As iron sharpens iron,
one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
“I am convinced, however, that at least for now my calling is to bivocational ministry. I don’t propose bivocationalism as the only form of pastoral ministry, but I do offer it as a valid model that can reap eternal benefits.” - Baptist Press
“The core of Barr’s complaint has merit. She notes that the ‘pastor’s job often includes the unpaid labor of his wife.’ Barr didn’t mind helping her husband; however, she says, “What I minded was feeling like my help was an expectation for his job” - TGC
“It’s a little bit of a bummer to realize that later I’ll look back at the me I am now and be glad I’m not entirely the same me any longer. But [1 Tim 4.15] has mainly been an encouragement. It means I can be qualified to be an elder and set an example with my life without ‘having arrived.’ I can grow.” - Kevin DeYoung
“Ministry sometimes feels like a slap in the face, often when you least expect it to happen.” - Chuck Lawless
“We can be known for ‘prophetic’ political commentary or we can be known for textually careful, biblically rich, theologically deep, church-focused gospel ministry.” - Kevin DeYoung
“How can we preach when we ourselves are broken? Is it even possible? Why would God allow our service to be made more difficult by soul-wrenching trials?” - 9 Marks
Although I have lived most of my life in the state of Wisconsin—and have lived less than 30 miles from the Wisconsin State Capitol for nearly 25 years—I had never visited Madison’s most iconic building.
That changed on Feb. 4, when, as an individual member of IFCA International, I participated in an event sponsored by the Wisconsin Family Council’s Church Ambassador Network. It was the IFCA Pastors’ Day at the Capitol.
“1. Are you physically and emotionally able to continue to lead at a high level?…2. Are you still highly motivated in your place of leadership?… 3. Are you a continuous learner? 4. Are you hanging on primarily for financial reasons?…” - Thom Rainer
When is the right time for a pastor to retire? There clearly is no one size fits all answer to this question. There are too many variables, and each situation must be considered individually. More to the point, when’s the right time for this pastor to retire? I do have a few thoughts about that question.
“1. Stop saying, ‘Turn to your neighbor and say ____’. Your church members love you and won’t tell you this, so that’s why I’m here. It feels forced, awkward and very cheesy. Trust me, your church members hate it.” - Phil Cooke
Discussion