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.

[Rev. Ryan Johnson]

I would simply say be yourself. I don't know all the particulars of your situation but let them know what you can do and what you can't do and stand firm. If you don't, they will wear you out by running you ragged. Let God lead you and not the people and get rid of your trustee board if they think they are more important than you. They're only two ordained offices in the bible and trustee ain't one. God Bless.

[Rev. Christopher J. Respass]

Love God. Love the People.

[T. Michael Owens]

My dear brother, it seems that you are on the right track already; keep doing what you do and remain humble, remembering that you have been placed and planted to serve not to be served. Also, remember it "ain't" about you, it's about Whom you represent; you are an ambassador of the Most High therefore carry yourself in such a manner.

People will try to rush you into making long range plans; DON'T! For the first two years you should just get to know the people whom you serve; not just by recognition, learn their habits, their likes and dislikes, where they prefer to sit, their style of dress, their faithfulnees and commitment to the church.

Pastoring is not something that we choose to do; God appoints, annoints, commissions and prepares us for the task of service. Yes, I am aware of Paul's statement concerning desiring the office of a bishop, but God stated that before we were born He had this plan for those He chose.

There will be some hills to climb, some valleys to look up from, some peaks to look down from, some deserts to thirst in, some wildernesses to wander in, some serpents to be dealt with, some ravens that will feed you, some busy bodies that will slander you, some deacons who will challenge you, some choir member who will defy you, some church folks who will throw stumblimg blocks before you, but after all this and even during, there will be a few that will show you love and support. But, most importantly, God will be there for you through it all. After you have done all that He has commanded of you, "STAND" on His promises; don't hang in there, STAND!

The ones that give you the hardest time, put them on various committees and the one that has the idea that pastors steal or misuse the Lord's money, put him or her on the finance ministry. Finally, do away with all boards, change them to "MINISTRIES"! Boards direct and give orders; Ministries serve, support and assist.

For those who choose now to agree with my methodology, no problem! My madness works. Where I have served and serve the evidence speaks for itself. When over 95% of the membership tithes, over 77% attends Sunday School and over 80% attend Bible Study God has to be in the mix and a servant's heart must be in place.

God didn't place us as pastors to rule His people, nor does he need or desire that of us, we are to be Shepherds not sheep herders; servants not task masters. Continue to allow God to teach you His way to serve and shepherd His flock not Rev. Dr. Been There Done That.

Be Blessed Man of God!

In the trenches,
Bro. T

[Rev. Anthony Luckett]

Amen sister Heath!

[T. Michael Owens]

Amen my dear Sister!

[Toni]

amen and amen sister!

[Charlotte G Perry]

I agree with Doretta Lee with having experienced leaders who are using there postion to override what God is doing. What happen to good old "seeking the face of God"! Leaders/Pastors should always seek God for what the people of God need for any ministry. It is too much flesh trying to get the glory. As my husband and I venture out to the call of leadership my prayer is to continually ask God for His wisdom, knowledge and understanding. We can't do any thing in our own will. Mainly, Lord let your will be done, not ours, but yours. Once flesh gets out of the way, God can show up and show out. Prayer is the most important factor in any ministry. We need to hear from Lord, we need his direction. Listen to the voice of the Lord, not a stranger's voice. Amen!

[Julia Porter Maddox]

Keep your focus on Christ and His Want, Will and Way. Be confident that you are the leader...anything with more than one head is a "freak!" Trust God for everything all the way, 99.5 won't do! Don't trust yourself, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. Although Pastoring is 24/7: be sensible and always have time for family. I share this as a relatively new pastor and as a Pastor's daughter!
Be blessed!
Pastor Julie...from the Windy City!

[Prophetess Thomasine Pickens]

Stay FOCUSED!!! Do not get distracted by all that is around you. Allow God to be God and take care of everything that is going on! The new pastor must stay in the Word and allow God to work everything out! Watch those that claim they were sent by God.....test the spirit by the spirit!!!

[Minister Kenneth R. Jenkins]

Thank u for that Word Prophetess! I needed that since soon I am going to be one of those NEW Pastors who be going through the challenges of the Pastoral capacity. Please by all means pray for all these new pastors and whenever you get a chance, ENCOURAGE them.....
God Bless u!

[Rev. Anthony Luckett]

Minister Jenkins, to God be the Glory! You will do well. Keep God first! Be Blessed!

[Dr. Michael S. Williams]

An old preacher told me once, "Mike, never use your influence until u get it!" Also, Benjamin Mays said, "A leader with no
followers is just taking a walk! So young preachers, take these 2 peices of advice from an old head !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!