Tag: Pastoring

Front or Back Seat?

by Dale, posted in Ministry, Monday Ministry Encouragement, Pastoring, Sanctification

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.

“57% of pastors say their spiritual formation takes a back seat.” (Standing Stone Ministry)

Pastor friend, how do you respond to that statement?

After giving out the Word yesterday and ministering to the needs of many last week, how are you personally growing in Christ? How is Christ being “formed in you”?

My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you (Galatians 4:19).

At the point of salvation, Christ comes to dwell in the believer (John 14:20; 17:23; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 1:27). Christ is “formed in us” as the Holy Spirit, as Ron Lynch says, “knocks out of us what doesn’t look like Christ.” This is an ongoing process of daily surrender and learning Christ. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18). But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

Continue reading “Front or Back Seat?” →

It’s Well Worth the Effort!

by Dale, posted in God's Creation, Hiking, Ministry, Monday Ministry Encouragement, Pastoring

As we sang, my mind went to High Rocks!

High Rocks is located 2.0 miles south of Spivey Gap on the Appalachian Trail near Burnsville, NC. AllTrails app says it well, “Take a series of switchbacks leading through a steep section of trail up to the summit of High Rocks. While the beginning may be challenging, the views from the top of High Rocks are well worth the effort.”

Continue reading “It’s Well Worth the Effort!” →

Joy, Even In Old Age!

by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Hope, Jesus Christ, Joy, Uncategorized

Yesterday was another typical ministry day in the life of a pastor. It was a WOW!!!!

After spending half of the afternoon meeting Mike and taking a tour of a relatively new ministry nestled in the mountains bordering the Cherokee National Forest, Back 2 Basics Adventures, it was time to make my way back home. There were two visits with church members that I desired to make.

Pulling off to the side of the country road, I said, “Lord, where should I go?” Once again, as always, what He initiates He also guides.

Continue reading “Joy, Even In Old Age!” →

Don’t Quit!!!

by Dale, posted in Ministry, Monday Ministry Encouragement, Pastoring

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.

So sad! I read again of another pastor quitting the ministry.

Pastor friend, are you tempted to do the same? Has that urge become more frequent in recent days or weeks? Do you have long hours, days or weeks of feeling depleted, down, discouraged, distraught and disappointed? Are you living in a land of unbelief?

Simply put and perhaps hard for you to swallow, but may I say, “Don’t Quit!!!” This not the answer.

1. Run to the cross! Get on your knees and open your Bible to Matthew 26-27. Audibly and slowly read each line; fix your gaze on Jesus as He makes His way to the cross. Linger there. Once you do, then meditate on Hebrews 12:1-3 and the following passages that reveal to us what Jesus did for you as your substitute—John 10:11, 15, 17-18; 15:13; Romans 5:8; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 5:2; 1 Timothy 2:6; Hebrews 9:12.

Continue reading “Don’t Quit!!!” →

A Pastor’s Greatest Need

by Dale, posted in Ministry, Monday Ministry Encouragement, Pastoring, Prayer, Uncategorized

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.

Ironwood Camp, Newberry Springs, CA

What is a pastor’s greatest need?

  • A new, cutting-edge podcast?
  • The latest book by his favorite author?
  • An increase in salary?
  • More in attendance on Sunday morning?
  • A break, as in, “I just can’t seem to catch a break!”

A pastor’s greatest need and most beneficial blessing is . . . prayer!

Pastor, is the quiet place, alone with your Heavenly Father, the dearest place on earth to you?

Is prayer an activity to you or is it your life? In other words, do you have a prayer life or a life prayer?

Since one of the most telling marks of Jesus’ life and ministry on earth was prayer, so must it be for us, His ministers. Jesus prayed alone, all night, with others, on the mountain, in agony, with his disciples, at the tomb of Lazarus, on the cross, etc.

Continue reading “A Pastor’s Greatest Need” →

Pastors Have Fun???? YES!!!!

by Dale, posted in Ministry, Monday Ministry Encouragement, Pastoring, Uncategorized

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.

“What do you do for fun?”

This question was posed to me by Sam Brock while riding in his 1946 Jeep Willys on a tour of Ironwood Camp, Newberry Springs, CA.

Pastor friend, may I ask you the same question . . . what do you do for fun?

Whether you are enjoying days of sunshine or stormy weather in ministry, you need to have a release, a time for fun! You need it, your wife needs it, your family needs it, your church family needs it!

Continue reading “Pastors Have Fun???? YES!!!!” →

A Healthy Weekend

by Dale, posted in Christian Camping, Monday Ministry Encouragement, Pastoring, Uncategorized

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.

As we gathered around a firepit sharing how God had worked in our lives during the weekend Couples’ Conference at The Wilds, I was reminded again why these events are so important to the health of a local church.

1. The continual spiritual growth of the flock.

Listening to each one transparently share how the Word had worked in their lives, I thought, “Not only does this affect their personal growth in Christ, but it will have an edifying influence upon the marriages and families in our church!”

2. The bonding of believers’ hearts with one another.

This group was made up of couples who have been a part of this local flock from two to fifteen plus years. They knew each other, but now they know one another on a deeper level that will lead to greater discipleship, to passionate prayer, to mutual accountability, and a maturing, genuine love.

3. The blessing of sharing in the safe church.

Saturday night, the following lyrics griped my heart as it was ministered in song:

Jesus, Shepherd, loving Shepherd, sent

from heaven to earth—

You have sought us, found and brought

us safely into Your Church.

The world talks a lot about safe places. The local church should be the safest place on earth as the body of Christ gathers in Christ to live out the “one another’s.” I watched this happen in our group as they shared their testimonies in a segment of safety in Christ.

Pastor friend, the health of the flock you shepherd will be greatly enhanced as you spend time with them and they with one another, especially in camp settings like The Wilds. As you plan for 2024 events, build into the church calendar these kind of body growth times that will mature the flock!

The Elements of Pastor Appreciation Day

by Dale, posted in Ministry, Pastoring

Pastor Appreciation Day involves at least three components.

First of all, the words of Paul recorded in 1 Timothy 1:12 is the foundation for Pastor Appreciation Day—And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry. A genuine pastor is only where He is because Christ put him in the ministry. Therefore, “Thank You, Lord, for calling me, enabling me, and placing me in this role as a spokesman for You. All the glory and honor and goes to You! You alone are worthy of the praise and appreciation!!”

Second, appreciation goes to every congregation that faithfully supports, encourages, listens, prays for, loves, forgives, puts up with, laughs with, is longsuffering with, and blesses their Bible-preaching pastor. As I think of this day, appreciation must come from us as pastors to our church family for following us, the under-shepherd leading under the Chief Shepherd of the Church (1 Peter 5:4).

Continue reading “The Elements of Pastor Appreciation Day” →

Get Away!!

by Dale, posted in Ministry, Monday Ministry Encouragement, Pastoring, Rest

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.

Are you ministering on a nearly empty tank, yet making it look like your tank is full?

Men, please hear me! You need to get away!

You must have times of spiritual, physical, and mental refreshment! You cannot go seven days-a-week, every week, with your foot on the accelerator pressed to the floor!

No matter what may be your personal or perceived expectations, you need a short or long-term period of renewal and refreshment!

Continue reading “Get Away!!” →

New Ministry Announcement!

by Dale, posted in D & D Ministries, Marriage, Ministry, Ministry Counseling, Pastoring

D & D Ministries: Refuge and Refreshment For Ministries and Marriages

If you have followed my blog this week, you know that Denise and I are moving into a new season of ministry life. (Post 1, Post 2, and An Exciting Step of Faith & Obedience)

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.

Continue reading “New Ministry Announcement!” →