(Written by Guest Writer, William Strickland - Editor of the Gospel Messenger)
Got a few minutes? Let me share some random thoughts with
you. Like many ministers, I really enjoy the opportunity to guest preach in any
size church without regard to race, culture, or denominational affiliation (as
long as I’m allowed to preach what I feel like I should). One thing I
accomplish is temporarily lightening the load of the pastor during the week
prior to that Sunday (less sermon prep). A meal with the host pastor and spouse
or some of the staff if pastor was away, is usually a part of the experience as
well. I try to be as encouraging as possible in all my interactions. And my
personal ministry experiences continue to challenge my perspective and force me
to grow. Maybe you already know these, but I feel the need to share anyway.
1) The majority of churches are not mega-church sized and that's
okay. Approximately 80% will have 100 or less in attendance for their Sunday
morning service. Over half of the visits I make are to congregations that have
either leveled off or are in decline. It's not always the fault of the pastor,
though they must lead the solutions. And I don’t believe there is a set pattern
to get every congregation back on track to growth. But there are some
principles that are applicable everywhere and the changes needed must be led by
the key influencers of the congregation. With a holy unrest I have actually
prayed more than once for The Lord to move me, if I needed to leave in order
for growth to begin again. It sounds counterintuitive but it leads me to number
two.
2) The overwhelming majority of pastors (and staff members) are
bi-vocational and could really just use a break. Seriously, most are more tired
than they realize. The life of a bi-vocational minister leaves little room for
rest or unaccounted for time. Therefore, sermons will not usually be as smooth
and polished as your favorite TV preacher. There's no staff to delegate other
tasks to and there’s not enough time available in the week.
3) So, please stop comparing your pastor to every other minister. Your
pastor is most likely doing the best he can. He is not your former pastor and
he does not preach like your favorite evangelist. Please let each of God's
servants have the freedom of realizing their own potential with their
particular skill set and gift mix. Appreciate them for Whose they are and for
who they are. One of the best ways to appreciate your pastor is to help ensure
some regular time off. A week or two of with pay and away from the church every
quarter of the year will do wonders for the servant of God.
4) Most churches do not have professional quality music and that's
okay. They don't have to. Leading God's people in worship isn't supposed to be
a performance for spectators to observe. But on the same subject, everyone
involved in your worship service needs to have a heart after God in pursuit of
excellence. Regardless of how gifted they are, if they lack evidence of growing
in Christ-like maturity and refuse accountability, they should not be participating
in worship leadership.
5) Yes, money really is a big deal. Jesus taught fiscal principles
too often for me to tell you otherwise. While church leadership should not have
to nag congregations about the issue, please understand that it is vital for
you to do your part. And that's all you have to do; your part. Regardless of
what size it is, your tithes and offerings are more about your heart to
worship. And it keeps the lights on, takes care of the pastor, guest speakers,
and provides for missions across the street and across the sea. Seriously,
money is a spiritual issue and you're going to have a hard time convincing God
otherwise. Personal compliance to your local church and organization’s
financial plan will bring great blessing. It takes real money to do real
ministry!
6) When I stop to consider my own organization, one thing stands out
as it pertains to ministers: Approximately 85% of our pastors and ordained
ministry leaders are bi-vocational. Therefore only about 15% of them ARE fully funded
in the ministry without having to be employed outside of the ministry or be
dependent upon retirement funds. I use my terms because I don't like the terms
part-time or full-time when it comes to committed servants of our Master.
During my years of bi-vocational ministry, I did my best to be a full-time
follower, servant, and minister of Christ (some days, I blew it). My calling
served as an excuse to strive for excellence as an employee of the company and
as a witness for the Gospel with integrity. Every ounce of training and
expertise gained in secular employment made me a better minister. And likewise,
my study of the Scriptures, experience, and training in the ministry made me a
better employee for the company. So, perhaps two are better than one. It is my
humble opinion that a minister should be content and consider it a privilege to
serve God in a bi-vocational manner, until and unless He specifically
transitions you into a fully funded ministry situation. And within American Christianity,
fully funded positions are not plentiful.
7) It brings a little sorrow to my heart when a church does not
make time for prayer in worship services. We expect the preacher to bring us a
fresh sermon message each week and then we find an exit when it comes time for
a prayerful response. None of us are too busy or so holy that a few extra
minutes in prayer aren't beneficial. Prayer changes us, works miracles, moves
mountains, and affects eternity – so lunch can wait. And if others are in the
altars and you are not, let's stay focused on heavenly things and not begin
those loud conversations. And if you must leave before the end of service,
please do so quietly. It could be described as hypocritical for Pentecostals to
proclaim such belief in the power of God and say we desire a great spiritual
awakening, and then our actions say we are in too big of a hurry for prayer.
This is simply one preacher’s perspective. I welcome your comments
and I’d be glad to hear your perspective. And as a reasonable adult, I'd be
glad to discuss your disagreements.
Guest Writer - William Strickland
