Archive for the 'Pastors' Category
Pastor, Everything Builds Toward Sunday
In every church, ministries are plentiful and opportunities abound. Pastor, let’s remember: Everything builds toward Sunday!
Refuse to be Distracted
If we are not extremely intentional, we can become so busy doing many good things that we are not doing the main things that will help us advance the gospel in our region and move the entire week toward Sunday. Remember, everything builds toward Sunday!
Be Careful Becoming Cause-Driven
Causes are driving so many Christians today. People hear about or become involved in a cause, and in time, move their energies and resources toward them. Again, this may be a good thing, but we cannot be driven by our causes alone.
We can only be driven by Jesus’ commission, His Great Commission: Going, winning, baptizing, and discipling.
Whatever we are involved in during the week, including any good causes, we must remember: Everything builds toward Sunday!
Why Do We Do What We Do? Everything Builds Toward Sunday!
Scripture says Sunday is The Lord’s Day: Each Sunday is Resurrection Sunday!
The Church gathering in obedience to God’s Word to celebrate the death, burial, and the victorious resurrection of Jesus Christ is why we worship on Sunday! Sundays are not for the things of this world that distract us: leisure, recreation, and yes, even family time. Sundays are for worship!
Recently, I told our people, “We do not believe infrequent church attendance is God’s will for your life, nor is it a good testimony of your faith or our church.”
Sunday is About Life Change!
Every act of compassion we are involved in during the week, Bible Study we teach or attend, mentoring session we conduct or participate in, or any cause-related matter we think is important must all conclude with an ask and an arrow!
The Ask: Will you join me this Sunday in worship?
The Arrow: Listen, we are doing what we are doing because we believe in Jesus’ Church that gathers for worship on Sundays, and we want you to join our spiritual family this Sunday!
Pastor, there is nothing like Sunday! As the church gathers to worship Jesus Christ, lives are changed!
Sunday is the Day to be With Your Spiritual Family, Jesus’ Church!
People say at times, “Sunday is a family day for us.” The priority should be spending Sunday with your Spiritual Family, Jesus’ Church! On the Lord’s Day, His family first, then your family.
Here is a Fact: There is nothing any greater you can do for your family, on Sunday, than to spend it together with Jesus’ family!
We need to be careful not to turn our families into idols. Sundays are for worshiping Jesus, not our families.
Sunday is the Day We Deliver the Word of God!
Teaching and preaching the Word of God weekly can result in great life-change and Christian maturity. Attending online is good when you are sick or absolutely have to be away, but personally, every family needs to be together with your local spiritual family…His Church!
There is NO replacement for it! There is nothing like being with your spiritual family, worshiping Jesus Christ, and leading in and being ministered to from the Word of God.
Pastor, there is nothing like Sunday! Pray for it daily, work toward it continually, and trust God to move like it is your last Sunday on this earth. Make each Sunday count!
Now is the Time to Lead,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.
4 Reasons I Believe in Pastors
I believe in pastors of local churches. I’d like to share four reasons why I believe in pastors.
1. Pastors are called of God.
Pastors of local churches are not any more perfect than anyone else. Yet, they are called of God to lead the church, equip the people to do ministry, and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.
2. Pastors are accountable.
Pastors have enormous accountability. Pastors are often accused of limited accountability, but pastors are accountable in the highest way. Pastors are accountable to God and they are also accountable to the local church they serve. Regardless of the size of community or the city they serve, pastors are even accountable to the public.
3. Pastors are difference-makers.
As the pastor goes, so goes the local church. Pastors have a unique opportunity to set the thermostat of the entire church. When a pastor leads effectively, he can be a true difference-maker. God can use pastors to be an impact player that can positively shift the entire direction of the church.
4. Pastors are overcomers.
Pastors face the attacks of Satan continually. Additionally, pastors encounter the attacks of some of their own church members. Sadly, pastors face attacks from other pastors. Yet, if pastors are going to do anything with their lives and through their ministries, they have to be overcomers. Most pastors I know are overcomers.
If you are a pastor, walk humbly before God. We are all just one step away from disaster. Therefore, as you walk humbly before God, walk in His power and seek the prayers of God’s people.
Now is the Time to Lead,
Dr. Ronnie W. Floyd
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.