Sermon Central
-
9 Things That Won’t Make Us Better Pastors ... And 4 That Will
By SermonCentral on Feb 11, 2020
It’s easy to get lost chasing the newest, coolest, biggest thing. Or on the other hand hanging on to old, stale methods.
I want to be a better pastor.
I’m always doing everything I can to put more tools in my pastoral tool belt. I read the best books I can find, I seek out wise counsel, I take classes and go to seminars. All of these practices have helped me become a better pastor—some more than others.
But along the way I’ve discovered that there are a handful of things many of us strive for that will do nothing to make us better pastors.
I’ve also discovered a list of things that we all know, but sometimes overlook, that will always make us better pastors—and people.
The first list is not exhaustive—it never will be. But I think the second one is. I offer both of them in simple lists because each one stands on its own.
What Will Not Make Us Better Pastors
- More people in our church
- More money in the offering
- A bigger building
- A bigger staff
- A better worship team
- A better website
- More invitations to preach/teach at camps, conferences and seminars
- Comparing ourselves with other pastors and churches
- An appearance on anyone’s list of biggest, greatest or most influential churches
Most of those things aren’t wrong in themselves. Many of them can be a blessing. But if you think you need any of them to have a better church or be a better pastor, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
What Will Make Us Better Pastors—and People
- A strong and growing relationship with Jesus
- A strong and growing relationship with our family
- A strong and growing relationship with our church
- A strong and growing relationship with people outside the church
The Basics Matter
Are you surprised by those lists? Probably not. Disappointed by them? I hope not.
Are they worth reconsidering every once in a while? For sure.
It’s easy to get lost chasing the newest, coolest or biggest thing. Or hanging on to old, stale methods. But nothing matters more than the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.
So what do you think? What would you add to the list?
Related Preaching Articles
-
Just What Is Pulpit Plagiarism?
By Ron Forseth on Jan 1, 2024
Executive Editor of SermonCentral.com Ron Forseth answers the thorny question in defining pulpit plagiarism.
-
Why Preparing Sermons Takes Me So Long
By Joe Mckeever on Jul 31, 2020
Proper preparation is not for the faint of heart. It takes prayer, study, and practice.
-
Managing The Clock In Your Preaching
By James O. Davis on May 29, 2020
James O. Davis reminds preachers that the length of a presentation is not determined by the clock but by the crowd.
-
Senior Pastor: Friend Or Foe
By Josh Griffin on Sep 14, 2024
Veteran youth director Josh Griffin gives seasoned advice to senior pastors on developing their relationship with their youth ministry leader.
-
Pastors And Pornography
By Paul Kendall on Dec 15, 2022
Family counseling specialist Paul Kendall warns pastors and church leaders against the increasing threat of pornography and how to protect themselves and their ministries from it.
-
Remembering Why You Said Yes To Pastoring
By Chuck Warnock on Dec 16, 2022
There are times in a pastor's life when the clarity of our call fades, discouragement clouds our memory, and we wonder, "Why did I ever want to be a pastor?"
-
The Critical Relationship Between Pastor And Worship Leader
By Chuck Fromm on Mar 4, 2020
Worship Leader magazine editor Chuck Fromm discusses the key imperative in a pastor establishing a meaningful relationship with his/her worship leader and team.
-
Busting Out Of Sermon Block
By Haddon Robinson on May 28, 2020
Give your sermons new life every week with this timeless advice from Haddon Robinson.
