Posts Tagged ‘Pastors’
Things That Keep An Apostolic Pastor Up At Night
Things That Keep An Apostolic Pastor Up At Night
Being a pastor involves much more than just standing behind the pulpit. As an under-shepherd of the Lord’s flock he has the responsibility of their spiritual protection, feeding, and care. Knowing that some day he must answer to God, a pastor who is according to His heart, strives to be very careful.
A refreshed pastor is more likely to bring a fresh word for his hearers. Tired and burnt-out ones may be happy to just get through the day. That is where a good nights rest is worth its weight in gold.
Sometimes He Wakes Up In The Night And His Mind Won’t Shut Back Down.
- That’s when his sleep is gone.
- That’s when he worries.
- That’s when he tosses and turns.
- That’s when he is desperate for the answer from God about what to do.
- That’s when his wife has her sleep disturbed.
- That’s when he has to get up and go into another room.
So, What Keeps Your Pastor Up At Night? What If It Was You?
Is It You Keeping Him Awake?
- Your spiritual condition.
- Your attitude.
- Your critical comments.
- Your withdrawal.
- Your missing church.
- Your bad choices.
- Your disobedience.
- Your playing with fire.
- Your choice of questionable friends.
- Your criticisms of godliness and standards.
- Your lack of prayer.
- Your lack of worship.
- Your leaving immediately after church.
- Your giving money to everything but God.
- Your refusal to pay tithes.
- Your unresponsiveness to preaching.
- Your lack of involvement to church functions and workdays.
- Your influence on others.
- Your marriage problems.
Is It The Lack Of Money For The Church?
- Church payments coming due, knowing his name is on the line.
- The utility bills.
- How to pay the evangelist.
- Wondering why all the saints won’t pay tithes.
Is It The Lack Of Money For Himself?
- Deciding whether to get a second job or resign.
- Wondering how he will be able to pay his bills.
Is It The Consequences Of Preaching Holiness?
- What will happen if he preaches holiness from the pulpit?
- What will happen if he enforces it?
- What will happen if he doesn’t?
- Why would people who want the Holy Ghost not want to be holy?
Is It Staff Members Who Are Out Of Line?
- They are unproductive.
- They have to be told what to do continually and followed up on.
- They mainly create more problems than they do good.
- They think they own the position.
- They think they are the steward of the church finances and not the pastor.
- They divulge sensitive information to others.
- They will get hurt and offended if replaced.
Is It The Church Members Who Leave?
- Every pastor asks himself what else could he have done?
- Every pastor takes it personal.
- Every pastor wonders who will go with them.
Is It Church Members Who Are Offended?
- Those who wont stop fighting.
- Those who are habitually offended.
- Those who stay home to show their disapproval.
Is It Trying To Pastor A Church That Resists Revival?
- A church that is content with church as usual and will not push itself toward revival.
- A church that has lost a spirit of prayer.
- A church that lost its spirit of worship.
- A church that lets the praise singers do the worship for them.
- A church that lets the same six or seven worship in the audience.
- A church that won’t witness.
- A church that is cliquish.
- A church that won’t rally behind the pastor.
- A church that never catches the pastor’s vision.
- A church that is dead.
Things You Can Do To Help Your Pastor Sleep Better At Night!
- Pray through.
- Love your brother.
- Pay your tithes.
- Worship with all your heart.
- Come early for prayer.
- Get involved in church.
- Become a soul winner.
- Make yourself available.
- Give your heart to God.
- Give your hand to your pastor.
- Verbalize your support to him.
- Tell him you love him, and then show it.
- Pray for him.
THE HEARTACHE OF A PASTOR!
THE HEARTACHE OF A PASTOR!
(THE LESS GLAMOROUS SIDE OF PASTORING)
IT’S NOT ALL:
- Getting To Be 1st In Line
- Chicken Dinners, Nice Suits
- Weddings & Baby Dedications
- Preaching On Sunday With A Smile
- Going Fishing
- Receiving Compliments,
- Driving A Nice Car,
- Going To Conferences
GOD HAS JOBS FOR THE PASTOR THAT’S:
- Harder Than Digging Ditches
- More Distasteful Than Toilet Cleaning
- Lonelier Than Stranded On An Island
- As Undesirable as Being A Skunk Skinner
ANYONE CAN SAY, “I’M A PREACHER”
- But Only God Can Give A Preacher A “Pastor’s Heart”
- Often It Seems He’s Punished Because He Cares.
- If He Didn’t Care, He Wouldn’t Be So Bothered
- Let’s Have A look Inside A Pastor’s World
- At the Heartaches He Has
- (Or The Less Glamorous Side Of Pastoring)
- So You Still Think You’re Called?
1. DEALING WITH DISASTER
(Amos 3:12) Thus saith the LORD; As the shepherd taketh out of the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear;
- Sometimes All That’s Left Of A Situation Is Bits & Pieces
- Unwed Mothers, Immorality
- Marriage Conflicts, Divorce
- Internet, Porn, Chat Rooms
- Rebellious Teens
- “taketh” – (progressive verb) The pastor’s job is never over.
2. WANTING SAINTS TO BE SAVED WORSE THAN THEY WANT TO BE SAVED.
Samuel – (1 Sam 15:11) It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.
(Saul didn’t cry all night. Samuel did.)
- Watching Those You Love Mess Up
- You Can’t Help Those That Won’t Let You Help Them.
- The Preacher Can’t Save You Without Your Help
- Preachers Often Hang On For A Soul Even After God Gives Up (Moses/Israel) (Samuel/Saul)
3. SEEING NO RESPONSE
- No Response = Rejection of Message
- No Worship
- No Amens – Seed On Stony Ground
- Never Moved By Word
- If You’re Not Working With The Pastor, You’re Working Against Him.
4. TO BE CONSIDERED AN ENEMY, EVEN WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO HELP.
Elijah (1 Ki 18:17) And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel?
(18) And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim.
- Ahab: Hast thou found me o’ mine enemy?
- Paul: Am I your enemy… ‘Cause I Told You The Truth?
- Miciah – Ahab hated him.
- Sanballat – Tobiah, Let Nehemiah Build The Wall while they found fault.
- Israel – Moses, You Brought Us Here To Die?
(Rom 13:3) For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
(Rom 13:4) For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5. FEEL LIKE YOUR PREACHING IS USELESS
Paul (Gal 4:11) I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
- Sermon Goes Unheeded,
- Your Spinning Your Wheels?
- Plowing In the Sand?
- No Results, No Progress, No Fruit?
- Remember Noah?
- Elijah Felt Alone – “I’m Only One Left”
6. DISRESPECT IN CONGREGATION’S CHILDREN
Elisha (2 Ki 2:23) And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.
(2 Ki 2:24) And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.
7. HAVING TO TELL THOSE YOU LOVE, THAT THEY’RE WRONG
Nathan (2 Sam 12:7) And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man.
- Preaching Is Meant To Save You, Not Hurt You
- Blood On Preacher’s Hands If He Don’t Say What God Said.
- Not Knowing Their Reaction Of The People
8. FEELING REJECTION
Paul (2 Tim 1:15) This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me;
(2 Tim 4:10) For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world,
(2 Tim 4:16) At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
(2 Tim 1:16) The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
THEY WERE ASHAMED OF PAUL’S CONDITION. WE’RE ASHAMED OF:
- Our Over Zealous Worship, When Visitors Come
- Holiness Preaching, Standards
- Long Dresses, Long Hair
- Old Time Pentecost
WHY AREN’T WE ASHAMED OF:
- Babies Out Of Wedlock
- Charismatic Worship, No Depth
- Quiet Prayer Rooms
- Gospel Rock “Worship” With Spirit-less Singers
- Make Up On Our Women,
- Dressing Like The World
- Jewelry
- Laodicean Spirits
- The Effeminate Men Among Us
- Our Rebellion & Disobedience
- Trimmed Hair On Ladies
- Robbing God,
- Board Run Churches
- No Missions Burden
- Our Love Of Hollywood
- Gossipping
- Whore Mongers,
- Backbiters
9. THE PASTOR’S WORST HEART ACHE OF ALL
(Heb 13:17) Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
10. THE JOY OF A PASTOR
(3 John 1:4) I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
Make Your Pastor’s Life A Lot Easier.
- Love Him
- Live Right,
- Show Him Honor
- Be Supportive
- Be Faithful,
- Receive The Word,
- And Keep Him In Your Prayers
Thank God Every Day For Your Pastor!
You Want The Blessings Of God On Your Life? Then Bless God’s Man And God Will Bless You!
If God Had A Cell Phone, Would He Call You?
If God Had A Cell Phone, Would He Call You?
1975 was the first time I’d ever heard of Jerry Jordan. His Album, Phone Call From God, became quite a hit.
I felt like listening to it again recently. It’s still funny, but it’s message isn’t lost in the process.
Phone Call from God by Jerry Jordan
(Man in easy chair watching TV. The phone rings.)
Hon, the phone’s a ringin’…will ya get it for me please? I’m a tryin’ to watch ol’ Johnny Carson. What? Get it myself?
Hello? Long distance? Yeah, this is me…who’s this? What? Whadaya mean am I a Christian? I don’t know. Who’s a callin’?
D-d-d-did you say h-h-heaven? W-w-w heh heh…w-well hello Lord! W-w-well Sir, I’ve been a Christian a long time. Y-y-yes Sir, I sure have. A-a-after all…Sir? You hadn’t heard from me in quite a while so you thought you’d better just go ahead and call, huh?
W-w-well, Lord, I tell ya, well just last night…this same time last night, I’s a plannin’ on talkin’ ta you. I-I was a layin’ there watchin’ that ol’ television, that ol’ Johnny Carson ya know was on the TV. I said to my wife, I said ‘Hon, ya know as soon as ol’ Johnny gets off the television we oughta get on our knees and talk to the Lord.’ That’s what we said. And I wish to goodness we’d a gone ahead and done it, but we didn’t. But I tell ya Lord what I’m gonna do…I’m gonna start doing that. I sure am. I’m gonna say my prayers tonight…whether I need to or not. Yes Sir.
Sir? Yes Sir, I go to church. Yes Sir, every Sunday…I’m a faithful church member. I sure am.
Sir? Did I go last Sunday? Yes Sir, I went last Sunday. I went for mornin’ preachin’…wonderful church.
Sir? W-what did the preacher preach on? Well…uh, you know how the preacher is, don’t ya? He preaches on the platform. Oh! Y-yeah, I understand. W-well h-he taught mostly about the Bible.
Sir? Oh! W-well he referred to…h-h-he talked about M-m-matthew you know…no, no I don’t believe it was Matthew…I-I-I believe it was Mark. No…no, that was a couple of months ago…uh uh, now let’s see. Now I remember it was uh…
Sir? Sunday night? No. No, Lord I didn’t make it Sunday night, Lord. I-I…Sir? Uh…Bonanza. Yes, Sir…w-well Sir, ya know, I would have gone. I was a plannin’ on goin’. But I got ta sittin’ around on Sunday afternoon a thinkin’, and I said to myself, you the next day’s Monday and…
Sir? Yes Sir, it’s been that way a long time I reckon. But I got thinkin’ that I need my rest. And Lord it’s so cotton-pickin’ hard anymore to go to church on Sunday all day and, and night, and then have to get up the next mornin’ and w-well…Sir? Sunday before last? Well, Lord ya know, you just picked on a couple of bad ones here. But you know, I work so hard all week and Sunday before last was such a pretty day and everything…and I didn’t go to church, Lord. I tell ya, I went out and…Sir? Oh you know where I went, huh?
Yes Sir, I caught two bass and one croppy. Sir? What time did I get home that night…from fishin’ ya mean? Well…it was about 10:30 that night. Yes Sir, it was probably a lot later than if I’d gone to church that night…but fishin’ is different!…It ain’t church. Well, I couldn’t a gone to church noways cause my wife was a home sick and somebody woulda had to stay with her.
Sir? Lord, yes Sir Lord! I’m so glad you asked that question! Yes Sir, Lord, I’m a good steward. Yes Sir, I sure am! You’re talkin’ about steward…you mean tithin’ and givin’ to the church and all? Yes Sir, yes Sir I give to the church. I sure do. I give to the church every Sunday. Sir? Yes, Sir…every Sunday that I go. I gave 58 dollars to the church last year. I sure did. Cause after all…
Sir? What do you mean you don’t think I understand what stewardship means? Ten percent?…Of everything that I own belongs to you? Well yes Sir Lord, I-I know about that, but I tell ya, right now you just kinda called at a bad time. You just picked a bad time…we’re in a recession down here ya know…and the thing done turned into a depression for me…and and I just can’t give any more, Lord, than that right now and and…
Sir? Ten percent. Well…I gave that fif-fif-fif, well that money ya see last year. And after all that’s a little more than a dollar a week you know…Sir? How much do I make? You’re talkin’ about money still? W-well, it was a little over ten thousand dollars. That don’t tally out too good, does it Lord?
W-well, now I-I know that and ya know, and I told ya before and and as soon as I get that boat motor paid for, ya know I just got the thing and and you know my wife? I thought ya might. Well Lord, she can just walk across the floor and fall on somethin’ ya know. She did that the other day…broke her hip bone.
Y-y-yes…ten percent. Y-yeah Lord, but if I don’t pay off, pay off this boat and motor, they’ll come and get it… and then I won’t have one. Sir? You think if I don’t start paying my tithe, I ain’t gonna need no boat and motor down here? Yes Sir…that was cleared up…completely clear. It sure was. Sir?
Around my kids? Influence, ya mean? Well yes. I’m a good Christian in front of the kids. Lord, never do we do anything in this here house or say anything that be wrong in front of our children. No Sir…not a word. I don’t believe in it.
And that’s…Sir? What did I say when I got my thumb caught in the linen closet? You heard about that? Well…I was just standin’ there, Lord, you know, and all of a sudden this door here come out from nowhere, and and my thumb was in the way, and and it hurt so bad, and and it was awful and I said…well Lord, heh heh, never mind what I said.
But…Sir? Praise? Yes Sir, I give praise. Yes Sir, I sure do. I’s a readin’ the Bible the other day…I picked it up and it said in Theesaleenians to give the Lord the praise. I sure did. But I tell ya Lord, it was just a little hard to find a place to give the praise when I got my thumb caught in the closet door.
Sir? Yes Sir, I sure do. I love that preacher! He’s a wonderful man! That’s the preachenist dude I’ve ever seen. I-I love him. I sure do. Sir? If he’s such a wonderful preacher then why don’t I start doing more of what he says? Well, Lord, I-I thought I did pretty much what he says already.
Sir? If I’m doing all he says, he must not say a whole lot, huh? Well, Lord, maybe you should’ve called him instead of me. Heh, heh. Oh well, that was just a thought anyway, Lord.
Sir? Yes, I know that Lord. I know that and you’re right. You sure are. This is one of the very few countries that we’ve got that we can work in You without violating those man-made laws.
Yes Sir and I-I…Sir? Yes Sir, I realize that you must love us dearly and giving your Son to die on the cross, Lord, you know. And I do appreciate it…I sure do. This phone call has meant a lot to me.
Sir? Oh, you gotta go now? Well now I tell ya Lord, I appreciate ya callin’, and and thanks for reminding me and all, and I’m gonna start doing better. I-I think I need to…
Sir? You think I need to, too huh? Well I am. I’m gonna rededicate my life right now, Lord. I sure am. And I’m gonna start tithing my tithe, my ten percent, and paying my debts Lord, and I…yes Sir and I’m gonna go to church on Sunday…and Sunday morning worship preaching…and every time Lord they have church, I’m gonna be there Lord and take an active part in it.
Sir? Yes Sir and pray for others…just like they’ve been praying for me. Yes, Sir Lord. Now now you know how dependable that I am, and Lord you can depend on me for doing that. Heh, heh. OK Lord, and thank you, I thank you so much for callin’, hear? Good bye, now.
What’s that dear? Who was it on the telephone? Never mind. You wouldn’t believe me if I told you who it was. Was it the wrong number? Well no, it wasn’t the wrong number. Believe me, the man has my number. In fact I think he probably has a lot of people’s numbers. But I tell you one thing, the next time the phone rings, you can answer it. You needed it a whole lot worse than I did.
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—Lyrics submitted by “Gary.”
Lyrics powered by LyricFindwritten by BUD ANDREWS, ED WILKES, JERRY JORDANLyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
http://www.lyrics.com/phone-call-from-god-lyrics-jerry-jordan.html
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Some folk should be glad that God doesn’t have a cell phone.
If God had a cell phone, would He call you?
The Suicide Drink
The Suicide Drink
I’m a senior citizen now, but I well remember some adventuresome moments of my youth. It was great fun, to make ‘suicide drinks’ from the soda fountain dispensers.
(It was also decades before anyone had ever heard the name, Jimmy Jones. It wasn’t that kind of suicide drink.)
To the uninformed, a ‘suicide drink’ consisted of a mixture of whatever was available at the fountain. Orange, Coke, Dr. Pepper, Sprite, Diet Coke or whatever.
We never quite knew what it was going to taste like and didn’t care, but we liked to show our bravery. Besides, the look of ‘ugh’ on people’s faces always made us laugh.
I don’t do ‘suicide drinks’ anymore. I actually don’t remember when I quit. But I was still very young. I just know that now as an old man, I like to stick with just one flavor. I’ll die happy if I never have a sip of another ‘suicide’.
There is no distinctive flavor to a ‘suicide drink.’ It is nothing but a mixture, a conglomeration.
Did you ever look at someone wearing multiple watches and wonder how they could tell the correct time? If they only had one watch, they could, no doubt, come a lot closer to knowing the real-time. Why would someone ever wear a wad of watches? Why?
I have recently observed several pastors and ministers answer doctrinal questions on Facebook from members of other Pentecostal churches.
Some of these men are encouraging precious saints to discard their holiness standards. They make light of our Apostolic lifestyle.
I am not sure how many are actually influenced by them, but these well-known voices spread their poison for all to read.
Since our local Pastor is the only one that is going to give an account for us in the Judgment, why not listen to him? Why are some so determined to get advice on Biblical subjects from every preacher they can? That is nothing short of spiritually hazardous! It is also very unethical on both parts. Any preacher worth his salt would refer them back to their Pastor. And any saint worth their salt would never ask another preacher a doctrinal question.
If we receive multiple doctrinal opinions from multiple ministers, there is no telling what we will believe in the end. It’s just another ‘suicide drink’ in my opinion.
If you have a Biblical question, don’t ask around on the Internet. Go ask the man who God gave you for a Pastor. After all, he’s the one that loves you, prays for you, counsels you, sits up with you in the hospital and truly cares for you. Sheep don’t expect guidance from multiple shepherds. Neither should we.
Oh, and as for finding the right time? Your cell phone is pretty accurate, but then you already knew that too.
It’s Time To Say Thank You.
It’s Time To Say Thank You.
The old gentleman was a little unsteady on his feet. He had every right to be. He was no longer young. He was in his early 90’s and with the help of his faithful cane; he came over and asked permission to sit by me. I was in Atlanta, seated near gate 16. I welcomed the company during my long layover. I glanced again at him and this time saw that his cap said World War II Veteran.
“Thank you for serving our country.” I said smiling at him. The old guy favored his arthritis as he eased into the seat.
“You’re so very welcome,” he said as he found a place to rest his cane. “It was the greatest honor of my life. Some of my buddies didn’t make it back.” He said as he shook his white hair.
I saw his tired looking eyes get a little wet, and then he held me spellbound for the next 40 minutes with stories of his life during the war. His mind was sharp. His voice strong and animated. I was mesmerized.
As he talked, the wrinkles in his weathered face seem to enhance his looks. He had a distinguished air about him as he named events and recalled names. Although I forgot to ask his name I will never forget his stories, his love for America.
Over the years, some members of my own immediate family have proudly served in the armed forces of the United States of America.
- My brother-in-law, Eric Marxer – Marines.
- My father, Carl Ballestero – Army.
- My father-in-law, William Starr – Army Air Force.
- My step father-in-law, Howard Davis – Navy.
Each of them has my deepest respect and appreciation for putting their life on the line… for me. I owe my freedom to them and others who served with them. I cannot take that lightly; I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
I’ve had thanked hundreds of uniformed men and women. Every veteran that wears a cap or jacket announcing his past service gets my thanks as well.
After the airplane landed at my final destination this week, the flight attendant announced the fact that a young uniformed soldier was on board. The entire crew, as well as the passengers, applauded their thanks to him, as well we should have.
I have seen many others thank our servicemen and women over the years. I too am thankful for those that serve.
What about those soldiers in the greatest war of all? You know, those that help fight the battle for the souls of men and women? What about those other warriors, like the Missionaries, and even our own Pastor? How come they seldom receive our thanks?
When’s the last time you ever saw someone walk up to a Missionary and say, “Thank you for serving the Lord”, or “Thank you for giving your life to the work of God”?
When is the last time you walked up to your Pastor and said something like, “Thank you for your service to God” or “Thank you for giving your life and your time to the ministry”?
Aren’t we to give honor to whom honor is due?
There are unsung heroes among us who have faithfully labored for years in the service of the King. Maybe they’ve never seemed to be well-known outside of their immediate area. Or maybe they’ve never preached a conference.
They might not even have famous relatives. They’ve sure never gotten a hand clap or maybe even much of a thank you. They have just silently preformed their duties. They have been faithful and heaven could not have required anymore.
Most have spent their life doing without. One thing shouldn’t have to do without is our thanks and appreciation.
Of all people, those who are fighting for the souls of men and women in this wicked generation, they need our thanks and our prayers.
Now, go say something nice to one of them.
When Is It A Bad Time To Call Your Pastor?
When Is It A Bad Time To Call Your Pastor?
My father stood at the pulpit and explained his preferences to the congregation. “It’s OK to mow your yard. You don’t have to call and ask me if it’s the Lord’s will.
“Don’t call me to ask if you should change the baby’s diapers. It’s God’s will. Don’t call me to see if it’s OK if you to go to K-Mart. You don’t have to call and ask permission, it’s OK.
“Don’t call me if your cat has pups. Well, actually if your cat has pups,” He said, “Call me. I’d like to see them.”
Every pastor has been ‘blessed’ with untimely phone calls. There apparently is a button on the pastor’s behind that makes the phone ring when he sits down for a family meal. He knows what it’s like to get calls in the middle of the night as well.
Too often, phones ring 24 hours a day in a Pastor’s world. Not only does he have a house phone, his cell phone makes a tether that ties him forever to the needs of everyone.
Some callers only focus on their needs and feel like calling the Pastor is somehow equal to calling Directory Assistance. It’s there, so why not call if the thought strikes you. They feel that Pastors are paid to answer all their phone calls.
When is the best time to call? When is it ever a bad time? I would never advise someone not to call the Pastor when they really do need help. But I do ask that your Pastor’s personal life be respected.
Ask yourself:
- Is this call an emergency?
- Are you sick and need prayer?
- Do you just need advice or have a question that needs to be answered?
- Are you going on a trip and need to let him know?
- Do you have to miss the church?
Cell phones were invented in the 1970’s. Phone Mate introduced their Answering Machine in the 70’s. Caller ID was invented about the same time. Until that time, Pastors only had house phones and if they were out, you had to wait until they came home.
Now days, we have somehow developed the idea that he is at everyone’s beck and call 24/7. No wonder the stress level in the parsonage rises above acceptable levels at times. At some Pastor’s homes, it seems the phone never stops ringing.
Society regards your Pastor as a Professional. He is treated by the outside world with deference and respect. We should do the same. Speaking of Professionals…
What hours do Professionals accept phone calls from their patients, clients or contacts?
Doctors have office hours, something like 8:30am to 4:30pm. And, do not call during lunch because it will go to directly to voicemail. After hours, your call to the good Doctor will connect you with his Answering Service. They determine if it is a worthy enough message to pass along.
Dentists have a similar setup.
Lawyers and Private Detectives follow suit.
Government Officials like State Representatives and Congressmen do the same.
Bankers, well you know about them.
Even the Mayor will get back with you in the morning.
Yet we unknowingly invade our Pastor’s personal time and rob him of family moments on a regular basis. It’s wrong and unfair. His wife and children are often robbed of one on one time with him because of the phone calls.
Please, before you pick up the cell to call or text your Pastor, look at the clock. Then ask yourself if the call is really that urgent. Can it wait? Be considerate. If it’s mealtime, don’t call at all.
If it’s after supper, realize he too enjoys his home and his family. Let him. Let him have time to rest and recoup from the day. Call him during the same hours you would call any other Professional.
A rested and strong Pastor will always be able to serve your needs better. Thank you for remembering and being considerate.
God bless you for your thoughtfulness, and God bless your Pastor.
By The Way… If you happen to have your pastor’s cell phone number or his private line at home, do NOT give it out unless he has made that number public. Guard his privacy. Thank you!
(On the other hand, I’m an Evangelist, and Evangelists are willing to receive phone calls and invitations and from Pastors any time of the day!)
Apostolic Expository Series
Christy Ballestero (My Beautiful DIL)
http://marciaballestero.com/
Pastor Anthony & Kim Ballestero, New Destiny Worship Center, Clearwater, FL (My Son)
Pastor Bryan & Christy Ballestero, Temple Of Pentecost, Raleigh, NC (My Son)
James Groce Blog – "Toward The Mark"
Kenneth Bow Blog
Kingdom Speak Podcast
Philip Harrelson – "The Barnabas Blog"
Verbal Bean Ministries
Holy Ghost Radio
The Ballestero Blog 