Lanelle and I once again say, “Thank You for your kindness to us.” The Lord has greatly blessed us by letting us be with you for these nine months. You are a wonderful church! You are wonderful people! Josh is greatly blessed by being able to be your pastor.
How to Support Your New Pastor
This Sunday, I will preach on the topic, “How to Support Your New Pastor.” I am going to give you a preview of the message in case you won’t be at the service. You may need to have it in print for future review.
First, Pray for Him. Pray every day. Pray twice on Saturday. In your Saturday prayers, pray that he will preach with Spirit-prompted unction and that you will come hungry for such a sermon.
Sometimes, people complain, “I’m just not being fed.” Usually, they are meaning that the pastor’s sermons are inadequate. I know that it takes two elements to make a good meal: good food and a good appetite. As a preacher, I know that I do not always serve up a gourmet sermon. I also know that some people come to church with a spiritually soul stomach. Come hungry. Pinto beans and cornbread are delicious if you’re hungry enough.
Second, Encourage Him I could never say that being a pastor is any more difficult or stressful than any other vocation. I can say that pastoring is stressful. I will mention two reasons out of several. One is that pastoring is people-intensive. Any vocation that is heavily people-centered is more stressful, for the needs of people are endless. Also, some people are unkind. Sheep bite. Another reason is that a pastor focuses on eternal issues – sin and salvation, heaven and hell. These are heavy and constant.
Third, Be Realistic in Your Expectations. Josh is not the Messiah, Jesus is. He is a human being just like you. He will make mistakes, just like you. He will forget names, just like you. At some point, he will make a statement he wishes he had not made, just like you.
When he does something with which you disagree, don’t mention it to anyone (spouse, friend, Sunday School class) before you mention it to him and before you mention it to him, read Matthew 18:15. Then read Matthew 7:1-5. Pray for enough humility to consider that you might be wrong.
I pastored three churches for 24 years. In each church, I had two or three members who thought that their spiritual gift was to keep the pastor humble. There is no such spiritual gift listed in the Bible.
Pastors get too much praise when things go well and too much blame when they don’t.
Church is a team exercise. The EHBC team will determine the effectiveness and success of Josh’s ministry. Go Team!!!
He Who Laffs Lasts
Some funnies from James Sharpe:
Never slap a man who’s chewing tobacco.
There are two theories to arguing with a woman….neither works.
Never miss a good chance to shut up.
If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.
The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back in your pocket.
Lettin’ the cat out of the bag is a whole lot easier’n puttin’ it back in.
Dale