Pastoring is a hard job. There are unique challenges that come both personally and professionally. The Focused Pastor exists to come alongside pastors, their families, and the church with resources to encourage and equip them personally and to do their ministry more effectively. With biblically based content that is informed by pastoral research, we create resources that address these unique topics. The Focused Pastor seeks to encourage pastors and church leaders to be spiritually healthy and effective in their homes and in their roles.
Sunrise over Jerusalem. Photo by Todd Bolen//bibleplaces.com Passion Week Reflections Dr. William Varner, professor at The Master’s University and author of the book, Passionate about Passion
Let’s consider four common ministry challenges that can tempt pastors and their wives to seek escape and how God helps them through the good news of His Gospel.
Recognize that an eruption of anger is a plea for help. A hug and a prayer are far more effective than a short answer. Give your wife and children permission to place a hand on your side or shoulder, and never turn such a reminder away or allow your heart to greet it with contempt. Remember James 4:10 “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”
As church leaders, it is our primary responsibility to establish environments and relationships where people can be trained, grow, and be sent as disciples.
“Tool” is an excellent word for men training to be pastors. As pastors, it is not our job to tell God what kind of “tool” we are. He calls and sends. Our job is to be ready and sharp for when He does call. We want to be useful tools. The two ways to stay sharp are by keeping a close watch on our life and our doctrine.
Old hymns allow us to dig deeper into our faith and add a melody to the life-giving teachings of scripture. Do you need a song of response for baptisms? There’s an old hymn for that. Are you looking for a new Christmas song about the mystery of God becoming man? There’s an old hymn for that. If your church’s music diet lacks variety, I suggest you pick up an old hymnal and seek fresh ideas.
Pastors have the responsibility of caring for their church congregations but rarely receive the same care in return. The command of Acts 20:28 and its order is important — keep watch over yourself and then the flock of God. Keeping watch over our own souls means that we are willing to be cared for, encouraged, and invested in by others.
There are so many benefits to the role of a pastor’s wife. I will discuss four categories of blessing: your marriage, your family, your local church, and the worldwide church. Let us consider God’s goodness to you and His work through you.
Pastors are called to serve and slave and save and sacrifice. But we must do so with laughter in our bones and joy in our hearts. We must keep watch “with joy and not groaning” to bless our people.
Healthy short-term missions trips can produce long-term impact on the field and transform participants. Consider the following 10 benefits.
If you are a pastor, never forget the blessing and privilege of serving the Lord. There will be days, no doubt, when you want to throw in the towel, but don’t give up! As Paul writes, “I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory” (2 Timothy 2:10).
