Stress And The Pastorate

The ministry can be very challenging at times. With each issue that surfaces, a measure of stress, worry, and anxiety is also entertained. Pastors have to learn how to deal with stress or they will become a casualty and statistic. Nobody wants to be a sermon illustration of this kind so it is best to face stress and it's cousins head on.

The Reality Of Stress

"Worry is a kind of insult to the Lord.  It's like throwing His promises and assurances back into His face and saying they're no good and you don't trust Him." - Fletcher

Nobody can deny the reality of stress. I suppose the old timers did not call it by that name, but they faced it too. Whether it is the crammed schedule of a work week or wading through church problems, stress is alive and well in the pastorate. Balancing family time and ministry time is a bear to handle! Add working a secular job into the mix and you add to life's complications.

Ignoring the avenues on which stress travels is all too common. Most know that stress exists, but the same people tend to overlook it. The best thing a pastor can do is to live their life in light of the fact that they have a stressful work and they should act accordingly!

The Results Of Stress

"Anxiety springs from the desire that things should happen as we wish rather than as God wills." - Anonymous

High levels of stress can adversely affect personality, family relationships, personal health, productivity of ministry and quality fellowship with the church family. Aside from the category of personal health, each one of these deal with the pastor and his fellow man. What an opportunity for Satan to make an inroad into a godly testimony! It is so important for pastors to monitor this so they can guard themselves from ineffectiveness, that often results, in loss of testimony.

Heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, etc. are often the result of stress. Pastors should not fall victim to this. They should be examples of those that give their burdens to the Lord Jesus. No, they are not expected to be spiritual supermen, but they should be even keeled!

The Remedy For Stress

(Philippians 4:6-7) "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  (KJV)

It would be foolish for one to over simplify the issue of stress and the pastorate. However, the primary remedy for stress is quite simple; at least in precept. Effectual prayer is the best remedy, and many Bible verses can be cited to prove this truth.

Stress stems largely from worry or anxiety about particular issues, and some of these difficulties are completely out of a pastor's hands. When you lump everything into a simmering pot called "ministry", the only way for sanity to be maintained is through personal prayer time.

Upon examining the Old Testament, you will find numerous examples of people who faced great dangers while carrying out God's will. They were men like everyone else. Hebrews chapter eleven records many of their names as well. They made it through life's struggles and so can every pastor alive today! Allow God's peace to guard your heart and mind.

Conclusion

Pastors must face stress every day. There is no way around this fact of life. If one will frequent the prayer closet, then godly attitudes can be kept and faith can be seen more easily by others. Prayer affects attitude, attitude affects vision, vision affects direction, and direction affects people. Stress can destroy all of this! Pastor beware of stress and take great care of spending quality time with your Lord!

10 Ways To Better Lead As A Pastor

Most pastors want to be a better leader. For me, it has become an obsession or sorts. I want to be the BEST pastor I can be. If I am to be a sharper tool in God's omnipotent hand, then I must allow my Lord to whet the edge of my leadership ability. Ultimately, it is God who makes the leader out of the pastor, but I want to do all that is humanly possible to be in the place for God to make the most out of me.

In the never ending quest for becoming a better leader one will find a plethora of so-called experts on the subject. Not one week goes by that I do not see an advertisement on my Facebook account trying to get me to go to some conference or buy some book on leadership. In spite of the large quantity of materials on the issue of being a better leader, it really comes down to a few simple things: (1) A teachable spirit; (2) Submission to the Holy Spirit; (3) A little bit of common sense.

(1 Timothy 4:12) "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." (KJV)

Listed below are 10 suggestions for how to become a better leader as a pastor. May God use each of these to be  a blessing to you!

#1 - Great "leadership" starts with great "followship". 


Follow the Lord, follow your pastor, and follow godly men!

#2 - SEEK to be the leader God wants YOU to be.

Don't worry about being anything but what God desires you to be. Sometimes influential people have great plans for us, but not what God wants for us! Know the difference!

#3 - Be yourself.

God made you unique... so be unique! It can be one of your greatest Allies! 

#4 - Don't ask of others what you would not readily perform yourself.

There should never be a task "beneath" you. No matter how important you think yourself to be or how others think you to be, you are still a good candidate to clean the toilet bowl!

#5 - Seek balance in your leadership.

Balance is the key to a successful ministry. Don't be going to extremes all the time. Find out which way God is going and go with Him.

#6 - Don't exploit the mistakes and sins of others for personal gain and promotion.

The unfortunate blunders and circumstances that people get themselves into are not necessarily open range for you and I to graze upon. Some things are meant for us to see and learn from, not for the rest of the country to know about!

#7 - Lead, don't manipulate, drag and force.

Lead by example! Jesus would be the greatest picture of this. If you will lead, then people will follow! Let God do this work! 

#8 - Lead with confidence balanced by meekness and humbleness.

Know who you are, why you are here, where you are going, and how to get there, and you will be a good prospect for leadership! 

#9 - Emulate the positive aspects of other great leaders.

Every man is our teacher, so watch and listen!

#10 - Embrace difficulties, trials, and persecutions as CHALLENGES not problems.

Be solution oriented, not problem oriented. There is a difference and happy is the man who understands this!

Conclusion

There is no claim being made in this post that we have cornered the market on what it takes to be a great leader. The suggestions above have been very practical and helpful to our ministry. May they help you to become the great leader God desires you to be!

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A Compilation Of Remarks About Prayer For Every Pastor's Use

If you are like me, then you are always on the lookout for great axioms on prayer. From time to time I will come across some kernels of truth about this essential practice that seems to springboard my Christian walk. It is my hope that this list of 34 remarks on prayer will be of some use to you in your walk with God and as a leader in your local church.

34 Remarks On The Subject Of Prayer

#1 - The preacher’s best work is done on his knees.

#2 - If God did not intend to hear us, he would not bid us pray.

#3 - God does nothing but by prayer.

#4 - The right man, praying the right kind of prayer, will get the right kind of answer.

#5 - You don’t have to be talented to pray.

#6 - What is wrong with me is wrong with my prayer life.

#7 - Prayer is the key that opens and shuts heaven. (James 5:17-18)

#8 - The object of prayer is to move the arm of God.

#9 - The object of prayer is to get the ear of God.

#10 - The object of prayer is to get the answer.

#11 - Prayer is to the soul what breathing is to the body.

#12 - Until you pray, you can do nothing but pray.

#13 - We should pray specifically, seriously, and steadfastly.

#14 - Unbelief says, I see something in the hand of God, and I cannot get it.

#15 - Don’t treat prayer like a spare tire.

#16 - Very little of eternal importance is done apart from prayer.

#17 - Nothing lies beyond the reach of prayer except that which lies beyond the will of God.

#18 - The quickest way to get a church on its feet is to get it on its knees.

#19 - "What a man is, he is on his knees before God, and nothing more." - Robert Murray McCheyne

#20 - What comes from God in a promise should be sent back to Him in a prayer. (Revelation 22:20)

#21 - You can’t get a $10,000 answer to a 10-cent prayer.

#22 - Where I cannot go on my feet, I can go on my knees.

#23 - I am praying that God will make me:
   
     1. A victorious man
     2. A Spirit-filled man
     3. A man of prayer
     4. A man of the Word
     5. A surrendered man
     6. A man of one purpose
        - Oswald J. Smith

#24 - Five ingredients in prayer:
   
     1. Praise
     2. Thanks
     3. Confession
     4. Intercession
     5. Petition

#25 - The measure of your spiritual life is your prayer life.

#26 - I want God to hear me when I pray and men to hear me when I preach.

#27 - If you cannot go to God with a broken heart go to Him for one.

#28 - You are not going to reach the masses by great sermons. We must “move the arm that moves the world.” To do that, we must be clear and right before God. - D. L. Moody

#29 - A church is only as powerful as it is prayerful.

#30 - “Prayer pulls the rope, and the great bell rings above in the ear of God. Some scarcely stir the bell, for they pray so languidly; others give but an occasional pluck at the rope; but he who wins with heaven is the man who grasps the rope boldly and pulls continually with all his might.” - C. H. Spurgeon

#31 - The ministry of Christ reflected His prayer life.

#32 - Our ministry reflects our prayer life.

#33 - "Communion is the line that joins us to the battery of God’s power." - M. R. DeHaan

#34 - "He who would preach powerfully must pray effectively." - Dr. Oswald J. Smith

These remarks have been taken from the book A Manual For Young Pastors (And Older Ones Too) by Dr. Jim Phillips. Dr. Phillips has graciously given permission for The Working Pastor to use his material. Any quotes from here need to be given to Dr. Phillips. For those who would like a copy of this book simply contact Brother Phillips: Dr. Jim Phillips - 13 Darby Hill Lane Taylors, SC 29687 or call: 864-609-9431 The book is $17.00 and $3.00 S&H.

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Tips For Pastors When Conducting A Deacons' Meeting

For as long as I have been saved, knowing who a Deacon and Pastor were, there have always been the jokes about the conflict that can arise between these two offices in the local, New Testament church. As we all know, this conflict does not need to be in the church. In fact, it can be avoided entirely! When I think of how sweet the meeting CAN be, when deacons and pastors meet together, I am reminded of Psalms 133:1.

 (Psalms 133:1) <<A Song of degrees of David.>> "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"  (KJV)

Listed below are 19 practical tips for pastors when conducting a Deacons' Meeting.

#1 - Have a written agenda and give each of the deacons a copy.

#2 - Plan the meeting carefully.

#3 - Be prepared to lead the meeting, Remember, leadership is priceless.

#4 - Use simple parliamentary rules.

#5 - Set a quorum of deacons to be present.

#6 - Do not come and ask, "What are we going to do?" Come with a plan.

#7 - Do not force issues.

#8 - Show proper respect for deacons.

#9 - Seek to build a consensus.

#10 - Listen carefully to the deacons. God has given them wisdom in areas that you may not have.

#11 - Do not allow railing.

#12 - Do not allow gossiping.

#13 - Keep everything within the walls of the meeting. Deacons should not even share with theirwives confidential matters discussed in the meeting.

#14 - Be open and above board with the deacons (and the church).

#15 - Go slow on difficult matters.

#16 - Do not be too far ahead of the deacons in your leadership.

#17 - Impart to them your vision.

#18 - Do not try to drive the deacons; lead them.

#19 - End the meeting on a high note.

These tips have been taken from the book A Manual For Young Pastors (And Older Ones Too) by Dr. Jim Phillips. Dr. Phillips has graciously given permission for The Working Pastor to use his material. Any quotes from here need to be given to Dr. Phillips. For those who would like a copy of this book simply contact Brother Phillips: Dr. Jim Phillips - 13 Darby Hill Lane Taylors, SC 29687 or call: 864-609-9431 The book is $17.00 and $3.00 S&H.

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Pastor, Have You Heard About Lamar Whittemore

In late September, of 2006, myself and two other men were holding a tent revival in Williston, North Dakota. During the meeting, I brought up the fact that Watertown, South Dakota needed a solid Independent Baptist Church. We began to pray and make plans to hold a series of meetings later on the next year. Lamar Whittemore's name was brought up in the conversation as I recall. (I still am uncovering the details of how God has put this together, but God does work in mysterious ways, doesn't He?) The meeting was held as scheduled. Lamar preached in the meeting and later was able to move up to Watertown! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Bio:

Brother Lamar, and his wife Chastity are a tremendous blessing to be around. Lamar is the pastor of Harvest Baptist Church in Watertown, SD. They are sent from Eastside Baptist Church of Greeneville, TN and are serving with Anchor Baptist Missions International.

In His Own Words...

"My name is Lamar Whittemore, and my wife is Chastity. I was reared under some of the greatest and godliest parents anyone could ever have. The Lord saved me at the age of six, and answered the call to preach at the age of fourteen. My wife was reared by a godly Mom, and sat under some great preaching as a member of Roanoke Baptist Church in Liberty, South Carolina. She was saved at the age of fourteen. God brought us together, and we were married in July of 1995. I was privileged to work on the mission field between high school and college. I attended college at Tabernacle Baptist College in Greenville, South Carolina; and graduated from there in 1996. After college I was the youth director at Tabernacle and worked on the radio.

Pastor, Have You Heard About Missionary Jim Roberts

It is with great pleasure that we introduce a great missionary couple to you... The Roberts Family! Jim and Autumn Roberts are going to Scotland to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Currently, they are involved in their pre-field work, of deputation, raising monthly prayer and financial support. This family has been sent out by Mile Creek Baptist Church of Six Mile, South Carolina and are serving with Macedonia World Baptist Missions of Braselton, Georgia.

Current Status On Deputation...

A Personal Note:

"We are excited that God would count us worthy to serve Him. We have just recently heard of 6 new supporters and we thank God for these new partners. We have been in a total of 70 meetings since we began deputation in July. We are currently at around 20% of our support and looking forward to see what God has in store. Please continue to pray for us as we also have 15 meetings this November."

Experience and Training...

Education

I Graduated from Tabernacle Baptist Bible College in Greenville, SC in May of 2010 with a Theological degree.

Experience

I have been blessed to have many opportunities to serve the Lord since Salvation and the call to the Mission field.

Preaching

While in Bible College I preached in a boys home and rest home every Sunday. I also preached in a local Jail once a month. These opportunities taught me to study the Word of God and gave me a great chance to see God transform lives through salvation.

Training

I was privileged to work with a missionary in Maine for 2 and a half years while in the Navy where I received valuable on the field training in cultural differences and how to start a church. The lessons learned here have helped me greatly see the does and don’ts of missionary service.

Teaching

I also was the youth choir director and assistant Teen class teacher and am currently working with young men for further service for Christ in life on life discipleship.


Statistics About Scotland...

• Population- 5,168,000

Glasgow – 581,320

Edinburgh – 454,280

Aberdeen – 183,030

Dundee – 142,070

Inverness – 72,745

Stirling – 33,710

• Religions

Church of Scotland – 42 %

No Religion- 27.5 %

Roman Catholic – 15.9 %

Only 5 % of the population attend any church on any given Sunday.

Pastor, Have You Heard About Missionary Chad Phillips...

A little over a year ago, I had the privilege of meeting Brother Chad Phillips and his wife, Linda, at a missions conference at Zion Hill Baptist Church of Greenville, South Carolina. I was impressed with my brother from the outset. He is a missionary sent out of Victory Baptist Church, Loganville, Georgia where Derik Lawrence is the fine pastor. The Phillips family is serving with Macedonia World Baptist Missions  going to the country of Cambodia!

Pastor, Have You Heard About Transporters For Jesus...

For many years now, I have heard about a ministry carried out by Brother Arnold Worley, and his wife, Wanda. They live in Marion, North Carolina and are members of Temple Baptist Church where Gerald Stines is the fine pastor. This ministry, of course, is Transporters For Jesus!

Who Are The Worley's?

Brother Arnold and Sister Wanda will have been married for 40 years this coming February 2011. They have 2 children and 2 grandchildren. Arnold was saved on October 31, 1970 and Wanda has been saved for 50 years! To God be the glory!

What Is Transporters For Jesus?

This ministry was birthed into the heart of Brother Arnold in 1996 while taking a load of lumber to a missionary in Mexico. Understanding the need to help God's servants carry out their calling by doing practical things like moving supplies, etc., Transporters For Jesus was born.

James 2:15-16 states, "If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?" 

To Brother Worley, it is all about helping the missionary or pastor get what they need to the field. They just want to help people of like faith to carry out the work of God. Whether it is moving someone to a new pastorate, or bringing a missionary's belongings to a sea port to load onto a container for shipping to a remote part of the world, Transporters For Jesus is there!

Pastor, Have You Heard About Tom Meador...

The Working Pastor is delighted to introduce a fine veteran missionary named Tom Meador. Brother Meador and his wife Cheryl are a blessing to my family in a personal way. Brother Tom was saved in 1974 and left for Greece as a missionary in July of 1985. They are members of and sent out of Gospel Light Baptist Church of Walkertown, North Carolina where Dr. Bobby Roberson is the pastor.

There are many people who have left the ministry due to health reasons, and rightly so in many cases. However, the Meador family, in spite of Cheryl's illness, and car accident, have managed to keep on the firing line!!! This family has been Stateside since November of 2004, but has been sharing the gospel with Greeks WORLDWIDE through his printing of Gospel Tracts and his publication. Praise The Lord! God has a way of working through seeming misfortunes beyond our comprehension!

An Excerpt From His Testimony...

"I did not want to move back to America, but the Lord kept speaking to my heart about it and convinced me through prayer...  I believe the most important issue for any Christian is the WILL OF GOD!  The Lord brought us back in November, 2004 and our ministry has expanded ever since!  I send out our publications, ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟ-ΦΩΣ & EVANGELIO-FOS, all across Greece to Australia, Canada, and to Greeks in every state in the U.S.A.  I also publish Gospel tracts and booklets in both languages and send them freely in bulk to Greek Gospel workers all around the world.  Just the other day, a Greek woman wrote to me from Sydney Australia who was saved after reading our paper.  I contacted a Greek Baptist pastor there by email. Another precious soul just on the outskirts of Athens also….  It’s amazing how the Lord has a way of working things out.  I’m thankful God allowed us to go to Greece for almost 20 years and yet brought us back, increasing our Gospel outreach from a place where we can be near these great doctors for my wife." Bro. Tom Meador

Below is a list of important links that every pastor should investigate about Tom Meador. 

Brother Tom's Testimony

August 2010 Prayer Letter

Booklets That Tom Publishes

Recent Publication

Contact Missionary Tom Meador Via Email: tj_meador@yahoo.com

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