41 PRINCIPLES ON BEING APPOINTED/ELECTED TO PASTOR AN EXISTING CHURCH (PART 3 OF 5):
17.
Yes, you should not be too common, but do not
be “stand offish” with the people. They are learning you, just like you are
learning them.
18.
Never say, “If you don’t like how I run it,
then there is the door.” An established church can vote you out in more ways
than one. Even if you have been appointed by the bishop, the people can try to
starve you out by withholding their participation and financial support. You do
not need a war with the people.
19.
The financial record should reflect that you
are tithing and financially supporting the church. Along with the spiritual component,
this helps to put the people at ease [especially in cases where previous pastor(s)
have “cleaned out” the treasury].
20.
Yes, when there is a new administration,
normally every office is declared vacant. But it would be foolish to “fire”
everyone. Yes, it is fine to have some new blood; but you need some people also
that have been there and know the history of the church.
21.
People like new things. So, when you first
arrive a lot of people will come “back” to the church and a lot of visitors
will join your church. Do not put your confidence in that. Do not feed into any
talk about how bad the previous pastor was and how wonderful you are. It’s just
a matter of time when they will talk about you as well. When the newness wears
off, they will be looking for the next “hottest” church in town. Do not let it
discourage you. Every church goes through highs and lows.
22.
Really think through selling (or tearing
down) the building you inherited and building (or buying) a new church. The old
saying was, “build it and they will come.” The new saying is, “build it and
they will drive right by it.” People are not as committed to long term
membership, as they were decades ago.
23.
Do not belittle your church to other pastors,
saying things like you have a, “starter church,” or how terrible your members
are. You will kill the morale of your people; if they feel like they are just
to tide you over for a bigger and better opportunity. Besides, just like people
should not “run down” the pastor, the pastor should not “run down” the members.
24.
Be sexually pure. The church is not your
personal harem. If you cannot control your flesh, you do not need to be in the
pulpit. If you are single, do not fornicate. If you are married, do not commit
adultery. Live the type of life that you can preach the WHOLE Bible and be able
to address ANY subject. If you mess up (i.e., sin), be honest and confess. Do
not insult the intelligence of the people and say you are being lied on. Saints
are more apt to forgive when you are honest vs being deceptive. Proverbs 28:13 says “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but
whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Yes, you are held to a
higher standard, because the Bible says in 1 Timothy 3:2 TLB, “…A
pastor must be a good man whose life cannot be spoken against…”
To be continued…
#IveGotWorkToDo
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