SINCE IM IN A REFLECTIVE MOOD TODAY.... I was just thinking... if I could do pastoral ministry over again what would I have done differently, or at least tried? (These are just some, in no order of importance): 1. Spend less time behind the office desk and more time with my folks in their homes, their businesses, their world. 2. Preach not AT them as much as WITH them, trying to bring the Good News to bear on what they were living, their fears, their hurts, guilts, doubts and concerns, not on my favorite theological hobby horse. 3. Confront the congregational bullies who cared more about their egos than they did the growth of the Kingdom and the welfare of the church and the community it served. 4. Been boldly prophetic in dealing with any and all so-called controversial subjects with a balanced and fair presentment of all sides of an issue but in the final analysis giving my pastoral perspective in a reasoned, balanced, theologically and biblically- grounded manner, admitting that reasonable loving Christian people may hold different views and can seek common grounds for resolution. 5. Been more transparent and genuine and not hidden behind my robes of ecclesiology and political correctness so my parishioners could see more of the real me, saint and sinner. 6. Been as much concerned about the spiritual and temporal welfare of the congregation I was with at the moment and rolling up my sleeves and doing something about it as I was longing for greener pastures in my next appointment as an escape from the present. 7. Modeled what it means to be a giver and a servant to my folks so that they knew I tried to practice what I preached and never ask them to do anything I wasnt willing to do myself. 8. Done all in my power and ability to never let finances limit program and ministry and never been bashful about calling parishioners to financial accountability and growth in Christian giving and stewardship. 9. Made disciples of all people and equipped them to grow as Christians and not been bashful in inviting them to the faith, and once incorporated into the church taking that relationship seriously. 10. Done more to help the people with whom I was serving to see, really see, the world Christ died for and called us to minister to, near and far, and shut no one out, but intentionally reached out to the lost, the least and the last in our world. (Some others later after more reflection.) Thanks for reading as I bare my soul.
Posted on: Wed, 09 Apr 2014 17:54:07 +0000
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