I've been privileged to have published eight books. None has brought me greater pleasure than The Healthy Small Church: Diagnosis and Treatment for the Big Issues. It has been my best selling book and is the basis for the seminar I am most often asked to lead. The reason this book brings me so much pleasure is because many people are not sure a smaller church can be healthy. There is so much emphasis placed on the larger church that some view a small church as something that is unhealthy and destined to close.
Regardless of size, a church can be healthy or unhealthy. There are unhealthy large churches, and there are healthy smaller churches. Size has nothing to do with the health of a church.
In the book I explore 13 different aspects of church life that will determine if the church is healthy or unhealthy. In the final chapter I share two or three questions for each of these topics for church leaders to ask to determine how healthy their church is. I encourage church leaders to look at those questions once a year as an annual check-up of their church. Just like we humans, something might show up in an annual exam that wasn't there in the previous exam. Catching a problem early can help prevent it from becoming worse. The same is true of churches.
Asking these questions might cause the leadership to determine that their church isn't healthy. Of course, they may have known that even before studying the questions. The good news is that any church can become healthy if it is willing to take the necessary steps. A healthy church can become even healthier by focusing on some areas of its life that could stand improvement.
Judicatory leaders have ordered copies of this book for all the pastors in their districts. Congregations have ordered copies for each family and worked through each chapter as a church. Church boards have ordered copies for each member of the board and studied it together. I've been blessed by letters, emails, and personal conversations I've had with some churches that have done this who reported how much it helped their church.
This book has led to me being invited to lead a seminar based on the book for numerous denominational groups around the US and Canada. It has been a privilege to share this information with these church leaders and to encourage them. I learned a long time ago that most small church ministers and leaders could stand a little encouragement from time to time.
I am about to wrap up a stint as the Transitional Pastor for the church I am now serving and am available to speak at your pastor gatherings. Besides this subject, I have led seminars based on some of the other books I've written, but this one has been the most requested.
Let me close with a word of encouragement. If you are serving in a smaller church that is not especially healthy, please don't give up. Perhaps you've been called to that church to help lead it to health. No church has to remain unhealthy. It is God's will that every church be healthy and thriving, and with His help your church can become such a church. If I can help you in that, please feel free to contact me.
Monday, April 23, 2018
Thursday, April 19, 2018
Higher education and its assault on Christians
I was saddened to read the infamous tweets by a Fresno University professor who expressed her pleasure at the passing of Barbara Bush. I was saddened but not shocked because this is the type of society we have become. The same people who demand an end to bullying have no problems bullying and saying hateful things about conservatives or others with whom they disagree. When this professor began receiving replies attacking her views she gleefully reminded people she was a tenured professor making $100K a year and could not be fired for expressing her views. Of course, the university issued a statement expressing "concern" but stated that as a private citizen she had a right to her opinions even if they did not reflect that of the university.
I don't know what recourse a university has with a tenured professor even if they did want to take action. However, I do know what recourse the public has. We can stop sending our young people to such places where they will be indoctrinated with the beliefs this professor and others like her share.
Many universities today are hostile towards Christians. They demand great tolerance towards all other religions and beliefs, but turn away when Christian beliefs and values come under attack. Christian organizations have been banned from some universities.
A number of universities now require incoming students to undergo "diversity training." Such training is intended to create an atmosphere of tolerance and respect on campus. However, we continue to read about attacks on Christian groups that occur on campuses, and no one does a thing about them. I've watched more than one video of students tearing up displays and using sound systems to drown out Christian gatherings. On many campuses riots break out if a conservative speaker is invited to speak, especially if that individual is a Christian. It appears they don't cover that in "diversity training."
I cannot understand why any Christian would send their children to such indoctrination camps that are determined to rid Christian young people of their values and the beliefs they've been taught at home. To give these schools tens of thousands of dollars to do that is even more incredible. Any school that permits bias against Christians should be banned by every Christian family in America.
I did my undergrad work at a secular school in the mid-1980s, and it was challenging then for a person who held to conservative Christian values. I was in my 40s at the time so I didn't have the problems some of my younger classmates had. I knew what I believed and wasn't intimidated by the professors nor was I afraid to challenge them. Many of the younger Christians in the classes weren't so sure of their beliefs and were easily intimidated. It is far worse today than it was then.
There are many excellent schools that will provide your children with an education and do it while instilling the morals and values Christian families hold dear. Like many areas of our society, we are beginning to see a growing divide between secular education and Christian higher education. It's time Christian families chose Christian universities for their children's education.
I don't know what recourse a university has with a tenured professor even if they did want to take action. However, I do know what recourse the public has. We can stop sending our young people to such places where they will be indoctrinated with the beliefs this professor and others like her share.
Many universities today are hostile towards Christians. They demand great tolerance towards all other religions and beliefs, but turn away when Christian beliefs and values come under attack. Christian organizations have been banned from some universities.
A number of universities now require incoming students to undergo "diversity training." Such training is intended to create an atmosphere of tolerance and respect on campus. However, we continue to read about attacks on Christian groups that occur on campuses, and no one does a thing about them. I've watched more than one video of students tearing up displays and using sound systems to drown out Christian gatherings. On many campuses riots break out if a conservative speaker is invited to speak, especially if that individual is a Christian. It appears they don't cover that in "diversity training."
I cannot understand why any Christian would send their children to such indoctrination camps that are determined to rid Christian young people of their values and the beliefs they've been taught at home. To give these schools tens of thousands of dollars to do that is even more incredible. Any school that permits bias against Christians should be banned by every Christian family in America.
I did my undergrad work at a secular school in the mid-1980s, and it was challenging then for a person who held to conservative Christian values. I was in my 40s at the time so I didn't have the problems some of my younger classmates had. I knew what I believed and wasn't intimidated by the professors nor was I afraid to challenge them. Many of the younger Christians in the classes weren't so sure of their beliefs and were easily intimidated. It is far worse today than it was then.
There are many excellent schools that will provide your children with an education and do it while instilling the morals and values Christian families hold dear. Like many areas of our society, we are beginning to see a growing divide between secular education and Christian higher education. It's time Christian families chose Christian universities for their children's education.
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Ministers and criticism
The story is told about D. L. Moody preaching a revival. On the last night of the revival a person in the audience handed an usher a note for Moody. When Moody received the note he read it, and all that was written was one word: FOOL!
Moody walked to the pulpit and said he had been handed a very unusual note. He told the people he had often received letters from people who failed to sign their names, but this was the first time he received one that was signed but the person forgot to write the letter.
Over the years I've been blessed to have very seldom received a critical note from anyone. On the rare occasions I have I look for a signature, and if there isn't one I quickly file it in the trash can. I can't respond to something when people won't even tell me who is being critical. No one can.
Actually, I don't mind constructive criticism. Such criticism can lead to growth in my life and ministry. I still remember early in my ministry when a teacher in our congregation approached me to say she was concerned that my poor grammar would hinder me in ministry. Unknown to her I had recently enrolled in a Bible school, and that first semester I was taking an English grammar class. That was 30 years ago, and recently when talking to her on the phone I asked if she remembered that conversation. She did and told me how scared she was to say anything about that to me. I assured her I appreciated her concern over my ministry and was not offended.
I don't even mind criticism that isn't constructive if it gives me a change to explain the reasons behind my words or actions. Sometimes people are critical about something because they do not understand the reasoning why things are done the was they are. If it gives me an opportunity to explain then such criticism can be positive. However, if I do not know who is complaining, there's not much I can do.
Another thing I learned early in ministry is that I will never please some people. Some people just have a critical spirit, and it doesn't matter what you do they are going to complain. Such people can drive you out of the ministry if you let them. I've learned to ignore them, and if they won't be ignored, then I'm more than willing to confront them.
I do encourage you to listen to the critics. Even if you don't agree with what they are saying, there may be a kernel of truth in their criticisms. If you can identify that kernel and correct it you may improve your ministry and make a future ally for the future. Criticism is never pleasant to hear, but if it makes you a better person or a better minister then it's important to hear it. I've learned a lot from my critics, and I've grown because of them. You can too.
Moody walked to the pulpit and said he had been handed a very unusual note. He told the people he had often received letters from people who failed to sign their names, but this was the first time he received one that was signed but the person forgot to write the letter.
Over the years I've been blessed to have very seldom received a critical note from anyone. On the rare occasions I have I look for a signature, and if there isn't one I quickly file it in the trash can. I can't respond to something when people won't even tell me who is being critical. No one can.
Actually, I don't mind constructive criticism. Such criticism can lead to growth in my life and ministry. I still remember early in my ministry when a teacher in our congregation approached me to say she was concerned that my poor grammar would hinder me in ministry. Unknown to her I had recently enrolled in a Bible school, and that first semester I was taking an English grammar class. That was 30 years ago, and recently when talking to her on the phone I asked if she remembered that conversation. She did and told me how scared she was to say anything about that to me. I assured her I appreciated her concern over my ministry and was not offended.
I don't even mind criticism that isn't constructive if it gives me a change to explain the reasons behind my words or actions. Sometimes people are critical about something because they do not understand the reasoning why things are done the was they are. If it gives me an opportunity to explain then such criticism can be positive. However, if I do not know who is complaining, there's not much I can do.
Another thing I learned early in ministry is that I will never please some people. Some people just have a critical spirit, and it doesn't matter what you do they are going to complain. Such people can drive you out of the ministry if you let them. I've learned to ignore them, and if they won't be ignored, then I'm more than willing to confront them.
I do encourage you to listen to the critics. Even if you don't agree with what they are saying, there may be a kernel of truth in their criticisms. If you can identify that kernel and correct it you may improve your ministry and make a future ally for the future. Criticism is never pleasant to hear, but if it makes you a better person or a better minister then it's important to hear it. I've learned a lot from my critics, and I've grown because of them. You can too.
Thursday, April 12, 2018
Christian education ministry challenges
Our church is currently looking at how we can improve our Christian education ministry. Like many churches we've seen a decline in Sunday school attendance over the past few years. It is not unusual for the attendance in Sunday school to be about half the attendance of the worship service in many churches. If we are to take seriously the call to make disciples that is not acceptable.
One of the things I'm focused on is starting new classes. Our church currently does not have a class for two important age groups so it's not surprising that we have few from those groups involved in Christian education. Besides, we know that new classes reach new people. In his excellent book What Every Pastor Should Know: 101 Indispensable Rules of Thumb for Leading Your Church Gary McIntosh writes that one of every five adult education classes should have been started within the last two years. That is certainly not the situation in our church nor is it for many churches.
It's very difficult for new people to enter an existing class. Some of the people in these classes have been together for years, even decades. They've watched each other's kids, taken trips together, and experienced life together. Trying to enter that world is like stopping by a stranger's house for Thanksgiving dinner. You might be invited in, but you'll never feel comfortable.
Unfortunately, it's not easy to start new classes. Some churches do not have the space. Some struggle to find teachers for their existing classes. A new class will often start very small which can be uncomfortable for people. Still, it's imperative to start new classes if we want to grow our Sunday schools.
Of course, in today's environment some people would be more interested in attending a small group than a Sunday school class. We just completed a 10 week term of small groups that featured a number of different groups that addressed various topics. Our attendance was strong in many of these groups, and one of them has now developed into a new Sunday school class. We plan to offer more small groups throughout the year as a way of improving our Christian education ministry.
Having specific starting and ending dates can encourage people to attend a class or small group. They know they are not signing up for a life sentence! The one group that has developed into a new class did so upon the request of the people who were attending the group. They asked for it to continue.
It also helps to offer different class structures and topics. In our small group format I encouraged each leader to select a topic they were interested in leading. Our staff gave final approval for each topic, but we found each one presented to us to be acceptable. You will limit the people who will attend your classes if you simply present material found in denominational quarterlies. We've found that people will come when the topics address real life situations they are facing.
We live in a time when Christian education programs in churches are struggling, but these struggles can be overcome. We simply need to begin thinking outside the box and provide such education in ways that will be attractive to those we want to reach.
One of the things I'm focused on is starting new classes. Our church currently does not have a class for two important age groups so it's not surprising that we have few from those groups involved in Christian education. Besides, we know that new classes reach new people. In his excellent book What Every Pastor Should Know: 101 Indispensable Rules of Thumb for Leading Your Church Gary McIntosh writes that one of every five adult education classes should have been started within the last two years. That is certainly not the situation in our church nor is it for many churches.
It's very difficult for new people to enter an existing class. Some of the people in these classes have been together for years, even decades. They've watched each other's kids, taken trips together, and experienced life together. Trying to enter that world is like stopping by a stranger's house for Thanksgiving dinner. You might be invited in, but you'll never feel comfortable.
Unfortunately, it's not easy to start new classes. Some churches do not have the space. Some struggle to find teachers for their existing classes. A new class will often start very small which can be uncomfortable for people. Still, it's imperative to start new classes if we want to grow our Sunday schools.
Of course, in today's environment some people would be more interested in attending a small group than a Sunday school class. We just completed a 10 week term of small groups that featured a number of different groups that addressed various topics. Our attendance was strong in many of these groups, and one of them has now developed into a new Sunday school class. We plan to offer more small groups throughout the year as a way of improving our Christian education ministry.
Having specific starting and ending dates can encourage people to attend a class or small group. They know they are not signing up for a life sentence! The one group that has developed into a new class did so upon the request of the people who were attending the group. They asked for it to continue.
It also helps to offer different class structures and topics. In our small group format I encouraged each leader to select a topic they were interested in leading. Our staff gave final approval for each topic, but we found each one presented to us to be acceptable. You will limit the people who will attend your classes if you simply present material found in denominational quarterlies. We've found that people will come when the topics address real life situations they are facing.
We live in a time when Christian education programs in churches are struggling, but these struggles can be overcome. We simply need to begin thinking outside the box and provide such education in ways that will be attractive to those we want to reach.
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Best commentaries for lay people
At our Bible study the other evening one member of our church asked what criteria should a lay person use when selecting a commentary. It was a great question, completely off topic, and I gave only a partial answer. My initial response was
The question also reminded me that some lay persons do not know how to select the proper tools to help their personal study of the Scriptures. Those of us in ministry take these tools for granted, but many lay persons wonder which are the best tools for them when so many are available. If we want to see our people grow deeper in the faith, let's help them identify the best tools to help them do that.
- Learn as much as you can about the theology of the author/editor as you can. Most lay people will want a commentary that is a good fit with their theology. However, I also shared that I have several in my own library written by persons with whom I differ in some aspects of theology, but I know that when I am using their commentaries in my study and take that in consideration in my study.
- Buy commentaries produced by reputable Christian publishers. I cautioned our group against buying a commentary that is self-published or published by the publishing arm of a cult.
- My third recommendation was to carefully review any commentary before purchasing. Good ones are not cheap, and it's easy to spend a lot of money on study tools that aren't very helpful.
- Spend some time actually using a commentary before investing in it. Most college and university libraries have Bible commentaries in their libraries. We have a college about ten minutes from my house, and they permit anyone to use their resources. We have a seminary about an hour away, and in my early years of ministry I often went there for an afternoon of study. Our local library has some commentaries available although most of them are older. Still, any of these provide opportunity for you to check out a commentary before buying it.
- Make sure the commentary you are considering is a good fit for you, not only theologically but educationally as well. Some commentaries are very heavy in their usage of Greek and Hebrew, and if you are not educated in those languages they will not be very helpful.
- Avoid buying sets but concentrate on commentaries for individual books of the Bible. In a multi-volume set of commentaries there is the likelihood that some books will not be as helpful as others. Besides, sets cost more, and there is a good chance you might not use all the books in the set.
- Seek the help of others in selecting the best commentaries for you. A local pastor who knows you might be able to recommend good options. Spend some time online researching the best commentaries for each book of the Bible, and just buy a commentary for the particular book you are currently studying.
- One volume commentaries on the entire Bible will give you an overview, but because of its size will not go in depth in any particular book of the Bible much less individual verses.
- Remember that some commentaries are better at certain areas of study that others. For instance, I have a set of NT commentaries written by an individual whose theology differs from mine in many areas. However, I find his commentaries are very good at giving background information. I use that particular set primarily to gain perspective about what the context was at the time the actions or teachings occurred.
The question also reminded me that some lay persons do not know how to select the proper tools to help their personal study of the Scriptures. Those of us in ministry take these tools for granted, but many lay persons wonder which are the best tools for them when so many are available. If we want to see our people grow deeper in the faith, let's help them identify the best tools to help them do that.
Monday, April 9, 2018
What message is your church sending?
Col. Harlan Sanders life is a true life rags to riches story. During his life he had a number of jobs none of which were successful. It was not until he was in his 60s that he found success with Kentucky Fried Chicken. For the rest of his life he was a popular spokesman for the franchise even after he sold it. Today, the company that owns KFC has used various actors to portray Sanders in their ads. Personally, I've found the commercials offensive to the memory of the founder of this company and haven't eaten at KFC since they began airing.
Dr. Pepper is another company that has turned me off with their commercials. That is my favorite soft drink, but I haven't had but one or two bottles since they began running an ad with some screeching guy promoting the drink. This commercial doesn't offend me; it just seems dumb and annoying. Instead of making me want to drink a Dr. Pepper I don't want to take the chance of running into Lil' Sweet!
What message does your church send to people, especially to those who might be looking for a church to attend? First-time guests decide whether or not they are going to return within the first few minutes of arriving at your property, so those first impressions are important.
The appearance of your property is the first thing most guests are going to notice. Is the lawn mowed? Is the front of the building clean and attractive, or is the paint chipped and falling off the front door? Are the shrubs trimmed and the flower beds weeded? Are there people at the entrance to greet them and give directions. Is there good signage to direct people where to go? Is your church telling guests it is glad to have them, or is your message one that says that this church is for our members who know where everything is and how we do things?
Your community ministry also sends a message. Is your church active in the community ministering to the needs that exist there, or is it primarily focused on itself? A friend of mine has grown disenchanted with her church because of its inward focus. Although this is a larger church, it has little involvement with the community. It is constantly conducting fund raising efforts to pay off or purchase things for the church, but it does little to serve those outside the church. As a result, many have left this church, and my friend doesn't attend it as she once did. Her family is discussing visiting other churches.
The church has been given the greatest message of all to share with the world. It is a message of grace and forgiveness. It is a message of a God who wants to have a personal relationship with every individual for all eternity. But, before we can share that message we have to deal with the message our church is giving. When our message is right we earn the privilege of sharing God's message with others. If our church's message is wrong we'll never have the opportunity to share God's message.
Dr. Pepper is another company that has turned me off with their commercials. That is my favorite soft drink, but I haven't had but one or two bottles since they began running an ad with some screeching guy promoting the drink. This commercial doesn't offend me; it just seems dumb and annoying. Instead of making me want to drink a Dr. Pepper I don't want to take the chance of running into Lil' Sweet!
What message does your church send to people, especially to those who might be looking for a church to attend? First-time guests decide whether or not they are going to return within the first few minutes of arriving at your property, so those first impressions are important.
The appearance of your property is the first thing most guests are going to notice. Is the lawn mowed? Is the front of the building clean and attractive, or is the paint chipped and falling off the front door? Are the shrubs trimmed and the flower beds weeded? Are there people at the entrance to greet them and give directions. Is there good signage to direct people where to go? Is your church telling guests it is glad to have them, or is your message one that says that this church is for our members who know where everything is and how we do things?
Your community ministry also sends a message. Is your church active in the community ministering to the needs that exist there, or is it primarily focused on itself? A friend of mine has grown disenchanted with her church because of its inward focus. Although this is a larger church, it has little involvement with the community. It is constantly conducting fund raising efforts to pay off or purchase things for the church, but it does little to serve those outside the church. As a result, many have left this church, and my friend doesn't attend it as she once did. Her family is discussing visiting other churches.
The church has been given the greatest message of all to share with the world. It is a message of grace and forgiveness. It is a message of a God who wants to have a personal relationship with every individual for all eternity. But, before we can share that message we have to deal with the message our church is giving. When our message is right we earn the privilege of sharing God's message with others. If our church's message is wrong we'll never have the opportunity to share God's message.
Friday, April 6, 2018
It's Friday but Sunday's Coming
This past Sunday being Easter I reminded our congregation that when Jesus died it was only Friday, but Sunday was coming. Although the disciples and others thought everything they had believed in had ended, they didn't realize that Sunday was yet to come. I should have known better than to preach that message!
My Friday occurred this past Tuesday. I woke up with an infected tooth that had to be pulled. While I was waiting for the dentist office to open I found out my computer couldn't connect to the Internet. The computer couldn't find the internet adapter. I looked up how to reconnect the adapter, and couldn't find it anywhere on my computer. By this time I was able to call the dentist and was told to come right over. The tooth was beyond saving so I had it pulled. I came home and didn't feel like fooling with the computer any more that day.
The next morning I tried again to fix it to no avail. There was nothing to do but call my computer repair guy. We felt it probably had a virus. After checking it out he discovered the adapter wasn't even listed on the computer. (At least I was looking in the right place!) Later that night he called saying he had it fixed. Evidently, lightening Monday night entered the computer and took out just that one board. He repaired it, cleaned up some programs that weren't working properly, and it's working great now. Now, if the last of the jaw pain would go away I would feel great again.
Compared to many people in the world my "Friday" wasn't that bad. Uncomfortable perhaps, and certainly annoying, but not bad. Still, I always look for Sunday to come.
The hope that we have as Christians is that there are always better days ahead because Jesus Christ defeated death and the grave. He brings us through our valleys in this world and gives us the confidence that one day we shall kneel in His presence and be with Him forever.
If you want to be blessed this morning go to You Tube and watch the video "It's Friday but Sunday's Coming" by S. M. Lockridge. If it doesn't light a fire in you, your wood's wet!
My Friday occurred this past Tuesday. I woke up with an infected tooth that had to be pulled. While I was waiting for the dentist office to open I found out my computer couldn't connect to the Internet. The computer couldn't find the internet adapter. I looked up how to reconnect the adapter, and couldn't find it anywhere on my computer. By this time I was able to call the dentist and was told to come right over. The tooth was beyond saving so I had it pulled. I came home and didn't feel like fooling with the computer any more that day.
The next morning I tried again to fix it to no avail. There was nothing to do but call my computer repair guy. We felt it probably had a virus. After checking it out he discovered the adapter wasn't even listed on the computer. (At least I was looking in the right place!) Later that night he called saying he had it fixed. Evidently, lightening Monday night entered the computer and took out just that one board. He repaired it, cleaned up some programs that weren't working properly, and it's working great now. Now, if the last of the jaw pain would go away I would feel great again.
Compared to many people in the world my "Friday" wasn't that bad. Uncomfortable perhaps, and certainly annoying, but not bad. Still, I always look for Sunday to come.
The hope that we have as Christians is that there are always better days ahead because Jesus Christ defeated death and the grave. He brings us through our valleys in this world and gives us the confidence that one day we shall kneel in His presence and be with Him forever.
If you want to be blessed this morning go to You Tube and watch the video "It's Friday but Sunday's Coming" by S. M. Lockridge. If it doesn't light a fire in you, your wood's wet!
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Transition from being a fully-funded pastor to bivocational
A few years ago I worked with a church that could no longer afford a fully-funded pastor. Their current pastor had been there for a few years and felt no leading from God to leave. He was willing to seek outside employment to remain at the church in a bivocational role. Other pastors have contacted me over the years saying their churches were considering the same transition and wondering what they should do. Some were willing to become bivocational but were unsure what other careers they should consider. A few told me they were not trained to do anything but ministry and were frightened by the prospect of having to leave the ministry if they were unable to find another church.
During these conversations I remind these pastors that their ministry training has given them many transferable skills that could be used in other areas of work. One pastor who made this transition had served several years in youth ministry before being called to a pastoral role. When he later became bivocational he found a job leading a youth center in his community, a job he's now been doing for several years. It was a perfect fit. Other pastors serve as teachers, some as substitute teachers, to keep their hours flexible. Some have gone into business or accepted leadership roles in various organizations. Some have furthered their education in counseling and have transitioned into that field while remaining in the ministry. Many of the things we do in ministry are needed in other fields as well.
One question I often ask these pastors concerns their majors in college. Many pastors were considering other careers while in college and pursuing education to prepare them for that work before feeling called to ministry. If this was an area of interest for them in the past, perhaps it is a good career choice to consider while becoming a bivocational minister.
Bivocational ministers can be found working many different jobs. For me, the most important challenge is to find a job you will enjoy that gives you the flexibility you need to also serve your church and provide financially for your family.
Tomorrow we will focus on the more difficult aspect of making this transition: letting go of some of the ministry tasks you were used to doing.
During these conversations I remind these pastors that their ministry training has given them many transferable skills that could be used in other areas of work. One pastor who made this transition had served several years in youth ministry before being called to a pastoral role. When he later became bivocational he found a job leading a youth center in his community, a job he's now been doing for several years. It was a perfect fit. Other pastors serve as teachers, some as substitute teachers, to keep their hours flexible. Some have gone into business or accepted leadership roles in various organizations. Some have furthered their education in counseling and have transitioned into that field while remaining in the ministry. Many of the things we do in ministry are needed in other fields as well.
One question I often ask these pastors concerns their majors in college. Many pastors were considering other careers while in college and pursuing education to prepare them for that work before feeling called to ministry. If this was an area of interest for them in the past, perhaps it is a good career choice to consider while becoming a bivocational minister.
Bivocational ministers can be found working many different jobs. For me, the most important challenge is to find a job you will enjoy that gives you the flexibility you need to also serve your church and provide financially for your family.
Tomorrow we will focus on the more difficult aspect of making this transition: letting go of some of the ministry tasks you were used to doing.
Monday, April 2, 2018
Learn to feed yourself
When some people leave a church they sometimes claim they are doing so because they "are not being fed." One of the duties of a pastor is to feed the congregation biblical truth so those attending can grow in their faith. Not every pastor does this well, and some do not even make the effort. Rather than preach sound biblical messages some pastors want to present a watered-down version of the Gospel to avoid offending anyone. Some pastors cannot teach the Scriptures to their people because they do not have a firm understanding of biblical truth themselves. A seminary student once admitted to me that he did not know that much about the Bible!
I am thankful for those pastors who do take seriously their responsibility to teach biblical truth each week to their congregations. These men and women spend hours each week preparing messages that will be "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." Such pastors help their listeners grow deeper in their faith and service to God.
However, it is not just the pastor's job to feed us biblical truth. Each person is called to be students of the Scriptures for themselves. We are to personally feed on the Word of God in order to grow in our faith. None of us attempts to eat one meal a week and think that will be sufficient to maintain good physical health, so why should we think that one sermon a week is enough for good spiritual health.
One of our Baptist beliefs is the priesthood of the believer. This includes many aspects of our spiritual lives, but one aspect is that we believe that we are able as individuals to study the Scriptures for ourselves, and that we have a duty to do so. No one can make the claim that they are "just a layperson" and dependent upon others to teach us all we need to know about God and our faith.
Yet, I know people who have been Christians for many years and claim to know very little about the Bible. One person who has attended the same church for decades recently admitted to me that he did not know that much about the Bible. Knowing the pastors this person has sat under I was stunned by this admission. Evidently, he has not paid much attention each week and has done virtually no personal study of the Scriptures.
Sometimes when I hear people say they left a church because they were not being fed I think of the image of a nest full of baby birds with their heads straight up in the air and their mouths open waiting for Momma bird to drop in a piece of worm. That's understandable when they are first born, but it won't be long before they will need to leave the nest and feed themselves or they will starve. As Christians we need to be feeding ourselves a solid diet of sound biblical theology, and we need to do this throughout our lives if we want to remain spiritually healthy. Challenge your pastor if he or she isn't teaching sound theology, but don't depend on others to feed you. Learn to feed yourself.
I am thankful for those pastors who do take seriously their responsibility to teach biblical truth each week to their congregations. These men and women spend hours each week preparing messages that will be "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." Such pastors help their listeners grow deeper in their faith and service to God.
However, it is not just the pastor's job to feed us biblical truth. Each person is called to be students of the Scriptures for themselves. We are to personally feed on the Word of God in order to grow in our faith. None of us attempts to eat one meal a week and think that will be sufficient to maintain good physical health, so why should we think that one sermon a week is enough for good spiritual health.
One of our Baptist beliefs is the priesthood of the believer. This includes many aspects of our spiritual lives, but one aspect is that we believe that we are able as individuals to study the Scriptures for ourselves, and that we have a duty to do so. No one can make the claim that they are "just a layperson" and dependent upon others to teach us all we need to know about God and our faith.
Yet, I know people who have been Christians for many years and claim to know very little about the Bible. One person who has attended the same church for decades recently admitted to me that he did not know that much about the Bible. Knowing the pastors this person has sat under I was stunned by this admission. Evidently, he has not paid much attention each week and has done virtually no personal study of the Scriptures.
Sometimes when I hear people say they left a church because they were not being fed I think of the image of a nest full of baby birds with their heads straight up in the air and their mouths open waiting for Momma bird to drop in a piece of worm. That's understandable when they are first born, but it won't be long before they will need to leave the nest and feed themselves or they will starve. As Christians we need to be feeding ourselves a solid diet of sound biblical theology, and we need to do this throughout our lives if we want to remain spiritually healthy. Challenge your pastor if he or she isn't teaching sound theology, but don't depend on others to feed you. Learn to feed yourself.
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