Essays

From Help For Shepherds

As pastors, and as Christians, we all learn different things at different times. Some of the things that we learn are very simple, and others are quite complex. As this site progresses we will be looking for full length essays on a variety of topics that are meaningful to pastors, from pastors who have been there. If you have a topic you would like to contribute, please feel fre.

Please note that none of this should be viewed as authoritative advice. It is not from experts or professional laywers/tax men/etc. If any this advice is proved to be inadequate or wrong we apologize, but please do not assume it is infallible. Use it as a starting point, not an ending one.

[edit] Finances

Housing Allowance - One of the biggest financial perks pastors have is the housing allowance. Here are some very brief thoughts on the subject to get a new pastor started.

[edit] Pastor/Church Relations

The Pastoral Search - In most denominations, when a new pastor is being called, there is an interview process. Making sure that we both give and receive an accurate picture is crucial.

[edit] Special Occasions

Advent Worship Guide - This is a booklet to walk families through the season of advent in a meaningful way. It was written by Dr. Gary Waller, a long time pastor and professor.

Covenant Renewal Service - This is a service that John Wesley originally came up with, modernized and revised by Dr. George Lyons. In this service a congregation renews their commitment, their covenant with God.

Wedding Ideas - Many people are going for less traditional wedding ideas, or incorporating new ideas into traditional services. Here are some ideas for meaningful things to do within a wedding ceremony.

To begin with, we are opening this page up to all pastors and asking you to finish this sentence:

if there is one thing I've learned while pastoring, it's...

• ...That grumpy people will be grumpy. - Pastor Gary W. (Idaho)
• ...Listen, Learn, Love, and Lead. They don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. - Pastor John C. (California)
• ...That I need to be able to effectively adapt the Message of Christ to the specific context and people I encounter. -Pastor William B. (Idaho)
• ...That in every church there are people who are so influential that even though their needs are not extraordinary, the time we spend with them must be if we want to have enough influence and support to effectively lead. Our time can’t be spent equally to get results, it must be spent where it does the most good. -Pastor Brian M. (California)
• ...That I can't let my personal time with God slip or be replaced with preparing for teaching or preaching. I can't share what I don't have. -Pastor Brenda N. (Alaska)
• ...That if we don’t have God’s presence we’re just wasting our time. No amount of preaching, teaching, or lessons will make up for that. -Pastor Jeran M. (Alaska)
• ...That if it pleases you to please God, you can do as you please. -Pastor Gary W. (Idaho)
• ...That I need to have a passion to reach lost and broken people for God. These people matter to God and they should matter to me because of that. -Pastor Keith W. (Oregon)
• ...that we need to know the difference between performing and waiting on God, so that we can give from our life and not our knowledge. -Pastor Dick E. (Alabama)