Leader To Leader Ministries

I love pastors. Having been a pastor myself for almost 40 years I have met MANY brothers and sisters who have given themselves to this unique calling. They work hard, love God and people passionately, give of themselves sacrificially, and are simply wonderful folks. Here I am pictured with Chad Smith who serves the Chester, MT Assembly of God church. Chad and his wife Jill have dived into this northern Montana community and are doing a superb job of loving and leading people. I thank God for pastors like the Smiths who are God’s gift, according to Eph. 4:11. Many blessings to you Chad and Jill!

“Things I’ve learned on the Pastoral Journey”

“Keep dreaming! Set aside seasons for getting away (privately or with others) for dreaming.”

Churches run on schedules. Weekly schedules, seasonal schedules, holiday schedules, etc. And then there’s the matter of “Sunday is a-comin’!” In other words, there is always something to prepare for, especially the next Lord’s Day as we call it. I discovered it was so easy to get caught up in schedules and keeping the machinery running that time for hearing from God and simply dreaming of the amazing things he wants to do sometimes went far down on the list.

Finally I began setting aside specific time to dream. Sometimes it was getting away for a few days by myself and listening to God. Other times it was getting away with staff or the leadership team to talk about great possibilities. Times like these are invaluable for keeping the BIG picture in mind.

So pastor, take time to dream. And dream BIG dreams because we serve such an amazing Father. God will drop a dream in your heart that will amaze you!

“Things I’ve learned on the Pastoral Journey”

“Be careful who you share your heart (deepest thoughts and desires) with. Only share with a select and trusted few.”

I tend to be a pretty open person. I enjoy developing deep friendships and often that has included sharing personal thoughts and desires. However, over time I discovered that was not always a wise thing to do. Sharing in that manner sometimes came back to cause pain.
Jesus said “Do not give what is holy to the dogs, nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet.” (Matt. 7:6 NKJV). Now please understand I am NOT calling people dogs or swine. Never! However, it is vital that we treat precious things like our personal ideas, emotions, and deepest thoughts with great care. Make sure that the person you share these with can be trusted, and as you walk carefully in relationships and choose wisely who you share with, God will bless you greatly. Pastors need people to share with too!