Over time, the Lord did a great work in my heart and brought me out of my shell. He helped me acquire those ever-important interpersonal skills that it takes to be a pastor that a congregation genuinely likes and trusts. I cannot overstate how important these skills are for a long-term ministry. There’s no getting around it… if your people feel like you don’t enjoy talking to them, they won’t enjoy having you as their pastor.
Read MoreNeedless to say, October wasn’t Pastor Appreciation month that year. Looking back, I know many of our faithful church members were simply trying to hold on, to understand what was true, to keep believing in the idea of the church when it was the messiest place they could imagine. My husband and I kept our heads down and just committed to showing up for the next ten years. And that’s what we did. Because that’s what our church needed from us.
Read MoreBy Jon Hawkins
I would have been willing to just jump in a car with the family and leave all our possessions behind. That’s how done I was. Don’t quit.
Read MorePastors, as you prepare to preach God’s word and feed the souls of your people this week, make sure that word you study has changed you. Make sure it is a part of you and that you truly believe what you are preparing to preach so that you are able to preach with an earnestness that only comes from someone who has met with God and experienced his help.
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