A few weeks ago, in response to a question, I posted a rough outline of a "normal" week of pastoral ministry. Since then I've been asked a few times to describe a "normal" pastoral visit. So, with apologies for the delay, and with the usual caveat that what's "normal" for me may not be "normal" for you, here's my answer.
Tag Archives: Pastors
How can I compete with Internet sermons?
May 17, 2010 – 9:15 AM
How can “ordinary” pastors compete with the vast range of well-known and greatly gifted preachers who are just one mouse-click away from everyone in their congregation? I know this is a sore point for many discouraged pastors. They visit their flock and all they hear are comments about the latest Internet sermon by Pastor Faimus and Dr Bigname. The only sermons that people seem to get excited about are ones preached hundreds of miles away!
Pastors, Where Are Your Priorities?
February 19, 2010 – 7:06 AM
Professors in all my classes communicate time and time again the devastating effects of pastors who get their priorities all mixed up. They cling to their positions as pastors, finding identity in the power they have instead of it being in Christ. As that lust takes over it permeates into other areas of life, many times leading to cheating on their wives. Then, as if utterly blind, they try to hide their sin instead of confessing it, thinking that their pastoral position is jeopardized by cheating instead of being repentant because their marriage is destroyed by their lust for power.
The Country Parson
December 2, 2009 – 7:06 AM
Young pastors or seminarians often ask me for advice on what kind of early ministry experience to seek in order to best grow in skill and wisdom as a pastor. They often are surprised when I tell them to consider being a 'country parson' -- namely, the solo pastor of a small church, many or most of which are in non-urban settings. Let me quickly emphasize the word 'consider.' I would never insist that everyone must follow this path. Nevertheless, it is worth thinking about. It was great for me.
Albert Mohler on Training Pastors
October 2, 2009 – 8:34 AM
Over at the Ligonier Ministries blog Tim Challies has posted a helpful article by Albert Mohler on the church's role in training pastors. While Dr. Mohler sees a vital role for theological seminaries in this great task, he nevertheless believes the local church is the most important context for training the next generation of shepherds: [...]