Why Pastors Should Embrace the Pleasant . . . Unpleasant Moments in Ministry

Some advice for ministers: Why Pastors Should Embrace the Pleasant . . . Unpleasant Moments in Ministry – The Gospel Coalition Blog:

Before convincing you why we as pastors should embrace this paradox we experience in ministry, I suppose I should define what I mean by a “pleasant . . . unpleasant” conversation.

Don’t Use E-mail to Correct Others

There is good video at the bottom of this: Don’t Use E-mail to Correct Others – The Gospel Coalition Blog:

Why do certain Christians feel the need to review the pastor’s Sunday morning “performance”? This discouraging weekly experience is enough to dull whatever excitement you have to head into church in the morning.

The Chief Objective of a Minister

I was thinking about this quote this morning, I'm not sure if have already posted it: The Chief Objective of a Minister � J.C. Ryle Quotes:

Let it never be forgotten that the chief object of a minister of the Gospel is to set forward the salvation of souls. I lay it down as a certain fact that he is no true minister who does not feel this. Talk not of a man’s ordination! All may have been done correctly, and according to rule. He may wear a black coat, and be called a “reverend”. But if the saving of souls is not the grand interest—the ruling passion—the absorbing thought of his heart—he is no true minister of the Gospel—he is a hireling, and not a shepherd. Congregations may have called him—but he is not called by the Holy Spirit. Bishops may have ordained him; but not Christ.

Improve Your Theological Reading and Writing

Tips from the Westminster Theological Seminary on how to read and write better: Improve Your Theological Reading and Writing – Justin Taylor

Seven Questions to Ask Before You Preach or Teach the Bible

From Francis Chan's DG Nation Conference: Seven Questions to Ask Before You Preach or Teach the Bible - Desiring God:

Am I worried about what people think of my message or what God thinks? (Teach with fear)

Do I genuinely love these people? (Teach with love)

Am I accurately presenting this passage? (Teach with accuracy)

Am I depending on the Holy Spirit's power or my own cleverness? (Teach with power)

Have I applied this message to my own life? (Teach with integrity)

Will this message draw attention to me or to God? (Teach with humility)

Do the people really need this message? (Teach with urgency)"

Advice for Seminarians, Theology Students, and Young Pastors

I was going to point to DeYoung's posts here, but Justin Taylor has come through with more links on advice for young ministers, worth a look: Advice for Seminarians, Theology Students, and Young Pastors – Justin Taylor

Pastor Mark’s Date Night Tips

Useful. So far there at 16 tips: Pastor Mark’s Date Night Tips | The Mars Hill Blog

How Do You Remember the Scripture You've Memorized?

Piper talks about memorizing scripture: How Do You Remember the Scripture You've Memorized?:

A practical thing I would suggest for people to do, is decide what cluster of text they want to always be at their disposal. For me I could name Psalm 46, Psalm 23, Psalm 1, Romans 8, 2 Corinthians 5:21, a cluster of texts surrounding justification, 1 Peter 4:11—'let him who serves serve in the strength that God supplies, that in everything God may get the glory through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the dominion forever.

Just Do Something in Church

I have listened to the whole Next2010 conference and it is worth a listen. Here are some tips from DeYoungs talk on the church. Just Do Something:

To close out his Next 2010 conference message, “The Church,” Kevin DeYoung gave a list of suggestions for how to be a difference maker in the local church

One of the best ways for a pastor to gain evangelistic opportunities?

Its a little morbid, but offering your services as a minister to funeral homes is an evangelistic opportunity: What is one of the best ways for a pastor to gain evangelistic opportunities?

Ask Questions and be Humble

One Simple Way to Demonstrate Love and Humility – Kevin DeYoung

Discerning God’s Call

Discerning God’s Call | TheResurgence:

George Whitefield, the 18th-century evangelist, gives this advice for those considering a call: “Ask yourselves again and again whether you would preach for Christ if you were sure to lay down your life for so doing? If you fear the displeasure of a man for doing your duty now, assure yourselves you are not yet thus minded.”

The article also lists thoughts by Luther, John Newton, Charles Hodge and Robert L Dabney on the calling of a minister

Also today Matt Chandler talks on the Call to Ministry | TheResurgence

A “Normal” Pastoral Visit

Some guy explains how he does a pastoral visit to someone in his church. It lists some good questions to ask: A “Normal” Pastoral Visit – The Gospel Coalition Blog