Feeling like you failed in preaching yesterday?
What passage of Scripture did you preach?
Friend, you and I have never delivered a flawless sermon nor will we ever.
Continue reading “Monday Ministry Encouragement”Monday Ministry Encouragement
Category: Ministry Counseling
Monday Ministry Encouragement
“So, how did you come to make this ministry decision?”
Recently I was asked this question while sharing the changes made in our local church ministry since Covid.
Continue reading “Monday Ministry Encouragement”The Pastor’s Wife
She did not know what she was getting into!
On June 20, 1981, Denise and I walked down the aisle, arm-in-arm, as newlyweds into a life of local church ministry that has continued for over 41 years.
Continue reading “The Pastor’s Wife”Monday Ministry Encouragement
Monday’s Ministry Encouragement: Written to encourage you, my friend in ministry, to be refreshed and renewed as we live for Christ and look toward the Bema.
But David encouraged himself in the Lord his God (1 Samuel 30:6).
No matter what happened on Sunday . . . joy or sorrow, a crowd of people or few, decisions or no decisions, sermon flowed or sermon bombed, Twitter boast worthy or “don’t even look at Twitter,” success or stoning, applause or boos, delight or distress . . . here’s where you land on Monday.
Continue reading “Monday Ministry Encouragement”Monday’s Ministry Encouragement
Monday’s Ministry Encouragement: Written to encourage you, my friend in ministry, to be refreshed and renewed as we live for Christ and look toward the Bema.
You are worn out physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually from a full-day of ministry on Sunday.
Perhaps you are still riding the crest of the wave from a wonderful day of ministry.
Maybe you are ready to “throw in the towel.”
Maybe you are ready to “take on the world today!”
I understand.
Ministry is an emotional roller-coaster no matter how young or old you are; if you are just starting out or have been faithful for 50 plus years. We are as Elijah, a man with a nature like ours; of like passions (James 5:17).
Continue reading “Monday’s Ministry Encouragement”But We’ll Be Late! | The Pastor’s First Ministry
There she was, sleeping so soundly. After a very draining week emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually, my wife was snuggled securely in bed in a deep slumber.
“What time is it? What day is it?” Those were her words when I awakened her.
Slowly she crawled out of bed and began to make herself ready for the day.
What day was it? Sunday.
What time was it? Suffice it to say, she had overslept!! Didn’t hear her alarm either.
We have pre-service prayer meeting on Sundays at 8:30. As I watched the clock and began to fix her a to-go breakfast, she came down the stairs. My wife was ready to go to church on the outside, but I could see that she was not on the inside. And based upon my ever present “I’ll fix this situation” manhood, I declared, “I’ll go on ahead, and you can come in your Jeep.”
Wait a minute! It’s raining, she’s fighting off a migraine, and she is definitely not crusin’ along on all eight cylinders.
It was then and there that my first ministry captured my attention. Serving my wife was more important than being at prayer meeting on time. She had no business driving by herself. She needed her husband. She needed her pastor. She needed her friend.
Pastors, Christian leaders, missionaries, we are so prone to put the ministry above our wives, leaving her in the dust with her brood as she carries seven diaper/book bags, Bibles, a purse, and wearing her “running shoes” to keep up with you. I mean, after all, you are the pastor and you must be there to open the door and lead in prayer! What will people think if you are late!!!
Men, you know the words of Matthew 22:37-39 quite well. May I encourage you to remember that your wife is your neighbor. She is to be loved more than your church congregation (Ephesians 5:25). Your ministry to your wife, and your church member, I might add, is an example to all the other believers. She is your first ministry.
Fighting the urge to drive a bit more aggressively and take some of the curves on two wheels, we had a nice, easy and enjoyable journey.
Interesting enough, folks gathered for prayer as always, and . . . we were the second ones in the parking lot. No harm done. Compassionate, caring love shown to my wife.
Thank You, Lord, for stopping me in my tracks and reminding me what is of greater value.
“C’mon, Hon. Take your time. I’ll wait. Let’s go together.”
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