Even though a new year has begun and resolutions have been made, you are either in a hard season of ministry, coming out of one, or on the verge of going into one. Truth is, ministry at times is hard, painful, difficult, and wearisome. Need some words of encouragement?
1. You will make it.
Yes, there are times when you wonder if you can even take the next step, preach another sermon, pray, sing, parent, lead, work, etc. You are so tempted to quit; turn in your resignation; head into the pit of despondency. Look over your shoulder. By the mercy, goodness and grace of God you have come this far.
In a recent post, I joyfully announced the upcoming transition of ministry after serving as lead pastor for 24 years at Boones Creek Bible Church. Perhaps I did not communicate effectively, so for clarity sake, may I say, retirement is not a part of this transition.
Denise and I will continue to serve at BCBC, but my role will change to associate pastor. This means that I’ll continue to serve by teaching an elective, biblical counselling, leading a small group, visitation, leading the senior’s ministry, preach when needed, etc.
This change allows Denise and me to pursue a passion that has stirred in my heart for a long time and that is ministering to pastors and their wives. I don’t need to look at statistics to know that pastors and their wives need great encouragement. All I need to do is look back over my 40 years of full-time ministry as well as growing up in a pastor’s home to be assured of this huge need. Add to that the number of pastors and wives we have already counseled as well as hearing of needs along the way, we are so drawn to this ministry of refreshment.
Denise and I are available to serve the local church in other capacities as well. Check out the speaking page on my blog for helpful information. Will you prayerfully consider letting us have the rich blessing of coming alongside you and the ministry where you serve to be a refuge and refreshment by the grace of God?
Please read our ministry launch page below and let us know how we can be used as a refuge and refreshment to you, your marriage, your family, and/or your ministry. Most of all, as the Lord brings us to your mind, please, please pray for us! Our utmost desire is for the True Vine, Jesus Christ, (John 15:1) to bear fruit through His branches (John 15:5) for God’s glory! That is totally impossible without abiding in Christ and through Christ (John 15:5).
As a couple, Dale and Denise love to walk with believers through every stage of life. They are passionate about using their home as a platform for the gospel and are eager to encourage couples of every age.
“Pastor, do you know that you have been my pastor all my life?”
Last weekend, I had the privilege of attending two high school graduations of two young ladies who I held in the hospital at birth and have now watched receive their diplomas. That’s one of the many joys of longevity in ministry in one location!
Several years ago, I found the following from Pastor Bob Kelley who went Home to Glory on October 28, 2006. I believe these practical lessons wrought out of forty-three years of ministry will be of great help and encouragement to you as you begin 2023, a new year of living out the Christ-life in His ministry.
fromapastorsheart.com 