By Bill Ellis
Special to ASSIST News Service
SCOTT DEPOT, WV (ANS) — Pastors, both men and women, of thousands of churches throughout the world, are very important to millions of people. We all have a special concern for pastors.
You have responded quickly and helpfully to my first two columns on the “101 Things a pastor needs to know”. These five may conclude the columns on the subject for the present.
1. Parenting is what a father and mother become deeply and conscientiously involved with when children are born and for as long as they live. We commonly believe that “Daddy’s little girl will always be daddy’s little girl.” There is lasting truth in that statement. We should never reach the place in life when we are divorced and separated from being loving and caring parents.
No matter what others think of our children and what they would do with them we still say, “They are mine.” The minister must always model to his congregation, by word and example, a biblical view of being a parent.
2. Continuing education seems to be a necessity in our day. It has often been said, “You can look at a preacher’s library and tell what kind of pastor he is.” What kind of books is he reading? Is he continuing to be involved in an academic setting, perhaps earning an additional degree or more? Does his congregation provide him with sufficient funds to attend conferences, seminars and training sessions? Sermons are often indicators of continuing education, learning, a growing church and a fulfilling ministry.
3. There are things that destroy ministers and ministry. Sex outside of marriage, booze (alcoholic beverages), pornography in magazines, movies, television, the internet and by any other means and the love of money will destroy any minister, man or woman. Throughout our nation and the rest of the world, thousands who were called to the ministry were defeated and driven out as failures. Those who sought forgiveness through repentance and made some degree of recovery have seldom, if ever, come back to the level of effectiveness from which they so unnecessarily fell.
4. Beginning well is extremely important. Blessed are the persons who are called to the ministry who have good mentors — examples, teachers, colleagues and friends who will stand by them with assistance, correction and instruction. Those who have had good mentors may also become good mentors for others.
I strongly encourage those entering the ministry to listen to and engage in serious conversation with those who are older and more experienced. The older the mentors are, the better they may be. Learn from those who have successful track records.
5. Finish well. Many ministers, and I have known scores of them personally, did well and had effective ministries, but they did not windup with victory. They faltered and failed before they crossed the finish line and gained the prize. They continue to hear in their own hearts and minds, “You did run well, but who hindered you?” (Galatians 5:7).
St. Paul, commenting on his own ministry wrote, “I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). Be faithful to the very end and enter into the joys of a life lived well on earth.
We have mentioned 20 of the “101 things a pastor needs to know”. One response to the first column on this subject prompted this request, “Please send the 91 others.” They have not been finalized. I am waiting for your suggestions at: bill@billellis.net. Watch for the book.
Help your pastor to be as effective and faithful as possible. You can do that by being present when he or she preaches and teaches and by praying for your pastor each day — just as you pray for our president and vice president and other leaders daily.
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Bill Ellis is a syndicated columnist, and convention and conference speaker on every continent. He is the writer of more than 1600 columns and widely known as a motivator utilizing enjoyment of life and just plain fun and laughter while speaking to high school, university and professional sports teams as well as to business and professional groups of all kinds. His keen understanding of human problems make him a favorite speaker for youth, parent, and senior adult meetings. He is accompanied by Kitty, his wife, favorite singer, editor and publisher.
For information on becoming a subscriber to the Ellis Column for your newspaper or magazine, you may contact him at: BILL ELLIS, P.O.Box 345, Scott Depot, WV 25560 or by calling: 304-757-6089.
