Things You May Not Know About Ministry

Originally Posted by Berkeley

*fake smile* *glossed over glare in the eyes* Whatever do you mean?

You forgot "pretend to be listening and nodding head in agreement, all the while thinking about.... ???" Or better yet... dominating the conversation so someone can't get a word in edgewise.

[berkeley]

Originally Posted by Ronzo

You forgot "pretend to be listening and nodding head in agreement, all the while thinking about.... ???" Or better yet... dominating the conversation so someone can't get a word in edgewise.

foot resting on thigh... hands clasped on lap...

[revrandy]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

I really didn't want this to be a preacher bashing thread.

Sorry.. I was just trying to be more transparent.. I will keep it fluffy...

I think that addressing these issues are important tho..

the Ministry is rich and fulfilling and if your called to it there is nothing
else a person can do that will satisfy the desires of the heart...

It is as lonely as those who travel that road make it... but freindships & relationships are very important... cultivating them and making them happen
are all up to the individual...

[Kutless]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

Maybe, but there are some aspects of life and ministry that are reserved for a ministers mind alone. There ares some things that we can't even share with our spouse's. That can lead to a feeling of isolation.

A minister is God's man - no one else's.

Are you speaking of something outside of personal counsel

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by Charlie Brown

A minister MUST be a man of much prayer and fasting. If you don't like praying a lot, find a good job and settle down under a pastor that does.

7. There is no outward ministry without inward reflection, downward humility, and upward communication with The Master.

[Charlie Brown]

Originally Posted by revrandy

I'm not saying there weren't times.. but he did travel extensively with the twelve... went to sinners houses and dinners... went to wedding parties...

Part of the reason folks can't get along socialibly is that they will see you for who you are...
and you them...

I am not saying that there are never times of socializing. But if a preacher does not spend solitary time, and a lot of it, with his Lord, he is missing what will make him more than anything else.

The sad fact is, that if we preachers spent half as much time in solitary prayer as we do socializing with folks, we would see a noticeable increase in the presence and power of God within our pulpits. But it is so much easier to "fellowship".

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by revrandy

Sorry.. I was just trying to be more transparent.. I will keep it fluffy...

I think that addressing these issues are important tho..

the Ministry is rich and fulfilling and if your called to it there is nothing
else a person can do that will satisfy the desires of the heart...

It is as lonely as those who travel that road make it... but freindships & relationships are very important... cultivating them and making them happen
are all up to the individual...

Wasn't addressing that to you Randy, and I agree with everything you just said. What do you wish you would have known?

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

I disagree. Too much friendship between pastors and saints leads to a dilution of spiritual authority. That has nothing to do with elitism. It has to do with Divine order.

What is this divine order? Where is this taught in the word of God?

I've been agreeing with RR as I've been reading along. I don't need to know my pastor's personal business but I do want to know him as a brother in Christ and what makes him tick. I've learned he has a heart for God and I respect that.

[Kutless]

Originally Posted by Kutless

Are you speaking of something outside of personal counsel

Bump.....Once again PP you have proven your status in the kingdom of "Thread Starting"

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by Kutless

Are you speaking of something outside of personal counsel

Sometimes God speaks secrets to a man that no one else could begin to understand. They are impossible to communicate with anyone - even the One you love the most. So you hold that inside and it is an intimacy between you and God alone.

Sometimes God places His leaders in places of isolation. The backside of a desert, a cave, underneath a juniper tree.....often it is in the quiet lonliness that the deep things of God are shared.