A Pastor’s Perspective
By: Dr. William PerryThe Task of Shepherding!
Pastors must try to remember at all times that we are ministers to the flock. And we must set out to complete the task of being a shepherd.I recall a few years back, during a pastor’s conference I overheard a snippet of conversation as I walked through the book displays. The pastor was saying, “I just don’t know most of the people attending our worship services anymore. The only people I see are the deacons and our group leaders I meet with to plan and evaluate our programs.”
A true shepherd knows his sheep and calls them by name (John 10:3). In a congregation of fifty, getting all the names right may not be so difficult. But when you’re the new pastor in a flock of two hundred or more, you may find yourself wishing you could install more RAM in the mental computer. Knowing, remembering, and using the names of the people you serve is one of the most vital ways to communicate that you know them individually. Still, knowing the flock involves more than just knowing their names. It means being with them enough to know their personality traits (impulsive or impatient, artist or engineer), their character (honest, loyal, suspicious, proud), their spiritual gifts, their responses under pressure, their willingness to learn and follow the leader, their ability to handle money. This in-depth awareness of individuals in the flock, and the flock as a whole, should be a priority.
The primary goal of the pastor should be to introduce and relate persons to Jesus Christ. We are to reflect on the fact that we are called to be shepherds, not chief executives officers. By internalizing the Biblical job description of shepherd and redefining the church’s understanding of itself as a spiritual flock, we can positively transform the culture’s perception of the Church of which Jesus Christ is the Chief Shepherd.
BIBLE STUDY 8:30 A.M.
CONFLICT OF THE AGES
COME AND JOIN US @ #1
We study together, with the help of an outline, and the “Power-Point” that Kathy has put together for us, which helps to make this a very informative Bible study. Come join us as we consider together what God is doing in the world Today.
THANKS FOR ATTENDING!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….PRAYER REQUESTS
For family members left behind, the sons, daughters and grandchildren.
For Jenny, Steve and Russ as they continue to manage and maintain our lovely village community.
For the ones of our extended family needing medical assistance and/or additional care.
For Christian Resort Ministry (CRM), for wisdom in serving the Lord Jesus Christ while serving the many RV communities throughout the country
For CRM’s Medical doctors and clinical Chaplains as they serve the “needy” in their Free Medical Clinics.
For the CRM Chaplains, as they serve as Ambassadors of the Lord Jesus Christ, serving Him, while serving their local RV community.
That the Lord’s Will would be done on earth (here at HO HO KAM and our local area), as it is in Heaven.
To hear this week's message, click here.
Continue to pray for us as we seek to serve the Lord here in the desert.
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