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(Thread) 25 random things I've learned as I enter my 25th year serving the same church:
1. The good sermons are never as good as you thought they were. The bad ones aren’t usually as bad as you thought (sometimes they are!)
#PastorLife
1. The good sermons are never as good as you thought they were. The bad ones aren’t usually as bad as you thought (sometimes they are!)
#PastorLife
2. You’re gonna occasionally quote Paul from the book of James and make other gaffes. And that “one guy” will notice.
3. Some people have no sense of humor. You don’t have to find them. They will find you after the service.
3. Some people have no sense of humor. You don’t have to find them. They will find you after the service.
4. Typically, an apology is more effective than an explanation although there is occasionally a need for both.
5. Whoever first said, “Don’t defend yourself, your friends don’t need it and your critics won’t accept it” should receive an honorary Dove award. Or a Nobel prize.
5. Whoever first said, “Don’t defend yourself, your friends don’t need it and your critics won’t accept it” should receive an honorary Dove award. Or a Nobel prize.
6. It’s good to remember people’s names and to call them by name. Especially their kids.
7. The wise pastor walks slowly through a crowd and speaks to as many as possible. Better to run out of time and miss an entire section than to skip an individual person.
7. The wise pastor walks slowly through a crowd and speaks to as many as possible. Better to run out of time and miss an entire section than to skip an individual person.
8. The hospital has a “magic” elevator. Use it regularly while visiting your people. You will often ride DOWN with a better perspective on your problems than when you rode UP.
9. Problems should be handled as soon as possible and profitable. It won’t get better on its own and time is on someone’s side.
10. Wisdom hires slowly and dismisses decisively. Some things are worse than a vacancy.
10. Wisdom hires slowly and dismisses decisively. Some things are worse than a vacancy.
11. Unanimous votes don’t necessarily mean everyone is happy. Split votes don’t necessarily mean anyone is angry.
12. Most people give to vision, not budgets.
13. Specificity offends and clarity convicts.
12. Most people give to vision, not budgets.
13. Specificity offends and clarity convicts.
14. Churches have seasons.
15. A Spirit-filled pastor can rejoice when God moves at a church across the street as much as when God moves at a church across the country.
16. “People are saying” is often Baptist-speak for “My wife and I are upset.”
15. A Spirit-filled pastor can rejoice when God moves at a church across the street as much as when God moves at a church across the country.
16. “People are saying” is often Baptist-speak for “My wife and I are upset.”
17. “The church has changed” is often Baptist-speak for “We’ve drifted from God.” Churches don’t change nearly as quickly as backsliders.
18. Members will often mistake boldness for rudeness. And preachers often mistake rudeness for boldness.
18. Members will often mistake boldness for rudeness. And preachers often mistake rudeness for boldness.
19. Not every issue is worth your time and energy. And they certainly are not all worthy of your pulpit.
20. Hold the mic during open-testimony time.
21. Never invite a guest that makes you nervous as he takes the pulpit.
20. Hold the mic during open-testimony time.
21. Never invite a guest that makes you nervous as he takes the pulpit.
22. Treat your predecessors with grace. One day, you will be one.
23. The people for whom you’re sacrificing your family will not be at your funeral.
24. Strive for longevity. It has its challenges but the blessings make it worthwhile.
23. The people for whom you’re sacrificing your family will not be at your funeral.
24. Strive for longevity. It has its challenges but the blessings make it worthwhile.
25. In any organization, the decisions you make will determine the people you attract or dissuade, keep or lose.
