Category Archives: Ministry
Criticism Quote
Great quote concerning a leadership constant: Unfounded Criticism.
“Little men with lots of time find it easy to discover faults in great men with little time.” – Hershael York
Find the whole article here.
Watch Out for the Watchtower
The Jehovah’s Witnesses are building a new Kingdom Hall near my church. I’ve been asked about their beliefs almost a dozen times already this week. Here are some helpful articles about the Witnesses, as well as some good web sites on the subject of apologetics and cult studies. If anyone knows of other good resources let me know.
From www.4truth.net:
– Jehovah’s Witnesses: Overview
– Jehovah’s Witnesses View of Christ
– Jehovah’s Wintesses: Glossary, Words, and Concepts
– The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures: The Jehovah’s Witnesses Bible
– What to say to Jehovah’s Witnesses When They Knock on Your Door (an online book)
Also check out these sites:
www.carm.org
www.watchman.org
www.aomin.org
The best sure way to recognize error and counterfeit gospels is to be 100% certain of the truth and orthodoxy. For that I recommend the following books:
– John Stott’s Basic Christianity
– Wayne Grudem’s Bible Doctrine or Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know
– Paul Little’s Know What You Believe
Do I really love the truth?
Each week I receive Desiring God’s newsletters. Well worth reading, just like any of Pastor John Piper’s writings. Especially Don’t Waste Your Life (short and sweet) and Desiring God (longer but worth the time). Sign up for the newsletters at www.desiringgod.org.
Today’s article really hit home with me as I think about my own walk and other Christians I know.
Piper defines the three P’s: The idolatry of pragmatism that ruins the church; the pleasure in unrighteousness that refuses to love the truth; and the pride of being strong that leads to destruction.
Can we say we love the truth if we justify our position opposite it? Why? Pragmatism – “It’s easier this way.” “It’s working, so it must be OK with God.” “Everybody esle is doing it.” Pleasure – “I want it this way.” “I feel so much better now.” Pride – “I don’t see why this is wrong.” “God will forgive me.”
Have you prayed for your pastor lately?
Pastors
– Fifteen hundred pastors leave the ministry each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout, or contention in their churches.
– Fifty percent of pastors’ marriages will end in divorce.
– Eighty percent of pastors and eighty-four percent of their spouses feel unqualified and discouraged in their role as pastors.
– Fifty percent of pastors are so discouraged that they would leave the ministry if they could, but have no other way of making a living.
– Eighty percent of seminary and Bible school graduates who enter the ministry will leave the ministry within the first five years.
– Seventy percent of pastors constantly fight depression.
– Almost forty percent polled said they have had an extra-marital affair since beginning their ministry.
– Seventy percent said the only time they spend studying the Word is when they are preparing their sermons.
Pastors’ Wives
– Eighty percent of pastors’ spouses feel their spouse is overworked.
– Eighty percent of pastors’ spouses wish their spouse would choose another profession.
– The majority of pastors’ wives surveyed said that the most destructive event that has occurred in their marriage and family was the day they entered the ministry.
(from www.Acts29network.com)
The weight of ministry can be a heavy load. Take time to pray for and encourage those who are laboring for your spiritual good.
Hebrews 13:17 (English Standard Version) Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Tired
Lord, I’m tired…
…of hindrances to Your kingdom coming.
…of our grieving of Your Holy Spirit.
…of selective obedience. Those who pick and choose what parts of the Bible they will obey.
…of being the bad guy for seeking to help someone through decisions made in the world’s wisdom.
…of small mindedness in people serving the Biggest and only God there is.
…of rocky ground and weeds.
…of irresponsible words from supposedly mature Christians. Words that tear down what You are trying to build.
…of people that expect a level of commitment from others that they are not willing to expect of themselves.
…of people that hurt Your reputation.
…of people that allow personal preference to get in the way of Your work in the world.
…of sleepless nights.
…of stress related pain.
…of feeling guilty for the decisions that others make.
…of hearing yes but seeing no.
…of false accusations.
…of misleading insinuations.
…of manipulation.
…of dishonesty and deception.
…of excuses.
…of pride.
…of heart heaviness from caring about people that care little about me.
…of seeing the faithful discouraged.
…of people that withhold good when it is due. Especially to You.
…of fair weather friends.
…of deferred hope.
…of thinking of what could be if Your people would be Your people.
…of my own ignorance and lack of wisdom.
…of my inability to discern character.
…of my lack of faith in Your ability.
…of allowing foolishness and worldliness to make me tired.
However, You’re will, You’re reputation, You’re Word are worth my all. So, I will not give up or give in to my heart’s tiredness. Strengthen me, Father. Help me see You, instead of the waves of uncertainty, ignorance, and selfishness. Energize me to finish this race.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (English Standard Version) Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Lane Corley 