The first half of the EFCA Central District Solo Pastor’s Conference has come to and end. I must say that it was an interesting and insightful day. The discussion began with an evaluation of the following two statements:
“We are committed to a proclamation of God’s Word that is clear, theologically sound and communicated in a relevant and practical way.”
“The end result of our proclamation is people who are eager to please God by applying His Word to every area of life.”
It would be interesting to critique this statement with our men. I had to ask for some defining of terms such as “clear”; “theologically sound” (what standard); “relevant”; “practical” and “to please God.”
I might have preferred something along the lines of “to glorify God” but the other terms can be defined as broadly or narrowly as one might like. In the end however, the discussion proved to be revealing. One of emphasis made was on preaching to bring about this effect of pleasing God by applying His word to every areas of life. It was noted that there is often a disconnect between theologically sound preaching and the actually living out of such principles in the lives of some in any given congregation. It made me ask, however, if such a disconnect might be result of the pastor not living out such principles as he preaches. In other words, am I doing everything I can, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to not simply communicate dead orthodoxy, true statements and exhortations but without real life.
The main crux of the day was seeking to identify and address some of the issues the solo pastors face in their ministries, seeking to then draw on the corporate wisdom of the group to answer such matters. I have included a list of the issues that were brought up:
I might have preferred something along the lines of “to glorify God” but the other terms can be defined as broadly or narrowly as one might like. In the end however, the discussion proved to be revealing. One of emphasis made was on preaching to bring about this effect of pleasing God by applying His word to every areas of life. It was noted that there is often a disconnect between theologically sound preaching and the actually living out of such principles in the lives of some in any given congregation. It made me ask, however, if such a disconnect might be result of the pastor not living out such principles as he preaches. In other words, am I doing everything I can, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to not simply communicate dead orthodoxy, true statements and exhortations but without real life.
The main crux of the day was seeking to identify and address some of the issues the solo pastors face in their ministries, seeking to then draw on the corporate wisdom of the group to answer such matters. I have included a list of the issues that were brought up:
- Eschatology and leadership (in light of the EFCA and its considering the removal of the word “premillennialism from its Statement of Faith).
- Starting a Friday/Saturday service to reach out to late teens/20 somethings
- How to avoid burnout
- Mentoring leaders/elders/deacons
- How to stay fresh/abreast of theological and national issues.
- Punctuality of the congregation
- Trickle down cultural and theological issues
- Relating to world views and religions, pluralism
- Balancing leadership – not “lording it over” while still leading
- Finding valid/practical resources
- Creating healthy small groups
- Generational gaps (Titus 2)
- How to move from survival to growth
Not all these issues were of concern to me, but of these issues, three were prioritized as needing to be discussed through the day; “how to avoid burnout; how to stay fresh and abreast of theological and national issues; and balancing leadership.” In these discussions, we did flesh out several points worthy of further consideration. As I have the opportunity to organize these thought, I may post those that would be most profitable.
This morning we will continue to look at some of the issues above. There is no way we could discuss them all, but such points give you an idea of what is going on in the minds of some solo pastors in the EFCA.
Have a blessed day.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Pastor Ed
This morning we will continue to look at some of the issues above. There is no way we could discuss them all, but such points give you an idea of what is going on in the minds of some solo pastors in the EFCA.
Have a blessed day.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Pastor Ed
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