Encouragement from an Older Preacher

I have been accused of being a Bible collector at times. I have about 6 or 7 different English translations in print and many more via Logos and the Bible app. What can I say, I like God’s word and want to see it from different angles.

One of my favorite print Bible at this time is my CSB Pastor’s Bible. I really like the translation, the single column layout, but one of the best tools are the articles found at the end of the Bible. These are articles from various people to help encourage pastors in their duties.

One of those articles is from Charles Spurgeon. The article was titled “Glorifying God in Your Ministry.” This article spoke to my heart greatly today. Here’s some of what it said:

Whether souls are converted or not, if Jesus Christ be faithfully preached, the minister has not labored in vain because he is a sweet aroma to God as well in them that perish as in them that are saved…

It is ours to sow even in stony places, where no fruit rewards our toil, but still we are bound to look for a harvest and mourn if it does not appear in due time…

In too many cases awe-inspiring truths are avoided under the false belief that they are not practical, while the very fact that they are revealed proves that the Lord thinks them to be of value…

The ambassadors of peace should not cease to weep bitterly until sinners weep for their sins.

Whoa…I

There is a task that we have been given: share the gospel. It is just that simple. It is not always easy, but it is that simple. We are not that it will always be fruitful. There may be seasons (even prolonged ones) of drought.

The main question is: are we being faithful to the task?

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Review of the CSB Pastor’s Bible

I had been hearing about this Bible that was coming out in October 2017 called the Pastor’s Bible from Holman Publishers. This is a style of Bible that has been called “the Minister’s Bible” in the past with other translations. I finally got me a copy, and after a couple of months, I am ready to share my thoughts.

Translation

It is important that a person have a copy of God’s word in a translation that they can understand. This was one of the heartbeats of those involved in the Protestant Reformation. They wanted to get God’s word into the language and hands of the common people so that they could experience the life-changing power of the Bible.

While there are many good English translations on the market, I have come to really appreciate the Christian Standard translation (CSB). I believe that it was more than an update to the Holman Christian Standard (which was not the greatest). The CSB is a translation that tries to bring the original languages into today’s English. I really think that the CSB might be best English translation since the 1984 NIV in that it not only tries to be true to the original languages, but it brings the text in a way that is easy to read.

Check out more about the CSB at their website by clicking here.

Features

• Single-column text. This was one of my favorite features of this Bible. Having the text in a single column makes it much easier to read and keep your place while preaching/teaching.
• All black text. I know that some people like the words of Christ in red, but I think by keeping all the text the same it keeps the focus that all of the Bible is important and God’s word.
• Very readable font. The font is a 10-point Serif that is very clear for reading.
• Two formats. It comes in either genuine leather (brown) or deluxe leathertouch (black). I went with the deluxe leathertouch because of price (typically about $40 cheaper). The leathertouch feels nice and is holding up well so far.

   

Special Features

• Tips and sample sermon outlines for weddings and funerals. These come in handy especially to a younger pastor who is looking for helps in these areas. The tips for what to do in these events have helped me out greatly in the past. There are samples of traditional and contemporary wedding services. There are also samples of funeral sermons for different situations.
• Articles on various duties of the pastor’s life. These articles serve to help a minister in giving tips on preaching, leading, and other areas of the pastor’s life. Some of the contributors are Jim Henry, Matt Chandler, Eric Geiger, Jared Wilson, Tony Merida, Keith Getty, Robert Smith Jr, Daniel Im, and many more.
• Pastoral Care references. There is a two-page reference of verses to turn to when dealing with different situations in ministry.

  

Conclusion

The CSB Pastors Bible is one of my favorite bibles that I own. It has just about everything you would want in a bible as a pastor. It is not bulky, but it comes packed with many resources for today’s pastor.

With Christmas just around the corner, I would recommend that you pick up one of these as a great gift for you pastor this season. He will no doubt get much use out of this Bible.

You can find this Bible in a number of places like LifeWay, Amazon, Christianbooks.

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Pastor Appreciation 2017 Part 3

October has been recognized as “Pastor Appreciation Month,” and so I am taking a little time to recognize and honor some of the people that God has used as “pastors” in my life.  Those special people that God uses to spur you on to grow in your faith and be busy about the Great Commission deserve to be honored (1 Timothy 5:17).

In this post, I would like to take a little time to appreciate Dr. Curtis Ferrell.  Dr. Ferrell has recently retired from the Associational Missions Director position at the Calhoun Baptist Association in Calhoun County, Mississippi.  Curtis and his sweet wife are some precious folk.  They truly have a love for our Lord and passion to serve Him well.

When I came to Calhoun County some 4+ years ago, Dr. Ferrell was one of the first to come alongside of me.  He had the responsibility for looking out for some 46 churches in the county at that time.  I know that he poured countless hours into local ministers and churches.  He had a passion to see a Hispanic ministry take off in our county.  That might have been tied to the fact that he was the son of a missionary family in South America and also that his family served in South America as well.  Whatever the case, it was so refreshing to see someone with a passion for people that needed to experience the wonder of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I appreciated the ways in which this seasoned minister took time to listen to what was going on in my life and give some wise advice.  He would constantly ask me about how things were going both at church and at the house.  He truly had a heart for the county here during the time the Lord allowed him to serve here.

I will forever be grateful for the friendship that God gave me in this dear man (and his wife).  I know that God has big  plans for them as they will continue to serve Him in our state and around the globe.

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Pastor Appreciation 2017 Part 2

I am using this month like many others to recognize and show my appreciation for the “pastors” that God has brought into our lives. These are the specialized ones that comes into our lives and shepherd us towards what God is wanting to do in us.

In this post, I want to take time to appreciate a man named Dan Perez. Many know him as “Dan the Man” because that is what he is.

Dan Perez was one of my first Sunday School teachers as a teenager. I really think that Dan lost some bet in a youth workers’ meeting when you look at the teens that he was tasked with keeping an eye on in the youth group. Actually, when you spend any amount of time with Dan, you will quickly see that he has a heart for people to know Christ.

Dan Perez has been one that God has used to guide me in great ways. He was so much more than just someone to lead a lesson on Sunday mornings. He took time with his class. He had us in his house. He would get to know us personally and use that knowledge to point us in a good direction.

I am will forever be grateful to Dan (and his sweet wife, Nina) for the ways that they have and are pouring into my life and the life of my family.

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Pastor Appreciation 2017 Part 1

October has been set aside as “Pastor Appreciation Month.” I have always thought that this was a little silly. It is like the joke that goes around the church where I serve as pastor: “we got to appreciate you a little.”

When it comes to showing appreciation to your pastor, I think that it would be good to understand who those “pastors” are. Just because a person holds a position in a church, it does not mean that they have been a pastor. Just because a person does not hold the title of “Pastor” (of any kind) that does not mean that he or she is not serving in that role.

During this month, I want to take some time to recognize some of the people who have been “Pastor” to me. These are people that the Lord has placed in my life over the years to help me become what God desires.

In this post, I want to talk about my appreciation for the man I consider my first pastor: Joey Savell.

Joey was the youth pastor that God used in great ways to disciple me as a teenager. When I had been burnt by “church as usual”, this guy was leading a ministry that was reaching out to students both close to God and very far from Him. I am so grateful that he was obedient to the Lord (even when it cost him MANY of confrontations in deacons’ meetings).

Joey has been there for me ever since God called me into the ministry in the summer of 1996. He took me under his wing and gave me opportunities to learn and grow in my faith and calling. He has always been one that I could call up and share my heart with. He has definitely been given the gift of “telling it like it is.” It has been good when I have needed a voice that was going to shoot me straight that I could call on this man.

The apostle Paul never was married, he did play a parent role (spiritually speaking) in a few people’s lives. Just as Timothy and Titus are referred to as Paul’s sons in the ministry, Joey has served as a father in the ministry to me and other people throughout the years.  Thank you for all that you do, Joey!

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Book Review: Pastoral Theology

Title: Pastoral Theology: Theological Foundations For Who A Pastor Is and What He Does

Author: Daniel L. Akin and R. Scott Pace

Publisher: B&H Academic of Nashville, TN

Overview

Pastoral Theology is a book that seeks to build a theological framework for pastoral ministry that is “biblically derived, historically informed, doctrinally sound, missionary engaged, and contextually relevant.” The book is divided into three sections: Trinitarian Foundation, Doctrinal Formulation, and Practical Facilitation which have three chapters in each section.  There is a section at the end that shows where different Bible references were used throughout the book.

Thoughts

The work of pastoral ministry is one that is not for the faint of heart.  There are so many expectations and demands on the one who chooses to follow the Lord’s calling and serve the local church.  Akin and Pace have put together a great work that will help any aspiring pastor to understand what God has called him to and have a solid theological foundation as he serves the Lord.

While Pastoral Theology may be seen by many as a textbook of sorts, the authors have done a fantastic job in writing in a way that it does not seem academic.  The authors use a practical approach to help equip pastors to see that the work that they have been called to is one that must be rooted in a solid theology.  I love how the book is soaked with Bible references and not just popular thoughts of what a pastor should be doing today.

Recommendation

I would agree with many of the persons that are noted at the beginning of the book giving small reviews that Pastoral Theology is a book that every person aspiring to do the work of a pastor should have not only on their bookshelf but in close reach to help and remind what they are to do and why they should be doing it.

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It's That Important

We started a new session of small groups at our church this past Sunday.  We have moved from a regular service to doing more small group Bible studies on Sunday evenings.  We are seeing some peaked interest and even a little rise in attendance.  This is our second session of the small groups that we started this year, and I am excited to see where they go.

I was asked about where I (being the pastor) was going to be during this session of small groups as I was not lined up to teach one.  I had gotten a couple of pokes about my name not being on the signup list anywhere.  When asked the question about where I would be, I simply replied, “I’m doing childcare.”

The look on some of the faces was interesting.  You could see the wheels turning… “The pastor is going to help with child care instead of teaching a class???”

Yep… I was and am.

I had told our church that the area of children’s ministry (from birth up) is one of the most important areas of ministry in our church.  I had done sermons on it, used it as illustrations, and tried to highlight it in many ways.  The time had come for this pastor to put his money where his mouth is.

It seems strange to some that the pastor is downstairs helping watch the children while their parents/grandparents are upstairs in Bible study.  The truth is I truly believe that this area of ministry is one of the most important areas in our church.  So much so, I am willing to step out of the pulpit and get to serving where I see a need.

For some, the child care area of your church may seem like the 7th layer of Hades, but I would encourage you to see the importance of this ministry.  Here are a couple of things to think about:

Children need intentional ministry

It is important for the church to realize that not everyone learns on the level of an adult.  I’m not saying that we need to “dumb the gospel down,” but I am saying that it would serve the church best to intentionally teach different areas according to their learning styles.

This ministry speaks volumes to young families.

As a young parent myself, I recognize the value of a good child care ministry at a church.  There is nothing that will turn a young family away from a church than a bad child care ministry or none at all.  The church is supposed to be a ministry that extends from generation to generation.  The previous generation passes the torch to the next and so on.  When a church decides that the children’s area (primarily the child care area) is not that important, they cut off future generations of ministry.

Church members need to use their gifts.

The Bible is pretty clear when it speaks to every follower of Jesus having spiritual gifts that are to be used to build up the church and do the work of ministry (1 Corinthians 12:4-21).  There are some that feel they do not have a place to serve in the church.  I believe that a person does not have to be the greatest “teacher” in the world to love on children and share with them the love of Jesus.  I do believe that there needs to be some careful precautions in the children’s area, but this area provides a great place for people to set up the next generations of the church.

For the next six weeks, if you come by our church on a Sunday evening and are looking for the pastor, you will have to come downstairs or send someone to the children’s area, because that’s where I will be.  Why? Because it’s just that important.

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Foreshadowing of a Pastor

Once again, I am on a journey to read through the Bible in a  year.  I am currently using the Chronological plan that can be found on YouVersion or Blue Letter Bible.  I have found that reading through the Bible in a chronological way can help a person better get the "story."  

In today's reading, I came across something that stood out to me.  In Exodus 35:30-34, we see Moses calling out those who had been chosen for the specific task of helping construct the Tabernacle.  In the calling out of these men, one can see a foreshadowing of what pastors would do in today's time.

Called and appointed by God (v 30). We see that first, God calls and appoints Bezalel by name for this specific task.  God knew who He wanted and called them out of the crowd.  The same goes for those who are to serve as pastors in the local church context.  These men should have a calling from the Holy Spirit that this is what the Lord has for them.  The ministry is not something you just inherit because previous generations in your family served.  It is a specific calling to specific people that God has chosen.

Filled with the Holy Spirit (v 31).  It is recognized that the person that God has called out for the specific task is also filled with the Holy Spirit for the task.  Pastors of all kinds know that this is a MUST in ministry.  You cannot do it on your own strength.  The work of ministry calls for the presence and power of the Holy Spirit to make it.  

Gifted specifically (v 31-32).
Moses lists the ways that these chosen men have been gifted by God for the task that He has called them.  When the Lord wants to use someone in ministry, often He will use those that He has gifted specifically for the need.  It doesn't always happen that way, but a great deal of the time it does.  Before Moses led the Israelites, he was a shepherd.  Before David was king over people, he learned how to lead sheep.  Before Peter became a "fisher of men," he knew fishing. God will gift you for the task He has called you.

Enabled to teach/train (v 34).
The task of constructing the Tabernacle was too much for one or two people.  God raised up leaders who had the gifts needed, but He also enabled them with the ability to teach others how to do what they were doing.  Ephesians 4:11-13 reminds pastors that we have a responsibility to train the church for the work of ministry.  There is no way that we can do it ourselves.  If we do not train others to do what we do, then when it's time to move out of the way, the work will move also.
  

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Give Thanks Day 16

I would like to say thank you to the men who played the role of pastor in my life. While many people often think to the person behind the pulpit when they hear the term "pastor," I've learned that it is much more than a title. It is a calling of God and comes in many forms.

The pastors in my life have come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and ages. These men have been used by God to teach and mold me to be the man (and Christian) I am today. Some of these men have held the title "pastor" in a local church (senior pastor, youth pastor, etc). Some of these men have just been godly laity that He has used in mighty ways.

One interesting thing that I have learned is that the term "pastor" comes from the Greek word poimen, and refers more to the function they do instead of a title. That function is likened to a shepherd caring for sheep (feeding, grooming, training, disciplining). That function is not always carried out in a church service.

I am eternally grateful to my Heavenly Father for placing pastors in my path at just the right time. It would take the rest of the day to list the "pastors" in my life (plus I'd forget someone), but I feel that most of them know who they are. May The Lord continue to use you and bless you as you are used by Him to shape His sheep.

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Just Be You

Have you ever wanted to be someone else? I'm pretty sure we all have at some point. It might have been when we were young and dreamed of being our favorite super hero. It may have been recently as we wished that we could be like "that" person.

I recently attended a Pastor's conference held for the northeastern part of the state I live in. I was excited about this conference because it was held at my alma mater, Blue Mountain College. I was also excited because I enjoy training to do ministry better.

One of the topics that was discussed was the matter of style in preaching. I believe that style is important in preaching. If you do not communicate clearly, your hearers will not get it.

I was grateful that one point was brought up in this session because I believe it is greatly needed today. The point:

"Don't try to be someone else. Just be you."

Wow. Pretty deep, huh? You would think that this would be a no-brainer, but it's interesting how many David Platts, Adrian Rodgers, John Pipers, Andy Stanleys, Johnny Hunts you could hear today. Though many would be cheap imitations, there would be one solid one in there - the real person.

One of the great thing about these men and their preaching style is that it is so closely tied to who they really are. Their personality shines through the preaching. I believe one thing that made/makes them good preachers is that they are just being themselves. The Holy Spirit is able to work through a true conduit without having to reshape it from an imitation model.

Who are you trying to be?

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Proud Pastor

Ministry can be a very difficult task with little rewards at times. There are times though when things seem to click and go well. It's at those times that one has a sense of pride in being the pastor of a church.

When a pastor hears about some of the dealings of church members that are not so "Christ-like," there's the temptation to distance ourselves from our struggling congregation. We shy away from being recognized as the one who is at the top of that group. (Even though we know that Christ is the true head, many see the pastor as the lead guy.)

Then there comes those moments when you are so proud to be the pastor and seen as associated with this group. Recently, I have had the privilege of being in that latter category. Our church family has made me say on more than one occasion, "Yes, I am the pastor at Bethany Baptist Church.

Here's a little of what's been going on:

Event Planning. coming up with events that will be the next big hit is difficult to stay on top of at times. The young adults came to me with the idea of doing a fellowship at a local park around 4th of July. Though only a week or so of planning went in to it, it turned out to be the biggest event - and most talked about event - that has happened since my arrival.

Ministry-thinking. When we did our 4th of July celebration at the local park, a couple of ladies took the opportunity to visit a family that lived next to the park who had a gentleman who was battling lung cancer. These ladies fixed plates of food and took it to the families.
Just this past week, this gentleman passed away. While I have been talking with the family, I asked if we might host a lunch for the family after the funeral at our building. I was told that two ladies from our church had already made arrangements and taken care of everything.

It's moments like these that make me bow up and proudly say, "Yes! I am the pastor of Bethany Baptist Church. Thank you to my church family for being the hands and feet of Christ!

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Free To Be You

Today, my wife has plans go going and hanging out with a lady from our church fellowship. That may not seem like a big deal, but it is for us. My wife is a stay-at-home mom of 3 and has to put up with me on a constant basis (no comments, please). The opportunities to reach out and build meaningful relationships have not been the easiest over the past couple of years. It is for this reason that I am grateful for this opportunity for my wife today.

This got me thinking about what a minister's wife who is also a mother sometimes goes through.

Because the husband/minister is out trying to do his "job", the opportunities for the wife/mother to get adult interaction is sometimes limited. She spends so much time caring for the children so that her husband can carry out his responsibilities effectively.

She is helping to encourage her husband and children so much that sometimes she puts her dreams on the shelf. The bad part is that that shelf is a slippery one, and those dreams can easily slide off into the garbage can.

Being the First Lady of the church, sometimes people come to her expecting her to know all that's going on in the church, or she is seen as the "in-road" to the pastor. It is important to remember that she is an individual. Sure, she is her husband's mate, but she is still an individual who has a specific calling on her life. I try to keep many of the "details" of church life from my wife so to keep her free to be herself and not my extension.

I encourage you to reach out to the ministry wives in your church. They are in need of many of the same things that we need (friends, free time, hobbies, etc). Don't assume that they have it all together. They need the opportunity once in a while to simply be free to be themselves. They are individuals created by a loving Creator with unique gifts and abilities. The church, their families, the communities in which they live will be a better place if we allow these ladies to be all that Christ has called them to be.

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The Next Chapter

Yesterday, I shared with our current church family that this chapter if our lives was coming to a close. We shared that I will be stepping down as Pastor at New Life Fellowship. That is never easy. All of the emotions. All of the questions.

I had the privilege of sharing a sermon yesterday also about the fact that the ending of one chapter in life is the beginning of a new one. That is a true comfort in times like these. When you can realize that there is a brand new chapter that hasn't been experienced yet, it can turn a downer into an adventure.

In a couple of weeks, our family will pack up our belongings and move to a new place. I have accepted the Pastor position at Bethany Baptist Church in Slate Springs, MS. I ask that you keep our family in your prayers as well as New Life Fellowship and Bethany Baptist.

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Which Do You Prefer?

As a minister, I have been told by more seasoned ministers that they would prefer to do a funeral over a wedding any day.  I have always found this to be very interesting.  I have done a few weddings in my time in ministry.  Some have been some of the greatest times.  Others have been... well... interesting to say the least.

There was one wedding that I performed where I just had that gut feeling that something was up.  I had walked with the couple through a few sessions of counseling, and they jumped through the hoops with all the "right" answers.  Moments before the wedding was to start, I was told by the bride's mother: "She doesn't even look like she's pregnant, does she?"  Wow.

This past weekend, I did the message at a funeral for a former student of mine.  It was tough and emotional to say the least.  He was a young man who had made a bad decision. Thankfully, the Gospel was there to bring hope and healing.

With these two very emotional and special events in the lives of people, I have been thinking about that statement that was shared with me about preferring a funeral over a wedding.  I would have to say that I do not share that preference.  Though the hope that is present for a believer in Christ who passes through death's gate, the emotional roller coaster that goes along with a funeral is not something I welcome.

What are your thoughts?

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Pastoring Lessons From A 5-Year-Old & His Dog

We welcomed Rocky to the Stephens family a couple of days ago. Rocky is our new 2-year-old Golden Retriever. He was a gift from a family member who could no longer take care of it and give it the attention that it needed. This family member knew that we had three young boys. Combine that with a loving dog and you have a good combination.

This dog is like a dream come true for me. I have always liked big dogs. I have always wanted one that could stay in the house with us. This was never a possibility growing up because of my Mother's allergies and preference of "no dogs inside."

The past couple of days have been fun as we have welcomed Rocky to the family. It has been neat to watch our boys warm up to him. They have never been around dogs much. We have not had a dog since the boys have been born. Even so, they've been asking for one for a while. They got their wish.


Our oldest son - who might have been the most vocal in wanting of a dog - has started to realize that a lot goes into caring for a dog. There's the feeding, bathing, playing, etc that has to be done. I see his wheels turning thinking, "this is too much." I find myself getting frustrated with my son and his lack of interest in the new family member.

As I was praying this morning, I found myself praying for our oldest child to bond well and grow in interest of the dog. It was if God answered almost immediately and spoke to my heart saying,

You love dogs, don't you? You know how to play and care for them because you've been around them and had people show you how to do so. What makes you think he will just "get it"?

I replied, "Good point." But there was more.

It's a lot like pastoring. You are a leader that has been called to lead and equip the saints for ministry. They aren't going to just get it. Someone has to show them... teach them... lead them.

It was then I realized what God was trying to say time to me not just about ministry, but also about my boy and our dog. Would I continue to be frustrated, or would I take the time to share what I've been given and watch something awesome transpire?

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Rewind 11.9.12

The past two weeks have been some of those that you find yourself playing "catch-up" from. I know that have fallen behind on my "Rewinds", but now we're going try and get back on track. Here are some of the reads that I have found very helpful recently.

8 Terrible Church Visits
This was a good post from Thom Rainer, President of Lifeway Christian Resources, about some of the pitfalls that visitors to churches have to face.

How to Lead Young Men
This was a great post on giving some pointers on how to lead those who are coming behind us. We all like the idea of mentoring, but how do we do in carrying it out?

Francis Chan on Making Disciples
A short video of Francis Chan teaching in the topic of making disciples. Very practical and convicting.

Christianity Isn't Dying; Cultural Christianity Is
This article has some great insight into what the declining numbers in many churches are attributed to.

5 of the Most Difficult Challenges a Pastor Faces
Thom Rainer shares about some difficulties pastors face. This is a good read to help the average layperson in a church see what some situations come across as.

9 Signs You May Be Addicted to Social Media
Perry Noble shares some funny zingers here. Sadly, they can be very convicting also.

All the Married Ladies
My wife has done it again. Great post encouraging married ladies to be specifically thankful for their husbands. Heaven knows I didn't make this post easy to right.

3 Things the Church Can Learn From Election 2012
The People Have Spoken - What Should Christians Do Now?
Trevin Wax and Ed Stetzer have written some great articles in the wake of the recent presidential elections that have seemed to divide a country even further.

7 Things a Pastor Kid Needs From a Father
Barnabas Piper, son of the pastor, John Piper, has written a great post to pastors to remember to be the father God has called you to be even over the church position He has called you to.

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The Next Chapter

As you read through a book, you go from one chapter to the next. Each one building on those that precede it. It seems to be very similar when it comes to the story of our lives.

August 14, 2011. This was the date that I stepped down as youth pastor at FBC Birmingham, Alabama. It was a day of mixed emotions. I was taking my family and stepping out in faith to pursue what I felt God was leading for us: stepping out of student ministry and into being the lead pastor of a church.

For the past six months, my family had been in a period of trusting the Lord and waiting. I would speak at a couple of churches, but no leads as to where God wanted us to serve.

That was until a couple of weeks ago. Through a set of circumstances, I came into contact with a church that I had talked to almost a year ago. We began to talk again and pray for guidance. I went and preached a couple of times, met many of the people, and took a look at the town.

This past Sunday, all that discussion with this church and the Lord about direction came to an end. The end of that road was an invitation (accompanied by a 100% vote) to become the Lead Pastor at New Life Fellowship in Gilbertown, Alabama. We humbly accepted this role feeling a peace that this is exactly where God wants us to be.

I cannot put into words the emotions going through me at this moment. The task that God has called me to at New Life Fellowship is one that has my mind spinning. I am honored and humbled that God would allow me to shepherd an amazing group of people.

Our official "first day on the job" will be Sunday, March 11. I ask that you continue to pray for our family as we transition to the next chapter in this wonderful story that God is unfolding through us. Pray also for New Life Fellowship as it is a young church - only four years old - and trying to make an impact on their community for the Kingdom of Christ.

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My Seminary Update 11-28-2011

As many of you know, I am currently working towards completing my Master of Divinity degree through New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. It has been a long journey that started back in January 2007 taking a couple classes here and there through extension programs of NOBTS.

This past August, we stepped out in faith, leaving the comforts of student ministry and began taking classes full-time at the New Orleans campus in preparation for the next thing that God has for me: pastoring a church. God has graciously provided all of our needs and even many wants through family (earthly and in Christ).

As 2011 draws to a close, I am making preparations for 2012. We are still praying that God would open a door for us to pastor a local church. In the meantime, I am beginning to look for work to help provide for the family (3 little ones ain't cheap).

Anyone who has been to seminary knows it isn't cheap. I still have about 32 hours left. I am praying for God to provide the funds for me to go to school full-time this coming semester (Mondays @ NOBTS & online). I ask that you join me in prayer about this. If the Lord leads you to help out financially with this journey, contact me and I can get you the information you need.

God bless each and every one of you who have been walking with us on this journey of faith. God has taught us so much more about Himself (and ourselves) over the past three months. One thing is so true: He truly is faithful.

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Not Just The Top Dog

As it's been stated before, October is Pastor Appreciation Month. This is a reminder to us to make sure that we let those who have been given the task of shepherding God's people know that we appreciate their service. In my experience, church members take this month pretty serious in writing letters/notes and showering their pastor with gifts and dinners. That is good and all but sometimes an important thing gets overlooked.

If your church runs more than 20 people, you probably have more than one pastor at your church. They may take the title of worship pastor, youth pastor, children's pastor, education pastor, missions pastor, etc. They may be full-time, bi-vocational, or straight up volunteer. Whatever the title they carry, they are performing the duties of a pastor.

As one who has served as a youth pastor over the past 13 years, this month has been either really good or really depressing. Really good because the tokens of appreciation would come at just the right time. Little "pick-me-ups" to brighten the day.

The times that this month would be depressing is that the ministers on staff at a church other than the senior pastor would be overlooked. Sometimes this happened unintentionally. Other times, these other ministers just weren't seen as "real pastors."

It would make my skin crawl and my stomach turn every time someone would ask me if I was ever going to be a "real minister" and not just a "youth guy." The work of a youth pastor (children, education, worship, missions, insert whatever title you choose) is ever much as demanding as the senior pastor. Those who come alongside the senior pastor and help with ministry need to be encouraged and affirmed just as the senior pastor does.

Do you want to see your youth (children, worship, etc) pastor get a fresh wind? Lift them up and recognize them as pastors worthy of honor in the church. Some of my greatest times of student ministry came when the church said, "you are one of our pastors, and we appreciate what you do."

The interesting part of this is that this mindset has to be taught by the senior pastor. If he doesn't recognize the supporting ministers, then the congregation won't either. If you are a senior pastor, make sure that you are lifting those support ministers up. The congregation will follow your lead.

Take time to encourage all the pastors at your church today.

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Tough Position

I think that it's a little sad that we have to set aside a month as "pastor appreciation month." It should definitely be a common (and frequent) practice of people building and lifting up their pastors.

I have yet to hold the title of Senior Pastor in a church setting, but we feel that is the route that the Lord is taking us. Though I've never held that position officially, I was shown the demands of the position in a real way when I took my first full-time youth ministry position.

I joined a great team of ministers working together to lead a great church. About a year and a half into it, thing got a little intense. There were some major moves in leadership. At the age of 24, I found myself being the oldest minister on staff. We went from four full-time ministers down to two (me and the 23 year old children's pastor). We had to take the reigns and do the everyday work of the senior pastor even after we hired an interim pastor.

I thank the Lord for sending a great interim pastor to help through those days. I realized that the pastor position is one of great demand: preaching, studying, planning, meetings, hospital visits, weddings, funerals, counseling, evangelism, leadership training, and more. All of this on the pastor's plate along with the God-given duties of being a spiritual leader to his wife and children, as well as taking time to grow personally.

Sadly, many still think that a pastor doesn't really do much "work" compared to other "professions." Truth is, pastor might just be one of the most demanding and difficult positions in the world.

Many men perform the duties of this role with little or no appreciation. Church members may be tempted to think, "Our pastor knows we care." They may "know" you care or they may actually be wondering... Why not remove any doubt and let them know how much you appreciate their obedience and service to the Lord's calling?

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