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from a lecture by Langdon Garrison, Pensacola District
Superintendant
2 Tim. 4:1-5 "Preach" urgent convince rebuke exhort patience
teaching steady suffer evangelize fulfill ministry"
A calling first before career, etc.
Primary tasks:
(1) preaching - relating bible to human condition not to
be "greatest preacher that ever lived," but preach the gospel
with sensitivity to the people - be relevant.
(2) careful planning of worship - you are responsible
(a) coach lay people in service as to what to do and how.
(b) always give an invitation - clear, pointed, concise
(c) extend invitation to join the church
(d) receive offering before the sermon (not like the BOW!) but not
Methodist
tradition.
(e) maximize sacraments - not limited to believers (all to Wesley), but
extends Christ to all as per John 3:16
(3) teaching - at least one pastor's class per week
(4) cultivate laity - be sensitive and provide opportunities;
authorizing of disciples (those who want to be more and do more)
(5) be a caring pastor - what do you convey? prayers, words, presence.
(6) administration - pastor is admin. officer; but church needs a lay
administrator or secretary
(7) evangelize - whenever and wherever - you are God's spokesperson
Related tasks:
(1) observe good study habits - good reaching program
bible study.
(2) keep connected to the connection; keep informed, participate
Personal Issues
(1) family time - don't neglect - quality time.
(2)
personal well being; don't feel guilty
(3) maintain close contact with friends.
Super Important
(1) practice what you preach - integrity gives validity "how would
you like your private life to make tomorrow headlines"
(2) master art of relating to people - called to people.
You can't please everyone - "some in every church nobody can
please" but must please God; then treat others as you want to be
treated "now they throw the pastors to the Christians"
Admit problems in relating and find help to improve.
(3) spiritual leadership - pastor is spiritual leader - primary role
model J.C. does preaching work? live it.
People want "guaranteed appointment of a spiritual leaders who
have personally experienced God's transforming power quality time daily
with Lord essential. A child to the senior pastor: "Thank you for
being the sermon... and for preaching." (Herb Sadler)
Special Ego Management
(1) learn to manage personal ego - "the tempter never lets us
rest.: for he knows this is our area of struggle. "Why him and not
me?" will eat us up; will spill over into ministry. The remedy is to
remember one's call - your will not mine. revisit conversions - remember
commitments. remember when you said "here I am Lord."
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