Enjoying the Journey
Posts Tagged ‘pastors’
Preachers Need Preaching Too!
It was only after I went into full time evangelism that I began to appreciate how much good preaching I had been privileged to listen to…and how much I still need to hear it. Those of us in full time ministry are almost always the ones doing the preaching. While this is a tremendous privilege, it is also a great danger. If you keep giving out and never take in you will soon run dry! I am not just a preacher; I am a Christian. Every Christian needs to hear exhortation, reproof, and doctrine. Every Christian. There are many reasons for this: God chose to use preaching! 1 Corinthians 1:21 tells us the priority God places on preaching and its…
Read MoreThe Last Few Days and the Days Ahead
My heart is full of the goodness of the Lord to us! Over the last few days it was a privilege to gather with so many pastors and Christian workers in Walkertown, NC. As we planned and prepared for this year’s Southwide Baptist Fellowship none of us knew if it would be possible for friends to actually make it to the meeting. This has been a year where many conferences have been cancelled or forced to move to a virtual format. How thrilling it was to see people come together for a few days of prayer, preaching, and fellowship. Several folks commented how hungry everyone seemed to be just to be with other laborers. It was a reminder to me…
Read More5 Books To Read On Church Ministry
In a previous post I shared some recommended reading on preaching, but all of us who have been in the Lord’s work for any period of time know that there is more to daily ministry than the preaching of sermons. Much more. Ministry is helping people where they are and leading the church as you follow Christ. These are unusual days in which to minister, but God’s eternal message and timeless methods do not change. The following books have been a blessing to me, both as I labored with a pastor and now as an evangelist: An All-Round Ministry by Charles Spurgeon (Spurgeon’s Lectures to My Students is more well known, but this volume addresses the biblical philosophy of ministry…
Read MoreJoin Us On This Important Call
“Nothing is more dreaded than the national government meddling with religion.” These were the words of President John Adams in 1812 and they express a truth that translates well into this generation in our nation. We are all concerned about the protection of religious liberty…or at least we should be. Adams, who knew something about the cost of fighting for independence, gave this advice: “Let the pulpit resound with the doctrine and sentiments of religious liberty.” This is not a political issue. It is a spiritual one, built upon the Biblical principle of soul liberty. Paul instructed Timothy to pray “for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty”…
Read MoreHow Is Your Church “Meeting” At This Time?
This week I had the privilege of participating in an extended discussion with a group of pastors. These are unique times for those who are leading churches and feeding God’s people. While each local church and community is unique they all have one thing in common – they are being called on to minister in unprecedented ways. One of the greatest challenges is simply staying connected with the church family in the midst of “social distancing.” As I listened to these good men talk I heard their heart. The shepherd will always find a way! Allow me to share a few of the ways pastors are working to “gather” the sheep… Enabling People To Join A Worship Service Using YouTube,…
Read MoreFree Pastor’s Luncheon This Week!
I love pastors and thank God for the privilege to labor with so many of them for the gospel. This week it is our privilege to host a special pastor’s luncheon with Evangelist Byron Foxx in my hometown of Beckley, WV. If you are a pastor, staff member, or evangelist within driving distance we would love to have you join us on Thursday, August 29. We will have a wonderful time of fellowship and look forward to sharing more information about the special gospel rallies being scheduled for next year in southern West Virginia… Location: Golden Corral Restaurant, 1320 N. Eisenhower Drive, Beckley, WV 25801 Time: Thursday, August 29, 11 a.m Purpose: Prayer and planning for the God Bless America…
Read MoreA Brief Report On The Preacher’s Rest
Many of you have prayed for us this week as we conducted The Preacher’s Rest in Hickory, NC. The Tabernacle Baptist Church family worked hard to host friends from many places. They demonstrated the love and grace of God in a special way. Nearly one hundred fellow laborers – preachers and their wives – joined us for this first gathering. Most of all, the presence of the Lord was very evident. Our heart for this meeting was one thing: to minister to the inner man. Healthy ministries grow out of healthy souls. Every preacher who desires to learn more fully the Lord’s work must learn more deeply the Lord’s rest. What Is This Rest? It was a joy to study…
Read MoreThree Weeks From Today!
Preacher’s are engaged in the greatest work in the world. It is a work that will outlive this world! 1 Timothy 5:17 says, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” Those who are engaged in such labor must also have times to rest and refresh their own souls. Friendship and fellowship is absolutely essential to keeping your own heart renewed. Even the great Apostle Paul rejoiced when he was given liberty to go to his friends and be refreshed (Acts 27:3). Three weeks from today we will be gathered with a group of preachers at The Preacher’s Rest in Hickory, North Carolina. This gathering is designed…
Read MoreAn Encouragement For Assistant Pastors
It was my privilege to serve as an assistant to a wonderful pastor for many years. Eighteen years were spent helping someone else fulfill the work God had put in his heart to do. Yet the great truth is that I was also fulfilling the work God had put in my heart to do! An older, mature pastor was speaking for us many years ago. I was privileged to be his host. As we sat at dinner one evening he leaned across the table and said, “Scott, in church work people talk about men serving as a ‘second man.’ There is no such thing. In God’s plan there is a first place for every man. The man who serves as…
Read MorePraise God For Preachers
Thank the Lord for faithful preachers of God’s Word. We need them more than ever and we need more of them! As I travel my appreciation for the Lord’s servants grows. Most pastors are not well known, many are carrying a load no one knows about. They are shepherds. I am an evangelist, but I am trying to help pastors all that I can. Anyone can come through town and preach a few sermons. It is the faithful pastor feeding the flock that keeps the church strong. Like the Good Shepherd, the pastor stays with the sheep to guide and protect them. Preachers often serve in sacrificial ways that are not considered. For many years my dad served as a…
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