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Showing posts from December, 2008

Pastor - title or role?

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It all comes down to either serving or being caught up in self-righteousness. My prayer is that people know several things from scripture. The term Pastor comes to mind. Here are some thoughts: 1. The only time the title of Pastor is mentioned as a title is the Chief pastor is Jesus. 2. Some are called to pastor, now called pastors, but to do the function. 3. Elders are to pastor. Pastoring is a part of the many functions of what the Bishop, overseer or elder is to do. It is another way to serve, shepherd the flock. Serving. If you think "pastor" is a title and an office - then it is best to rethink it. Even in the Restoration movement we use the term pastor = elder. But really the pastoring is a function of the elders. Elders = office. pastoring = role, function. Overseeing what to be doing as well. The duty is to pastor not be a pastor. Pastoring is more of a duty, gift, not a title. The elders were to pastor. The leadership is to pastor. In the RM movement there shouldn&#

Ministry and Driving!

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I've been thinking that those that serve in ministry and those who don't spend alot of time in our vehicles. Here is thoughts I have had about helping our ministries as we drive. 1. Keep it simple. Maybe it is as simple as praying or listening to sermons. 2. Drive Slow. Give yourself extra time to get there. Going from point A to point B doesn't have to be spent going 80mph on the interstate. Afterall, the speed limit is there for a reason. (I need to be reminded of this myself) 3. Spend some time in silence. Turn off the radio. Just listen to the quiet. Sometimes I think having the radio etc on can be a distraction. I can't believe how I see people driving with cell phones, radios, food, and then other items. I, even, saw one person with a mp3 player in their ears while driving and thinking he had a razor as well. Those extra few minutes of commuting are some good times spent enhancing your spiritual life and perhaps getting you ready for the day - spend them wisely in

Programs Versus Relationships!

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There is a debate in youth ministry circles that say Programs = Bad! Relationships is what is what it is all about. This is so far off. See the lies listed here Programs are a tool.... in which relationships can start. Relational based ministry goes beyond programs but have to start with some sort of impact. If we expect to ADD more glamour and gimmicks to build people to a relationship with Christ -we miss the goal. The goal really isn't our relationship with anyone. sorry as much as community is a good thing ... the whole urban legend that youth ministry is about relationships is just an urban legend - just the same as it is about programs. The goal is Jesus. Plain and simple. Youth pastors and youth workers can't replace parents. Youth workers can't replace Jesus. All we do is point people to well - Jesus.