The Principle Of Vision

By Andrew Schank October 25, 2014 October 25, 2014 Leadership & Biblical Standards, Principles Pastors Use In Developing Biblical Standards

The Principle Of Vision

As a Christian begins to discover their spiritual gifts and abilities, they must also learn what Biblical standards God sets forth in the Scripture for them to adhere to in order to effectively carry out their purpose in the church. One such standard is the Principle of Vision. Every Christian leader, young and old, lives by this standard whether they comprehend it or not. This issue is not so much that of familiarity as it is practice. In this post we want to examine this principle and seek to make better use of this Biblical standard in our lives. Continue reading

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Pastor – An Honorable Position

By Andrew Schank October 25, 2014 October 25, 2014 Leadership & Integrity

The position of pastor, in a local assembly, is an honorable one. Though men have debased it and let it tarnish to a deep green scale, the community should not let their estimation of the position wane. These men are called upon to join a man and woman in holy matrimony. They are often summoned, in the early hours of the morning, to the bedside of a fellow citizen. Even with their peculiarities, pastors are honorable men!

(Hebrews 5:4) “And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.” (KJV)

Pastors Are Honorable As Seen In Their God-Given Titles…

God saves, then equips His servants for specific tasks. For those whom He calls into the ministry, He has unique titles prepared. The true man of God does not presume upon this honorable office, but only takes baby steps until he knows full well that God has CALLED him to preach.

For the preacher, many titles are mentioned in the Scripture. Consider some of them in the following list…

Messengers
Watchmen
Workmen
Witnesses
Stewards
Prophets
Teachers
Pastors
Shepherds
Ministers
Evangelists
Ambassadors

God Demands We Honor…

Within the aforementioned titles, one can surmise the uniqueness of God’s call. Some of these titles overlap, but it is important to understand the significant honor God places upon the man with them. With this honor given, God demands we honor these men as well!

(1 Timothy 5:17) “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” (KJV)

(Hebrews 13:7) “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.” (KJV)

Conclusion…

If it were not for my pastor, I would probably be on another course. It was he who preached faithfully to me about Jesus! I know that his position is honorable, but I am honored that God would think enough of me to let me have a pastor such as him!

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One Of A Pastor’s Greatest Needs

By Andrew Schank October 25, 2014 October 25, 2014 Leadership Philosophy

By Biblical definition a pastor is a leader. He is to lead others in the ways of God and in the will of God; even during the worst of times. Any man, who has ever been in a pastoral position, knows that this responsibility is a great weight and burden to carry. In view of this fact we can surmise that one of a pastor’s greatest needs is for God to LEAD him each day. It is so comforting to know that the pastor does not have to carry out ministry alone. God’s Holy Spirit is there to lead and guide each step of the way.

In this post we want to demonstrate four reasons a pastor needs to be led as a leader. We find these four reasons in the Old Testament book of Psalms. Consider the following…

#1 – A Pastor Needs To Be Led Because Of The Enemy

(Psalms 5:8) “Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.” (KJV)

(Psalms 27:11) “Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.” (KJV)

The pastor faces spiritual opposition every day. The level is usually much greater in scope than the average pew warmer faces. Though pastors do not look for sympathy, they still need God to lead them because of this formidable foe. The enemy may put up a good fight, but God is able to direct the pastor through every battle.

#2 – A Pastor Needs To Be Led Because Of Testimony

(Psalms 25:5) “Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.” (KJV)

(Psalms 139:23-24) “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (KJV)

(Psalms 143:10) “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.” (KJV)

With so much temptation out there, every man of God needs direction to stay in the right pathway. Pastors should seek God’s face daily for leadership to stay close to the Lord. Testimonies are strengthened every moment, but can be destroyed in an instant.

#3 – A Pastor Needs To Be Led Because Of Discouragement

(Psalms 61:1-2) “Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (KJV)

While pastoring a church you have your good days and bad days. Sometimes discouragement can set in and beat you to death. It is in times like these that a pastor must seek God’s face for help and leadership! It will be the ONLY thing that will get him through the valley of dismay!

#4 – A Pastor Needs To Be Led Because Of Direction

(Psalms 31:3) “For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.” (KJV)

(Psalms 43:3) “O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.” (KJV)

Pastors need clear leadership when making decisions and guiding the flock which they oversee. It is certain that God wants to direct and lead the pastor and for sure the pastor wants to be led. The only issue is maintaining a brokenness for this Heavenly leading.

Conclusion

It is a difficult thing to be a leader with no clear sense of direction yourself. Leaders need to be led! For pastors and spiritual leaders it is essential to be led by God and not self, Satan or the world’s sensuality. May each soul, who reads this post, get up from their computer chair with more of a hunger to be led by God!

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Would you consider purchasing…

Why Revival Tarries

By Leonard Ravenhill / Bethany House

Leonard Ravenhill’s call to revival is as timely now as it was when first published over forty years ago. The message is fearless and often radical as he expounds on the disparity between the New Testament church and the church today. This book contains the heart of his message, A.W. Tozer called Ravenhill “a man sent from God” who “appeared at (a) critical moment in history,” just as the Old Testament prophets did. Included are questions for group and individual study.

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