Encouragement for Pastor's to Finish Well

And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “This applies to the Levites: from twenty-five years old and upward they shall come to do duty in the service of the tent of meeting. And from the age of fifty years they shall withdraw from the duty of the service and serve no more. They minister to their brothers in the tent of meeting by keeping guard, but they shall do no service. Thus shall you do to the Levites in assigning their duties.” Numbers 8:23-26 (ESV)

I am enjoying a time of refreshing at Camp Spofford, the EFCA Camp in NH where I met my wife and that placed such a significant role in the spiritual formation of my children.  Our speaker this week is Dr. Gary Hoag.  Here is his blog, The Generosity Monk, where you can learn a little bit more about him.  Gary referred to this verse in this morning chapel message.  It was definitely one of the Rhema word moments. I found a post that Dr. Hoag did about these verses entitled, Four Insights for God's Workers.  He finds in these verses from numbers four insights to frame the later years of God's servants.  They are  Seasons, Shift, Support and Stay.  I found these insights very helpful and hopefully will too.



I am in a season of discernment seeking to understand what the next 10-12 years of ministry life look for me.  It was very exciting to me as I approach my 60th birthday that God has already thought through in part what it means for a minister to finish well.  Finishing well means remaining with God's people, in God's service, supporting, praying for, ministering to in whatever way we can the next generation of leaders that God is raising up.  For those of you are approaching similar milestones to mine, be encouraged that your most fruitful ministry could be in front of you as you give away to those coming up everything you have learned and experienced.  For those thinking though the issue of generational transition, let's make utilizing the giftedness of experienced leaders an important part of how we come alongside the next generation as they engage in they execute the sacred trust of proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom.

How to think like a first time church visitor

This was a good article on EvangelismCoach.net that I found pretty helpful.

How to think like a first time church visitor

Politics and Religion - Answers to Questions You're NOT Supposed to Ask: Freedom and Liberty - Spiritual or Political?

Eric Moriarity, who I attended Bible College and Seminary with,  has started a blog about Politics and Religion.  Give it a read.

Politics and Religion - Answers to Questions You're NOT Supposed to Ask: Freedom and Liberty - Spiritual or Political?: I've been thinking about this for a long time, then I said to myself "what the heck, why not"? I've been privileged, like many of my frien...

It's Really That Simple

I was reading in my quiet time today from John 6 and the aftermath of Jesus miracle of multiplying the loaves and fish.  I came across this exchange which reminded me of how simple the Gospel really is:

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”
(John 6:26-29 ESV)

The people who had gathered around Jesus because of the miraculous provision wanted to know what to do to do God's work--o work for eternal life and the provision of God that will never perish.  Here they were in the presence of the Messiah and falling into the same old trap that all religion springs on us.  "What do I need to DO".  And what a wonderful answer Jesus gave--nothing to DO only BELIEVE.  "Believe on the one God sent--believe on ME--this is God's work.  This is the work that will bring you eternal life and God's provision which will never perish."

As I read these verses, an old old truth that I have been living in for 50 years this summer was reinforced.  It really is that simple.  Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.  Sometimes the most simple truths are the hardest to get our heads and hearts around.  But yes, it really is that simple.

He Buried 200 Church Members

A great read in praise of plain old pastoring.

Experiential Leadership Development

i found this article on leadership development very interesting. Give it a read.

What Are You Going to Do Until Next Sunday?

I came across this interesting post on The Cripplegate Blog about how pastors spend the other 167 hours of their week. Fits right in with the conversation I am having with one of my coaches.