A Pastor’s Top Ten Tips
Recently, I have been speaking to the church about tips that I would give to people after ten years involved in pastoral ministry and watching the things that make people go off course in their spiritual life, and things that help them to progress spiritually. I suppose they are quite selective and reflective of recent emphases I have been making; ask me another time and the list may be a little different. But all of them are important. I’m just posting a basic list for readers - and not the whole two sermons! Those of you with me in the church on Sunday will be getting a little preview of the second half!
Here then is this Pastor’s Top Ten Tips:
- Don’t live in a little world that revolves around you!
- Beware the perils of an independent spirit
- Embrace the blessing of submission
- Don’t think that you know more than you do - be a learner all your life!
- Take responsibility for your own life - only you can stop you becoming all that God intends you to be
- Avoid superspirituality and religiosity at all costs
- Don’t try to do anything for God without knowing you are anointed by the Holy Spirit
- Sympathy is a killer of grace - realise that God disciplines those he loves for their good
- Hold on to faith, a positive confession and a good conscience
- Keep it real and stay in the place of grace - enjoy your life!
What would you have included in the list?
And which of the points in the list would you say you’d most emphasise?
September 9th, 2005 @ 10:54 am
1)Forgive Often - Jesus said forgive your brother 70 x 7 (490 times) a day, thats roughly ONCE EVERY 3 MINUTES!
2)Chill out - Spend some time in the valleys of Wales and you will quickly get over your hang ups. Those who can laugh at themselves will be fine.
3)Smile - God’s in control.
Joe…
September 9th, 2005 @ 10:55 am
Hi Trevor,
glad to see you writing so we can all benefit. Enjoyed the list - biggie that stands out for me is take responsibility for your life. Ultimately, I will be the determinant of what my life will be, how great or otherwise will be my life’s legacy and how much impact I can make for Jesus in this world.
Love to Alison & the clan, and the Huddersfield crew
Nick
September 9th, 2005 @ 12:45 pm
I think that holding points 3 and 5 together in tension is vital for success in the Kingdom.
Great list Trevor - one of mine would be, “Listen to that Trevor Lloyd, he talks a lot of sense.”
September 9th, 2005 @ 1:27 pm
Hi Trevor, good to see you blogging, although I really should be doing some work!
I would definitely emphasise 5; was very challenged after Bible Week that we need to actually stand up and do something. I would hate to think that something I had, or hadn’t done had restricted God and his work in Coventry, and the world. Once we hear the word, we’re accountable for it… so what are we going to do with the word God has spoken? Eat it, drink it, live it!
September 9th, 2005 @ 2:36 pm
Focus. This is not the rehearsal; this is it.
September 9th, 2005 @ 3:55 pm
Welcome to the blogging world! I think 2,3,7 and 8 would be a few I would emphasise.
September 9th, 2005 @ 8:31 pm
My own most important point is simply “Know who you are”. Ever since spending time with Ceri a while back this has stuck in my mind through everything: we are children of God - that should mean something in the way we approach life. Being a child of God has so many different facets that there isn’t room to list here. I think there is a deep, abiding assurance and confidence to be had when you come into a real revelation of this. I’m just glad Ceri was around to point me in the right direction and that we have you, Trevor, to reinforce this regularly through your teaching.
September 9th, 2005 @ 11:17 pm
Great to hear from Nick Howes! This man once stayed with me and my family and ’shadowed’ me in the hope of learning something about pastoring. I don’t know if he learned much but I certainly enjoyed spending time with a guy who was so passionate for God, and full of faith - and boy could he eat!!
Great to see pictures of your lovely wife and kids Nick, on your blog. I’ll create a link of that’s OK?
September 12th, 2005 @ 11:38 am
I am intrigued. Taking point 4 as a case in point, how could a stranger from out of town learn more about this top ten list…
September 12th, 2005 @ 1:19 pm
To Anon,
At the website of the church I pastor (see link on sidebar), we will eventually be posting the notes that accompany our sermons. Hopefully, before too long you maybe able to download the whole sermon as an audio file from that site too.
Hope that helps
Trevor Lloyd
September 24th, 2005 @ 11:02 pm
Maybe I am not in the most appropriate position to comment on life as a Pastor (just pastoral) - however I think ‘to love people’ comes pretty high on the agenda in my Book.
Enjoying your blog Trevor - although I am usually about a week behind on keeping up with them all. Loving sunny Southport, following our move to Banks. Found this great family called the Murdens. I believe you may have heard of them?
November 28th, 2005 @ 9:21 pm
Sir,
Am so greatful to God for such inspirational words.It really bless me.You particularly spoke to me on the (1)Don’t live in the little world that revolves around you
(8)Sympathy is the killer of grace.
These two has challenge to be stronge and of great faith.I can only say thanks Pastor.
Victor