|
Reading: Fuel for the Road by Ron Aguilera
|
The life of a pastor is complex and constantly changing. Ministry today is strikingly different than it was a generation ago. The expectations are higher, the demands more numerous, and the pace of life faster. In recent years, several studies have reported that ministry life is hard on the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of a pastor. Many pastors today feel that life in ministry is unsustainable. Perhaps you have felt that way, too.
So, what do we do? The strategies for sustaining pastoral ministry are wide-ranging, and include setting and maintaining healthy boundaries, physical exercise, and being part of a peer accountability/support group. I personally implement each of those, but I believe another strategy that is critical, yet often ignored, is creating and pursuing a lifelong learning plan. Read More.
Join the discussion of facebook.
Ron Aguilera is vice-president of administration for the Illinois Conference
|
Book Review by Mic Thurber
|
Leading With a Limp
Dan B. Allender, PhD
Water Books, 2006
With bookstore shelves piled high with books on leadership such as Leading from Your Strengths, The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive, The One Thing, or most any of John Maxwell's books on leadership, one could easily get the impression that all you need to do is read their book, put into practice their principles and you are off and running - that now that you really are a leader, you will face each difficult leadership challenge with grace and aplomb, and of course, smashing success.
But what if your leadership stint, particularly pastoral leadership, turns out to not be as easy as following a set of steps that worked for somebody else? In fact, what if you've read all the books and done all the right things but your leadership attempts are rejected, resisted, or ineffective? What if your own personal flaws begin to inhibit your ability to lead? Read More.
Join the discussion on facebook.
Mic Thurber is ministerial director for the Mid-America Union Conference
|
Stories We Tell by Barry Kimbrough
|
When a Pest is Your Best Friend
A monument to a pest stands in Enterprise, Alabama. The honoree is a Mexican boll weevil.
In 1915 the bug destroyed the cotton crops in Coffee County. Something had to be done or the local economy would collapse.
Local farmers switched to peanuts. Within two years profits soared far beyond those of the previous cotton business. Enterprise became the peanut capital of the world. Little wonder that the people began to see the old pest in a new light.
The plaque reads: "In profound appreciation of the Boll Weevil and what it has done as the Herald of Prosperity, this monument was erected by the citizens of Enterprise, Coffee County, Alabama."
In life and ministry we face many potential "pests." Possibly a difficult church member, a major church conflict, feeling spread too thin over a large district...you name it. These or any one of a thousand other irritations can easily get us down. We don't often consider that the very problem can be a catalyst for growth and change if we learn to adjust and persevere by God's grace. "In times of change," writes Eric Hoffer, "learners inherit the earth." Read More.
Join the discussion on facebook.
Barry Kimbrough is a pastor in the Southern New England Conference
|
|
Let's Talk: Good Reads
|
What ministry development book have you read this year that has most rocked your world? Share the title, author, and a descriptive line about the book with your fellow pastors here in Best Practices for Adventist Ministry.
|
|
Ideas, Events, Resources, Announcements
| |
The North American Division has launched a new website for seekers, My Way to Jesus. This website is ideal for sharing with people who want to know more about the Seventh-day Adventist faith. One of the highlighted features of the new site is the Did You Know? series of 28 90-second videos that explore Adventist beliefs. Each video is presented by a church member who shares how the belief relates to real life, either through a story or concept that everyone can relate to. The site also features Bible studies for adults and children, a place to share prayer requests, a weekly devotional e-mail, and a church finder.
In Prodigal Pastor Kids: Fact or Fiction the Barna Group shares some surprising insights from a recent research project for today's pastoral families.
Previous resource links:
|
Best Practices for Adventist Ministry is published by NAD Ministerial. Opinions expressed belong to the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of NAD Ministerial. Publisher: Ivan Williams; Managing Editor: Dan Martella. Copyright 2013 North American Division Corporation of Seventh-day Adventists. v(301) 680-6418
|
|
|
