Good Things Ministers Have Taught Me
 

My wife & I were discussing some of the good "words" that we have blessed with over the years from various ministers.

I thought I would share a few here and then offer the opportunity for you to share any particularly uplifting or wise words you have received from the ministry over the years.

Here are a few to get started. I will add others later.

1. Be a pig or a pup. A pastor/prophet in my life would always say this. His basic idea was... be real... be what you are... don't try to be anything you're not. Don't put on airs. Don't him-haw around. Be what you are and do it with all you have to give.

2. Hold your treasures close. There were certain beliefs the Lord had spoken to me about in my life. I would share them with others and get ridiculed sometimes. (I wasn't very wise in my sharing sometimes) This same pastor/prophet told me to hold my treasures close. Don't just keep them out for the whole world to see all the time. When you find someone who will appreciate the treasure God has given you then share it and enjoy it. But be wise that you share what God has given you with people who will appreciate it's value. Other times... just hold it close to your heart and be thankful it is yours. What he told me here is basically "Don't cast your pearls before swine" but I think he worded it very carefully to convey the good spirit in which he wanted me to learn this in.

As a worship leader today, I am thankful for a pastor who taught me by example how to lead worship and coordinate a service. He was known by many as Mr. Excitment.

He always used the example of a radio station. No dead air time.

If a radio station goes dead...people are going to be tuning into another channel.

Keep everything done in the pre-preaching time flowing, dovetailing together.
and keep it exciting.

I understand perfectly what you are saying here, but would like to add... In my experience this is more true in Pentecostal churches than in others. Pentecostals tend to get nervous when there is a laspe of noise.

I do understand about having things move in a continual and orderly flow.

Yes sir... I don't necessarily think it is a good thing myself....

But that is a personally held opinion of just one person.

Our pastor accasionally asks that we all take a few minutes and just be quiet before God.

It is very uncomfortable for Op's to do that in a church service.

Try it, 2 or 3 minutes of silent reflection towards God.

My first pastor taught me the word of God. To love it, to take it as it is written without adding or subtracting from it, and to study it.

He also taught me by example how to be a Christian.
He never spoke an evil word about anyone, even some who had left the church for the wrong reasons.

I have seen moments when this was asked to be done...

Silence...

Nothing...

Then the whole place, one at a time, begin to cry & worship the Lord.

An amazing event.

Ahhhhhhhhhh...

He gave you preparations for the long haul.

These are great things... basic, irreplaceable & absolutely necessary.

In a time when it seemed intolerance and condemnation ruled the day, I remember two men who taught me by example to accept and love other Christians, (and even nonchristians) not because we agree but in spite of it. After this time in my life I found it easier to love without motive, and give without expecting a return. It is amazing the response one can get to knocking on a door without a tract in hand or an invitation to church on your lips.

I felt a call to "preach" (I now see it as a call to minister) when I was 13.

In so many words my pastor told me "that's nice.. now go sit down" :)

I was told of David and how it was known he would be king LONG before it happened. I was told that a calling is just that... a calling. A calling to walk the path that is before you... a calling to seek Him and learn of Him... a simple knowledge of what he plans to make of you someday.

Basically.... You have heard & acknowledged the calling.. now begins the long, long journey to fulfilling it.