Excellent Book

So, I've been reading this new book - "Effective Pastoring", by Bill Lawrence, and edited by Chuck Swindoll.

Wow, is it great!

For those who aren't aware, I'm learning everything I can about the ministry as I seek to serve the people in my church as an elder. This is my 5th book so far this year on the subject.

Annyyywwaaaays - props to my friend, Dave, for recommending this book to me. Dave is studying at Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) right now, and I've been reading the books he's been reading as he's going through seminary. It has been such a great experience for me! He's been a faithful advisor to me as I navigate God's plan for my life.

Back to the book.

Let me start with the foreword, which was written by Chuck Swindoll. In it he talks about two pastors - the "hired hand" and the "true shepherd". The main difference between the two is internal motives. Both look to be "undertaking God's word in God's way", but each is doing it for entirely different reasons. The "hired hand" serves God with wrong or insincere motives. (John 12:12) The "true shepherd" "serves God's people out of a debt of gratitude for all the Father has done and is doing in his life". (Rom 1:21)

Here are two paragraphs from just the forward of this excellent book.

First, on the "hired hand":
Both pastors, the selfish hireling and the sincere shepherd, may seem to be undertaking God's word in God's way. However, over time the flock begins to sense the difference between the two. The congregation of the hireling begins to feel used and manipulated. Hurts and needs either go unattended of are met in a reluctant, superficial manner. Preaching becomes harsh and accusatory. Joy is missing from the congregation. Love and grace are nowhere to be found.

Now contrast this with the subsequent paragraph on the faithful shepherd:

What a contrast to those cared for by a loving, faithful pastor. The shepherd who tends his flock year after year, feeding them a steady diet of God's truth, finds over time he has nurtured a healthy band of maturing believers, people who are willing to step out in faith and trust God to dream great dreams. In the fulfilled flock, friendships flourish, a caring community is encouraged, laughter abounds, emotional wounds are treated, and peace prevails. The pastor's preaching is marked by positive words of exhortation as well as loving warnings of dangers in the road ahead. Compassion flows freely. Enthusiasm is contagious.

Wow, what a difference! Nobody wants to be around negativity!

What I learned from this are good indicators of when a congregation is doing well, and when they are not.

I also see the very severe consequences of what happens when a spiritual leader gets their eye off the ball and their motives go wrong. What damage it can cause!

In any regard, this book - right from the start - has been such a great book! It tells me what I need to be, and to keep my motives in check. It tells me what good motives are!

I can't wait to tell you about the next few chapters! They really level-set thinking on ministry, and what "success" means. It really goes against American culture, but it is so refreshing and eye-opening!

If you're at all thinking of getting in the ministry or becoming a church leader, or just want to learn how to look for a good church leader, I think this book is most excellent!