View Full Version : I am worn out
Steve Epley
06-07-2007, 09:06 PM
My brethren at the church told me I preached like a young man tonite but an old man did it and I am worn completely out. The ole grey whatever is not what he used to be. Pray my strength in the Lord.:sly
My brethren at the church told me I preached like a young man tonite but an old man did it and I am worn completely out. The ole grey whatever is not what he used to be. Pray my strength in the Lord.:sly
Elder may I ask you your age? And ... Are you delegating ...?
Steve Epley
06-07-2007, 09:13 PM
Elder may I ask you your age? And ... Are you delegating ...?
I am an old 56. I have been preaching since I was 15 and pastoring most of my life since I was 19. I have pastored and preached more revivals during the week then most evangelists for years. I have good help here but generally Sunday nite is when I preach if we have preaching. I teach on Sunday morning and Tuesday nite. Thursday night is generally the night for our young ministers but I took it tonight. I am tired.
I am an old 56. I have been preaching since I was 15 and pastoring most of my life since I was 19. I have pastored and preached more revivals during the week then most evangelists for years. I have good help here but generally Sunday nite is when I preach if we have preaching. I teach on Sunday morning and Tuesday nite. Thursday night is generally the night for our young ministers but I took it tonight. I am tired.
My Dad would preach/teach Sunday mornings and Tuesday nights also ... I don't know you're situation... or if you deemed it necessary to preach tonight... but please take care of yourself ... My dad eventually started scheduling preachers and teachers months in advance ....
Steve Epley
06-07-2007, 09:24 PM
My Dad would preach/teach Sunday mornings and Tuesday nights also ... I don't know you're situation... or if you deemed it necessary to preach tonight... but please take care of yourself ... My dad eventually started scheduling preachers and teachers months in advance ....
When all you have done your whole life is preach and teach it is very hard not to give it all you got and sometimes the pressure a preacher places on himself. I have NEVER tried to skim or fill in spaces in the pulpit I take my job very seriously. So the preparation (study-prayer) then the preaching I pour everything I have and am into it. Now my teaching is methodical and slow in a much more relaxed mold. Most of the time the teaching is about an hour but my preaching is generally from 30 to 45 mniutes at full speed not saving anything back. I am ringing wet with sweat and can barely walk out of the pulpit. Slowing down seems to be a death sentence to me but I know I will have to someday.
When all you have done your whole life is preach and teach it is very hard not to give it all you got and sometimes the pressure a preacher places on himself. I have NEVER tried to skim or fill in spaces in the pulpit I take my job very seriously. So the preparation (study-prayer) then the preaching I pour everything I have and am into it. Now my teaching is methodical and slow in a much more relaxed mold. Most of the time the teaching is about an hour but my preaching is generally from 30 to 45 mniutes at full speed not saving anything back. I am ringing wet with sweat and can barely walk out of the pulpit. Slowing down seems to be a death sentence to me but I know I will have to someday.
You're just like dad ... he was old-school also ... and was just as methodical. ...
he had the same attitude toward his call ... I admire that greatly ...
but your health is important also ... your wife and family need you as well ....
My dad did everything from making bank deposits to daily maintenance ... for many, many years ... and trust me I know you can't teach and old dog new tricks ...
yet ... I plea you think out of the box .... and enjoy the fruits of your labor while still being actively involved.
P.S. Dad was only 60 went he went home.
rgcraig
06-07-2007, 09:30 PM
My brethren at the church told me I preached like a young man tonite but an old man did it and I am worn completely out. The ole grey whatever is not what he used to be. Pray my strength in the Lord.:sly
You probably started out worn out from preaching here all day first - lol!!!!!
I had no idea you were that old!! I thought you were in your late 40's at most.
retsambeW
06-07-2007, 09:32 PM
Did ya skin 'em good, Elder?
:D
Trouvere
06-07-2007, 09:32 PM
I am an old 56. I have been preaching since I was 15 and pastoring most of my life since I was 19. I have pastored and preached more revivals during the week then most evangelists for years. I have good help here but generally Sunday nite is when I preach if we have preaching. I teach on Sunday morning and Tuesday nite. Thursday night is generally the night for our young ministers but I took it tonight. I am tired.
You are not old you are just a whiner.lol...:laffatu
Steve Epley
06-07-2007, 09:34 PM
I have preached around blacks a great deal of my life and learned that folks come to church with so many problems and trials they need a word of hope and encouragement to help them through the hard blows life deals them. So tonight I was preaching some hope and inspiration(I hope). They acted like they enjoyed it but I am wrung out totally. WHEW. Sunday is coming.
berkeley
06-07-2007, 09:34 PM
I had no idea you were that old!! I thought you were in your late 40's at most.
Liar :sly
I have preached around blacks a great deal of my life and learned that folks come to church with so many problems and trials they need a word of hope and encouragement to help them through the hard blows life deals them. So tonight I was preaching some hope and inspiration(I hope). They acted like they enjoyed it but I am wrung out totally. WHEW. Sunday is coming.
I pray he renews your strength as the eagles ... march on soldier.
Steve Epley
06-07-2007, 09:36 PM
Did ya skin 'em good, Elder?
:D
Nope I preached from Romans 8:31-39 on "Tell Hell I Am Not Coming." Just tried to bless them. These folks don't get skinned very much. They are wonderful saints. I have a better congregation than they have a pastor.
Trouvere
06-07-2007, 09:36 PM
56 is old? What are you trying to sell a bridge?:violin
Sister Bertha Garrett was at ladies conference worshipping God.
She is in her nineties.
retsambeW
06-07-2007, 09:40 PM
Nope I preached from Romans 8:31-39 on "Tell Hell I Am Not Coming." Just tried to bless them. These folks don't get skinned very much. They are wonderful saints. I have a better congregation than they have a pastor.
I heard you were a very good pastor. But, what do I know, it was second hand info. :D
Carry on, Elder.
Steve Epley
06-07-2007, 09:42 PM
I heard you were a very good pastor. But, what do I know, it was second hand info. :D
Carry on, Elder.
Most of the time I feel like I do a very poor job. This is not false humility just the facts. It is hard to relate to today's generation. I was born too late.
retsambeW
06-07-2007, 09:50 PM
Most of the time I feel like I do a very poor job. This is not false humility just the facts. It is hard to relate to today's generation. I was born too late.
Truth is, when we start to feel like we are doing a good job, we might need to do inventory.
Yes, it is hard to relate to today's generation. And I am closer to it than you are.
Sherri
06-07-2007, 10:03 PM
Nope I preached from Romans 8:31-39 on "Tell Hell I Am Not Coming." Just tried to bless them. These folks don't get skinned very much. They are wonderful saints. I have a better congregation than they have a pastor.
I love people with passion for what they do. I can tell that you are eat up with passion for pastoring, and I think that's awesome. I can't stand pastors who just do it for a paycheck, and don't think about it from the time they leave one service until they come back to the next one. Thank the Lord for men of God who have fire shut up in their bones and they would go crazy without doing His work!!
(Just don't overdo it!! :IAM I'm sure Sis. Epley would like to have you around for a while. Take time for good vacations!)
secretplace
06-07-2007, 10:17 PM
I was going to ask if you've had a good vacation lately and if you've had a physical checkup.
We need men who will declare the whole counsel of God to this generation.
Take a breather...and come back refreshed.
deacon blues
06-07-2007, 11:26 PM
I am an old 56. I have been preaching since I was 15 and pastoring most of my life since I was 19. I have pastored and preached more revivals during the week then most evangelists for years. I have good help here but generally Sunday nite is when I preach if we have preaching. I teach on Sunday morning and Tuesday nite. Thursday night is generally the night for our young ministers but I took it tonight. I am tired.
My friend, Norm Paslay, said when asked how old he was, "I am 48 but I'm HIGH MILEAGE!":lol
Sister Alvear
06-08-2007, 05:12 AM
The movement needs you elder please rest...We will be praying for your strength. Sounded like you must have preached a wonderful message. May God grant you halth and strength...
We too have high milage on our bodies but we are a little older...Blessings to you and yours. Pray for us as soon as Brother Alvear wakes up we resume our journey headed to the jungle. Long trip...
Malvaro
06-08-2007, 07:25 AM
Nope I preached from Romans 8:31-39 on "Tell Hell I Am Not Coming." Just tried to bless them. These folks don't get skinned very much. They are wonderful saints. I have a better congregation than they have a pastor.
I've heard that message before at JCM; it is encouraging....
My brethren at the church told me I preached like a young man tonite but an old man did it and I am worn completely out. The ole grey whatever is not what he used to be. Pray my strength in the Lord.:sly
Maybe you need to slow down, brother. ;) Seriously. No one should expect your stamina to be the same as at 20.
Steve Epley
06-08-2007, 08:12 AM
Maybe you need to slow down, brother. ;) Seriously. No one should expect your stamina to be the same as at 20.
I do. I have given everything I have ever since day 1 and thought of slowing down is depressing to say the least.
I do. I have given everything I have ever since day 1 and thought of slowing down is depressing to say the least.
I pray for an Aaron and Hur to help you continue holding up your arms as lead your flock ... and a Joshua, also, to help do the dirty work and heavy lifting!!!
I do. I have given everything I have ever since day 1 and thought of slowing down is depressing to say the least.
Why? It's just a different season of your life. Winter has it's perks just like spring and summer. Don't spend your winter wishing it was spring! ;)
OP_Carl
06-08-2007, 08:23 AM
God bless you Elder Epley and here is my $.02:
If I had the freedom in my schedule to take a 30 minute brisk walk every morning, I would do it and I know I would feel much better for it. When I was in college, I would run 3-4 miles a day, and during that time not only was I helping my physical condition but I would commune with God during that special time of concentration and solitude.
As it is, I'm chained to this workstation for 40-50 hours a week, commuting, going to church, and maintaining my home and family.
Most preachers I've known don't have a hard and fast regular commitment early in the morning.
No one is suggesting that you become carnal or selfish, but that you attend to the stewardship of both your body and your daily allotment of energy.
If you get a regular cardiovascular workout (aerobic exercise), your daily allotment of energy will increase, as will your stamina.
Get a checkup, and then go for it! (no shorts)
philjones
06-08-2007, 08:24 AM
My friend, Norm Paslay, said when asked how old he was, "I am 48 but I'm HIGH MILEAGE!":lol
Well, I too am 48 but my statement is one my dad always used.... I am like a horse who has been 'rode' hard and put up wet!
Great advice!!! I agree w/ OP ... a regular exercise program and medical consultation could be very beneficial ....
Steve Epley
06-08-2007, 08:27 AM
God bless you Elder Epley and here is my $.02:
If I had the freedom in my schedule to take a 30 minute brisk walk every morning, I would do it and I know I would feel much better for it. When I was in college, I would run 3-4 miles a day, and during that time not only was I helping my physical condition but I would commune with God during that special time of concentration and solitude.
As it is, I'm chained to this workstation for 40-50 hours a week, commuting, going to church, and maintaining my home and family.
Most preachers I've known don't have a hard and fast regular commitment early in the morning.
No one is suggesting that you become carnal or selfish, but that you attend to the stewardship of both your body and your daily allotment of energy.
If you get a regular cardiovascular workout (aerobic exercise), your daily allotment of energy will increase, as will your stamina.
Get a checkup, and then go for it! (no shorts)
Physical activity help Lord. I have been having problems with my feet for about a year but I have FINALLY went to the doctor and am going to begin therapy so I can start walking again. I walking is painful now. But maybe soon.
Physical activity help Lord. I have been having problems with my feet for about a year but I have FINALLY went to the doctor and am going to begin therapy so IU can start walking again. I walking is painful now. But maybe soon.
Sometimes it's physical inactivity that often ails our bodies ... I've had problems w/ my sciatic nerve ... and it acts up when I'm inactive ... but when I start walking again, like I've done this week it disappears
... don't know if this applies to your feet ... but something to think about
Chewy
06-08-2007, 09:35 AM
My brethren at the church told me I preached like a young man tonite but an old man did it and I am worn completely out. The ole grey whatever is not what he used to be. Pray my strength in the Lord.:sly
Pastor Epley, are you sure the "ole grey" is not the "ole all gone"?
:slaphappy
Steve Epley
06-08-2007, 11:04 AM
Sometimes it's physical inactivity that often ails our bodies ... I've had problems w/ my sciatic nerve ... and it acts up when I'm inactive ... but when I start walking again, like I've done this week it disappears
... don't know if this applies to your feet ... but something to think about
Sometimes I can hardly walk although I do I will NOT give into this. I lead services and preach and teach but I suffer for it. I have always been demonstrative in worship so I feel hindered but I do what I can. I am looking forward to therapy the doctor seems to think it will bring me out.
Revelationist
06-08-2007, 05:26 PM
I am an old 56. I have been preaching since I was 15 and pastoring most of my life since I was 19. I have pastored and preached more revivals during the week then most evangelists for years. I have good help here but generally Sunday nite is when I preach if we have preaching. I teach on Sunday morning and Tuesday nite. Thursday night is generally the night for our young ministers but I took it tonight. I am tired.
I can understand, I've worked 21 days, 12 hours a day without a day off, got off at 5:30 PM and taught our Wed. Night Bible Study. I'm 49....
Jerry Moon
mfblume
06-08-2007, 05:33 PM
I have preached around blacks a great deal of my life and learned that folks come to church with so many problems and trials they need a word of hope and encouragement to help them through the hard blows life deals them. So tonight I was preaching some hope and inspiration(I hope). They acted like they enjoyed it but I am wrung out totally. WHEW. Sunday is coming.
I heard you online once when someone posted a sound file of a sermon you preached, and after hearing how much you holler, I would imagine you would get worn out. lol. Don't holler so much. I am trying to cut back a bit myself. heh heh . But, man, YOU REALLY scream a lot.
God bless, bro.
Epley come on out here to Sunny southern California !
you know you love it and want to be there :lol
you need to save your strenght for Sundays. just teach during the week or let the young guys do it. my Dad preached fast and furious too. they didn't call him "wild bill" for nothing :lol he use to jump the Pews, cast out devils, man those were the days! we never got home before mid night. I asked my mom the other day " how did we ever do it " ???
Revelationist
06-08-2007, 06:22 PM
Epley come on out here to Sunny southern California !
you know you love it and want to be there :lol
you need to save your strenght for Sundays. just teach during the week or let the young guys do it. my Dad preached fast and furious too. they didn't call him "wild bill" for nothing :lol he use to jump the Pews, cast out devils, man those were the days! we never got home before mid night. I asked my mom the other day " how did we ever do it " ???
Did he sleep late Monday Morning? I have to wonder how the saints that had to get up at 4:30 the next morning and go to work did it?
Jerry Moon
Did he sleep late Monday Morning? I have to wonder how the saints that had to get up at 4:30 the next morning and go to work did it?
Jerry Moon
my father ???
he delivered milk. he was up at 4 or 5 am
worked full time and raised 7 kids
i don'tknow how they did it. I don't think we have the stamina
for all that now
Revelationist
06-08-2007, 06:38 PM
my father ???
he delivered milk. he was up at 4 or 5 am
worked full time and raised 7 kids
i don'tknow how they did it. I don't think we have the stamina
for all that now
Cool... I'll suffer right along with them, as long as they know what they are getting us into... hehehe....
Jerry Moon
Old Paths
06-08-2007, 06:47 PM
Doc IF you are old me and our Fla. buddy is ancient.
Suck it in...
Be a man...
Toughen up.
Hee heeeeeeeeeeeeeee
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