75 Theses on Pastoral Ministry
After 10 years of pastoral ministry in the same church and years of serving church planters and pastors, I’ve compiled a list of things, or theses, I’ve learned—or wish I had learned sooner. Here are 75 Theses on pastoral ministry:
You are leading a church, not just a service. Know the difference.
You don’t have to impress anyone. You are a child of God, a servant of Christ.
Quit the comparison game today. Work the field God gave you.
Don’t bank your joy and happiness on giving and attendance.
The people are the ministry, not a platform for ministry.
Pastoring is more than preaching.
As a planter, any more than 25 percent of your week on sermon prep is unwise.
Sermon prep reading is 87% Bible and 13% percent commentaries.
Do not neglect the renewal element of your ministry.
Do not neglect your spiritual formation.
Do not neglect the prayer meeting.
Get plenty of sleep. Don’t underestimate a good nap.
Get a sabbatical plan in place for pastors and staff.
Pray ofte…
