The load that many people carry in ministry can be very heavy.  Ministry is tough on every level...period!  I spoke with a pastor not long ago who was ready to quit. He was tired, weary and aggravated with the way things were going in his church.   


Friends, the pain and burden that a pastor has to deal with is unlike any area I've ever experienced.  I worked in the banking industry for eight years and was in their management training program...that pales in comparison to the burden, stress load and weight of serving as a pastor today.


I'm not complaining.  I asked to be here.  I enlisted.  I signed up.  I prayed this through.  However, learning how to navigate through the rigors of personalities, problems, politics, people etc. can sometimes leave you asking, "Did I sign up for this?" (SMILE)


In any given week I may deal with: marriages on the verge of divorce; people who are struggling financially and are at their wits end; parents who are dealing with rebellious kids; infidelity; sickness; death; terminal diagnosis; suicide tendencies; addiction to prescription pills, alcohol; drugs; runaway children; home foreclosures; hunger/no food; homelessness; depression; etc.


I served on staff as a youth pastor for many years as well as a district youth director before becoming a senior pastor...and there isn't a class in the universe that can prepare you for what is coming your way...both good and bad.


It's sometimes difficult to get pastors to open up about their pain or struggle.  Some refuse to for fear of being viewed as weak or unstable.  The very thought of telling their congregation "this job is tough" is petrifying!


I've come to this understanding with myself.  I don't care what other people think about me being transparent and open about my struggles, feelings or pain.  Of course, I don't get up in the pulpit every week and tell all my business...but I do find people of good reputation, of whom I respect highly, to share my burdens with.  I'm OK with being REAL.


Being real comes with a price tag.  You will be complimented and criticized for your willingness to be vulnerable and honest especially amongst your peers.  By the way, BFWC, this isn't necessarily a blog just for you...but it's for all those servants of Christ out there who may be hurting.


There are several areas we could easily address....


1. Loneliness - If you're a staff member at a church...I can identify with you.  I have served other leaders for many years.  If you're not careful, you'll find yourself thinking, "I do just as much as they do, and I don't think they deal with any more junk than I have to deal with."  Friend...that is a WRONG ASSUMPTION based on arrogance.  Trust me when I say that only a pastor can understand the pain of another pastor. (SPOUSES INCLUDED!)


Believe me - your family won't understand the weight of your calling either...especially those who've never been raised in a pastor's preacher's home.  They may have an inkling of the burden you carry but they'll never understand the load, demand, weight or the burden you carry.  You really can't expect them to.  But whatever you do...DO NOT unload on them!  They are not equipped to carry your calling...if so, they'd be carrying it to.  If you make the mistake of unloading on them, you'll be planting a seed in their heart  that can easily manifest as disgruntledness for the church, the pastor you serve or others in the ministry. 


Ministry has been described as lonely.  Pastor...you need another pastor to talk to, to vent with, to pour out your heart to...they can understand you better than anyone else...because they too, have experienced loneliness at your level.


2. Criticism - this just comes with the territory.  Sometimes it's justified and other times it's not...but  the thing most people don't realize is that IT ALWAYS HURTS.  Especially when someone begins by saying, "Now don't take this personally, but..."


People will criticize you for the silliest things...the car you drive, the house you live in, the shoes you wear, how much you sweat, how you preach, your waist line...you name it.  You seem to receive criticism better from the people who know and love you better than the people who feel called to the ministry of interference.  Wounds from a friend can be trusted...but...


Why is it that people who don't even know you think they have some God called ministry to attack you via Facebook, anonymous emails, etc.?  They haven't even had a conversation with you.  By the way...I've said this before and I'll say it again...I HAVE ZERO RESPECT FOR SOMEONE WHO LEAVES A CHURCH VIA EMAIL.  I don't even waste my time responding such immaturity.  If you don't have the decency to look your pastor in the eye...the same pastor who has prayed and fasted for you, spent time shepherding you, counseling you, loving you...etc. - then that speaks volumes about where you are in your faith.  JESUS teaches us better than that.


I've even had people take a portion of my sermon and twist it completely out of context and then have the nerve to misquote me all over town.  LOL Sometimes all you can do is laugh.  


Pastors, you will be misquoted and misrepresented by those who lack the courage to take the time to get to know you...or MAYBE even hit their knees for you if they are so convinced that you are wrong.


Friends, someone who continually attacks you and /or your ministry just isn't normal.  Who has time to go around trying to tear other people down?  Not me!  I refuse to waste my time on them. There are too many people that need me to stay focused on the vision.  Those are the people I'm going to give my time to.


3. Unrealistic Expectations - No matter how hard you try, you'll never be able to get everything right.  You'll forget people's names; forget they were in the hospital; you'll preach too deep for some and too shallow for others;  you'll miss their calls taking other people's calls; your every move will be scrutinized.  Honestly, some people will place expectations on you that they would never be willing to live up to themselves.


This can be the reason that many pastors families fall apart - they cave to the expectations placed on them by selfish, self-seeking church members who expect them to do everything - but never lift a finger to help...and forgetting something that most people never actually stop think about - pastors are human beings with real feelings and a real heart.


Truth is truth...and it doesn't really matter what anyone thinks.  PERIOD.  Church member, staff member, volunteer, etc...PRAY FOR YOUR PASTOR!  Believe me, he/she goes through it.


Let me be VERY CLEAR - I am blessed to serve at BFWC!  God has called me here and He has called me to pastor.  But I'd say what has probably shaped Beverly and I the most is PAIN.  Pain is not avoidable as a pastor - it's real.  Anytime I fall into thinking that my life should somehow be easy all I have to do is read 2 Corinthians 11:22-29.


I love what I do!  I love what God has called me to do!  There is nothing I'd rather be doing!  BUT...with the calling comes a cross to carry.  BUT IT IS WORTH IT!

• It is worth it to be faithful.
• It is worth it when we see people come to Christ.
• It is worth it when we see marriages restored.
• It is worth it when we see the excluded included.
• It is worth it when we see people receive hope!
• It is worth it when we see addicts set free!
• It is SO WORTH IT!

Jesus didn't quit and neither should we!  He has given us this assignment!  Pain may be part of the process but it can shape us to be more effective for His glory!

Pastors are People Too!

Being raised in a pastor's home wasn't always easy but the experience and understanding I gained...was priceless.  There is a special place in my heart for pastors and church staff.  I've had the privilege to associate with some wonderful pastors and church leaders over the years.  From those associations, I've gained some precious friends that I've truly come to VALUE.


Honestly, having a friend who is a pastor is a blessing because he can identify with my calling and understand my perspective, both of ministry and life in general.  I love and respect the God-called individuals who serve in the local church.


Most pastors, at the least the ones I've met, speak very positive about their congregations.  Still, sometimes you hear about HURTS they've encountered along the way.    


One pastor told me that he wished he could sit down with his entire congregation, look them in the eye and tell them about all the hurts they'd encountered since being at their place of service.  The hope was that if they could express their heart, their church members would have a better understanding of how to help them avoid future hurts.


I met a pastor a few years ago that blessed me with his huge heart.  I listened to his hopes, dreams and hurts and it seemed like a few things stood out that I had heard from others pastors too.  


Here's a few things pastors wish their members knew... 


1. Please wait till after service before you make a request.  Most pastors are in prayer and study just prior to service.  If they're hearing from the Lord and getting His voice in their spirit it will be distracting listening to your complaint or recommendation before they preach.  What happens is considered a "co-mix" of God's voice and your voice.    QUESTION: Whose voice do you want speaking to you from the pulpit?  Please don't ask your pastor to make last minute announcements or address the toilet issue in the restroom on their way to the platform.


2. Please keep your criticism to yourself until you've had time to pray and think through your criticism.  Pastors receive several criticisms each week, via emails, letters (anonymous ones too) and phone calls.  If you add that up, that's about 200 a year.  Those verbal jabs take their toll.  We all make mistakes and none of us are above criticism, however, please be prayerful before you're critical.  By the way...anonymous emails, letters and calls...get deleted immediately.  If someone isn't man or woman enough to list their name...their criticism isn't worth the time to read.  On that note, If a pastor has been face to face with their members while ministering to them, praying for them, counseling them and meeting their needs...it is extremely disrespectful and immature to send an email or a letter to them when you decide you're done with them or the church.  


3. Please remember that pastors face spiritual warfare as much as anyone.  Pastors and other staff members are on the FRONT LINE of ministry.  The attacks from the devil and his imps are relentless.  Unfortunately, some of the most painful words come from friendly fire - people who should know better by now, but refuse to mature.


When we remember that pastors are people too...we can alleviate some of the struggles that our leaders have because they're spending too much time dealing with issues (junk) that take their focus off the main tasks to which God has called them.  


Friends, I'm convinced that the need for prayer for our pastors and leaders is URGENT!  If you have a pastor or leader that you love, then take time to hear their cries and then respond with love, encouragement and above all...PRAYER.


How to PRAY for your pastor

1. Pray that he/she will have a greater insight of the Word of God and then use that understanding to apply it in their life and ministry.
2. Pray for their protection from the work of Satan.
3. Pray that their heart will remain soft in the face of abrasive and abusive people.
4. Pray for their personal spiritual growth.
5. Pray for their success...however it would be that God would define it for them.
6. Pray that they will speak the truth with boldness and humility.
7. Pray that they will persevere through whatever trial they are facing.
8. Pray for his children - that they will grow up with a positive impression of church ministry.
9. Pray that he/she will remain pure, and that their love for their spouse would increase daily.
10. Pray that you will know how to encourage your pastor.

Pray for Your P-A-S-T-O-R

Here's another way to pray for your pastor - especially if you have trouble remembering what to pray about.  Use the letters of the word, P-A-S-T-O-R to remind you of specific prayer requests.  For example:

P - Purity 

• Pray that your pastor will remain pure in the face of constant pressure in an immoral culture.

A - Adversity 

• Pray for your pastor that he will be able to confront adversity with faith and endurance.

S - Strength 

• Most pastors work long hours and at least six days a week.  Pray that he will have the strength to continue his ministry.

T - Teaching 

• Pray for your pastor that his teaching and preaching will be effective, powerful and clear.

O - Organization 

• Your pastor has more to do than any one person can handle.  Pray for your pastor that he will be able to prioritize correctly.

R - Rest 

• Your pastor needs rest.  Pray that your pastor will sleep well each night and that he will take enough time away from ministry so that he does not get worn out.