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.

[james brown]

Advice:
1. You are a springboard for problem resolution - it is not your job to solve the problem.
2. Guide the flock, do not lead them.
3. Pray all you want, as hard as you want, and as often as you want. If it's not in God's plans it's not going to happen so make sure you follow scripture very closely with a clear understanding of your purpose. Members will argue with you but they can not refute scripture. If Gos says it will happen, it will happen
4. Be patient, be patient, be patient. However, do not allow yourself to be a door matt. Stand up when you know you're right but stand up with humility.
5. No matter hpw petty the problem always listen - that's all the people want.
6. If you can't preach - teach. If you can't teach - preach. Know your strengths and weaknesses.
7. School teaches you historical knowledge - not compassion. Therefore, people don't care what you know util they know that you care. It's not about you, you're just another member in charge for a while. God Bless!

[vanThe Layman]

Trust God.....lean not unto your own understanding
James 1: 1-6.........I believe
Psalms 118: 8
Thank you Jesus

[Pastor James T. Dixon]

This may sound like an oxymoron, but here is my advice. Love the sheep, but protect your heart. Know that as you build there will be those that come to complete a certain part of the building (ex. in building the one who put the windows in will leave after the assignment is complete, the one who does the painting will leave once the job is complete) same is true while building your congregation. 1Th 5:12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you...

Others will come to occupy the building and stay as pillars of the ministry.

Sheep follow Shepherd, not Shepherd follow sheep.

I extend the Olive Branch to mentor anyone who does not have a covering. I'm not talking about God as your covering. I caught you in the spirit. LOL.

[Hezekiah Ben Israel]

So here's where all of you be hiding, in Pastoral Leadership & Church Folk.