I asked myself whether or not I could contribute to advising a pastor. After serving as an associate for many years and transitioning to senior pastor I felt some things are missed by the novice who accepts a pastorate for the first time. And so here is a brief word to the newbie.
During your tenure as pastor you will meet many different peoples. Personalities range from the pleasant to the bizarre. Many of these do not have an understanding of what a pastor is and how he/she is accessible, what limitations exist in counseling, how they make a living, et cetera. You will not be able to teach many of them any of this so just move on in a pastoral way.
You will be in the public eye and subject to close scrutiny by most. Both you and your family will be under the microscope. The best way to live is with honesty and a transparency that shows compassion with other attributes and disciplines conducive to being a minister. Live according to the instructions of the pastoral epistles of the New Testament. Know how to answer what you believe, doubting not. Pray. Judge not. Pray. Listen more than you speak. Pray. Study His Word. Pray.
During your tenure as pastor you will meet many different peoples. Personalities range from the pleasant to the bizarre. Many of these do not have an understanding of what a pastor is and how he/she is accessible, what limitations exist in counseling, how they make a living, et cetera. You will not be able to teach many of them any of this so just move on in a pastoral way.
You will be in the public eye and subject to close scrutiny by most. Both you and your family will be under the microscope. The best way to live is with honesty and a transparency that shows compassion with other attributes and disciplines conducive to being a minister. Live according to the instructions of the pastoral epistles of the New Testament. Know how to answer what you believe, doubting not. Pray. Judge not. Pray. Listen more than you speak. Pray. Study His Word. Pray.
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