New Pastors: Advice for the New Pastors: The what "to do's" and not "to do's" on Day One

[Rev. Charles Moore]

I remeber my first comments on the BPN was under Min. Lockett discussion regarding "My First Sermon." At that time I was like him "An associate minister, faithful, patience, prayerful, hard working, and preparing for the day when God's will would allow me to pastor a church. You hear the discussion all the time, "When I am a Pastor, I will do this and that. We dont covete the position but we see ourselves preparing for the opportunity. Well, my season is here. After prayer/fasting/listening I recently accepted the Letter from a church to Psator. Words can't describe how I have been feeling. I'm careful to request to stay in God's mercy, remain humble, listen twice before speaking once, trying not to fix things that are not broken, (that is another discussion) learning names, praying frequently, and teaching/preaching. Every Pastor who I know has called, emailed, & texted congrats but I'm looking for advice from some of the experience members of BPN to begin a discussion of advice to new Pastors. I would rather learn from others mistakes than make them. School can prepare you but on day one, life experinces re-train you. by the way, all those ideas you had racing through your mind before you became a Pastor seem to exit on day one. I would like to hear your advice to New Pastors. I have always been one to recieve advice and learn from it.

[Spoken And Motion Ministries]

HAHAHAHHA... I LOVE IT..BASIC WISE COUNSEL SIR!

[lorenzo neal]

Being an itinerant minister in the AME church where we get moved to churches frequently, I've learned that the first day, don't try to overimpress anyone or anything by trying to be a pontificate or prophet or apostle or anything. Be humble! Do your job, preach under the unction of the Holy Spirit, and be humble. Present your credentials and be prepared to meet the "unofficial movers and shakers" of the church. I would also suggest that you don't present "your vision" of what the church should or could be doing on the first day either but ask about the history, ministry and work of the church before you came and get feedback (positive and negative) on that. Oh by the way, don't do that from the pulpit either. LOL. I would also suggest that you make sure you realize that pastoring is a calling first and a vocation second. Also, make sure that your family is put first and acknowledged as your first priority. Thats just a few of my suggestions that I have used.

[The Prophetic Dancer]

LOL!!!!!!!!!!

[Rev. Gregory R Smith]

I am new to this website so in reading I came across your reply. Thank you for that very practical insight. You could not have said that more simple. I

[[e-mail]]

I am just reading this and though you offered this word of advice quite a few months ago, I think that it is an extremely insightful reply. Thank You...

[Dr. Rodriquez Howerton]

Well Man of God what I can tell you from being a Former Pastor is to stay humble and submissive to God. Don't compromise the Word of God for no one. The bible tells us to be instant in season and out of season. Be careful to not let the people persuade you to go against God's Word. Believe you me they will try and do that. Sometimes people want the Pastor to; for a lack of better words, "bend the truth." There is no bending the truth. Stay focused, pray, fast, and be led by God. God will use you and lead you. Be blessed Man of God.

Pastor Emeritus Dr. Rodriquez Howerton

PS. Preach the Word!

[Spoken And Motion Ministries]

I love this comment Pastor Howerton especially where it concerns not letting anyone persuade you to go against God's word. I just preached a 3 series sermon on Finish or Forfeit and series 2 dealt with how we Forfeit our purpose the text came from 1 Kings 13..when a man of GOD had specific instructions from God through the Holy Spirit to perform a certain task..and leave and that if he didnt do as instructed he would DIE. As he was leaving an Old Prophet came to him riding on an donkey..wanting him to come back to his home (back to the city he left)..the man refused because he said I have specific instructions from God not to go back. So the old prophet LIED to him and said God told me to tell you to come back ..the man of God went back and he died. So I told my people if God tells you something, I dont care what other prophet comes in or even what I think (say) DO GOD!
I'm tired of people dying spiritually because of some misinformed, controlling or ego maniac leader using their position to over ride what God is doing and instructing in someone else's life.
pastor doretta lee
www.ministerdorettalee.com

[Kellen-Future Apostle-Stephens]

Now that is a Word!

[bernadine ray]

TO GOD BE THE GLORY . THE BIBLE SAY IT IS BETTER TO OBEY GOD THAN MAN AMAN

[APOSTLE JEROME C BROWN SR.]

Amen Sis I agree.

[Minister/Apostle Wenona Russ]

Amen to that! I especially agree with the part about ppl dying b/c of some misinformed, controlling ego maniac! LOL! It's really not funny, though. It's quite sad and God is TIRED. Read the Word God gave me for 2010...

God Bless you!

Wenona

[Minister Yvette]

Amen, just Preach the Word. Best advice one can give to another!