Things You May Not Know About Ministry

[mfblume]

Another thing that is so important, which Daniel Alicea alluded to as well, is FULLNESS OF THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT!



All the gifts and talents are sounding brass and tinkling cymbals without the FRUIT.

Originally Posted by mfblume

I have to disagree with point 1. I think the leading of the Holy Ghost supplies what we need to help folks. I have to admit I am fearful of the idea that we have to learn psychology and sociology in order to work for God. I am not saying it is sinful or anything, LOL. But I really think it is replacing the moving of the Spirit with the thoughts and inventions of men.

The disciples used the gifts of the Spirit as well as insight from the Spirit to work with people. They did not have colleges to attend in order to learn secular psychology, etc. I am not saying these things may not benefit one in ministry, but to say ministers HAVE TO HAVE these basic understandings is wrong in my opinion.

Now, I do not think it is analogous to the fact that we have technology today that the disciples never had, and if we use technology then.... They're two different animals altogether.

I think God's Spirit is meant to supply all we need to understand in these areas of sociology.

Amen Brother!!!!

[Nahum]

From Barna:

The average pastoral compensation package represents just less than one-third (31%) of the median annual operating budget for Protestant churches. That proportion has remained relatively constant since the mid-Nineties.

Compensation Varies Among Churches

The Barna survey indicated that certain types of pastors receive larger compensation packages than do others. Education makes a substantial difference in compensation: seminary graduates receive an average of 38% more compensation than do Senior Pastors who did not graduate from a seminary. Currently about three out of every five Senior Pastors (63%) has a seminary degree.

Denominational affiliation also impacts earnings. The most prolific Protestant denominational grouping - Baptist churches, which include more than 20 different Baptist sects and constitute about one-quarter of all Protestant churches - has pastors who earn just slightly more than the national average (about $300 per year more). In comparison, among the least-highly compensated pastors are those serving charismatic and Pentecostal churches; their median package was 16% below the national average. At the high end of the compensation scale are pastors ministering in mainline churches, whose package is worth nearly 14% more than the norm. Pastors of mainline churches - i.e., the Episcopal, American Baptist, Presbyterian (USA), Lutheran, United Methodist and United Church of Christ congregations - average $45,510. The higher average is partially explained by congregations that are larger than the national average and pastors who have been in ministry longer than the pastors of other types of churches

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

I'll go first.

1. A pastor needs to have a basic understanding of sociology and psychology.

No! An understanding of wicked worldly philosophies is not required. A thorough understanding of the sin nature is a must.

2. Less than 50% of pastors are full-time ministers.

Interesting.

3. Peer pressure exists in ministry. The pressure to perform is intense.

I don't doubt it but we can attribute it to the sinful nature.

4. Watching God work and mature new Christians is joy in action.

Amen!!!!!!!!!!!

5. Ministry is one of the most exhausting and fulfilling experiences on earth.

I think that would apply to anyone obeying God's call on one's life.

[SDG]

Hey ... here's a novel thought ... act Christ-like.

[Rico]

I was in prison ministry for a time so I feel that I can give some advice to those seeking to go into ministry. My main piece of advice would be to be prepared to have the things you preach attacked by the enemy of your soul. Those in ministry have to deal with spiritual warfare on a level that most saints never see. Be prepared for the battle. Your weaknesses will be magnified by the forces of darkness against you. Stay prayed up and be accountable to those who have gone before you in ministry. More than likely they have faced and won the battles that await you and they will be a valuable source of direction and strength for you.

[Kutless]

again I am not a minister but as this was mentioned on another thread it made me want to ask.

What about the threat of putting yourself on a pedastel. As in the role of an authoritarian wouldn't one want to remain extremely humble as to not become an idol to some?

this probably doesn't make sense

[mfblume]

Originally Posted by Kutless

again I am not a minister but as this was mentioned on another thread it made me want to ask.

What about the threat of putting yourself on a pedastel. As in the role of an authoritarian wouldn't one want to remain extremely humble as to not become an idol to some?

this probably doesn't make sense

It certainly does make sense. It is tempting to abuse the position as a minister to enjoy "lording it" over God's heritage. Some have and do. I believe it is so vital to ever rebuke the spirit of pride. I believe the Lord's prayer covers all the vital elements of prayer, including the need to not stray from the narrow path and be led into temptation on the broad road that leads to destruction. "Lord, keep me humble, and do not let me stray from righteousness."

Some like the alleged "limelight" of being seen before people. That is why Paul told Timothy to lay hands suddenly on no man for ordination, and to instead KNOW THOSE who labour among us.

[StillStanding]

A church usually takes on the persona of the pastor. They emulate his actions, personality, and spirituality.

Folks will naturally put their pastor on a pedestal. IMO, a pastor should counter that with humility and grace.

When a pastor starts enjoying the pedestal too much, is when problems start happening!

[revrandy]

Originally Posted by Pianoman

A church usually takes on the persona of the pastor. They emulate his actions, personality, and spirituality.

Folks will naturally put their pastor on a pedestal. IMO, a pastor should counter that with humility and grace.

When a pastor starts enjoying the pedestal too much, is when problems start happening!

This is very true....also the Pastor's wife enjoying the Power pedestal can cause many problems...

There are some churches that love the Ministry...and some that worship the ministry... I've been in and seen both....