Teaching Children's Sermon in October 2006
This month was my 11 year anniversary as pastor of First Baptist Church of Moreland, Georgia. 11 years ago I was the youngest pastor in Coweta County, now I have the 3rd longest tenure of pastors in the Western Baptist Association. Every April I give you golden truths from the trenches.
1). Pastors are measured by numbers. It's wrong, but it happens. Only three numbers matter: Bodies, Budget, and Buildings. Baptisms used to be included, but no more. How many people attend your church? How much money do you have coming in? How big are your buildings? All three of these are interconnected. God, though, has a completely different standard for measuring pastors.
2). Pastors are most criticized for not visiting. Pastoral care is one of the greatest strengths the church has to offer – it separates a church from an organization.
3). The hardest thing within a church to accomplish is to create an effective disciplemaking process. It’s easier for me to raise money than make disciples. Jesus, though, wants disciples.
4). Trying to be “Cool” always backfires. Nobody thinks preachers are cool.
5). Nothing is worth getting angry about. James 1:19-20 warns us about anger. Problems only get worse when people become angry.
6). People will come to church if you invite them. This principle works. The easiest and quickest way to grow a church or Sunday School class – get the folks to invite their friends.
7). Pastors must walk a fine line with politics. Some church members love discussing politics and others despise it. Encourage everyone to vote biblical values.
8). Have someone commit to praying for you and your ministry. I have a former pastor in Stockbridge, Georgia who prays weekly for me and our church. We mail him a bulletin so he can pray specifically for every event and ministry – he knows more about what’s going on at our church than most members.
9). Never be alone with minors. If they accuse you of anything, you immediately go to jail.
10). Preach on the hard topics. Alcohol, remarriage, divorce, homosexuality, pornography – the folks in the pews are wondering what the Bible says about the most controversial issues.
11). It’s better to overdress than underdress. There’s a reason for the phrase, “Sunday Best.”
Related Posts:
Ten Discoveries in Ten Years
9 Truths in 9 Years
1). Pastors are measured by numbers. It's wrong, but it happens. Only three numbers matter: Bodies, Budget, and Buildings. Baptisms used to be included, but no more. How many people attend your church? How much money do you have coming in? How big are your buildings? All three of these are interconnected. God, though, has a completely different standard for measuring pastors.
2). Pastors are most criticized for not visiting. Pastoral care is one of the greatest strengths the church has to offer – it separates a church from an organization.
3). The hardest thing within a church to accomplish is to create an effective disciplemaking process. It’s easier for me to raise money than make disciples. Jesus, though, wants disciples.
4). Trying to be “Cool” always backfires. Nobody thinks preachers are cool.
5). Nothing is worth getting angry about. James 1:19-20 warns us about anger. Problems only get worse when people become angry.
6). People will come to church if you invite them. This principle works. The easiest and quickest way to grow a church or Sunday School class – get the folks to invite their friends.
7). Pastors must walk a fine line with politics. Some church members love discussing politics and others despise it. Encourage everyone to vote biblical values.
8). Have someone commit to praying for you and your ministry. I have a former pastor in Stockbridge, Georgia who prays weekly for me and our church. We mail him a bulletin so he can pray specifically for every event and ministry – he knows more about what’s going on at our church than most members.
9). Never be alone with minors. If they accuse you of anything, you immediately go to jail.
10). Preach on the hard topics. Alcohol, remarriage, divorce, homosexuality, pornography – the folks in the pews are wondering what the Bible says about the most controversial issues.
11). It’s better to overdress than underdress. There’s a reason for the phrase, “Sunday Best.”
Related Posts:
Ten Discoveries in Ten Years
9 Truths in 9 Years
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