Is Your Heart In Your Ministry? – Ministry Memo from Pastor Gary

When you picture Christ as the Good Shepherd, how do you picture Him?  Do you see Him as a shepherd who looks at the clock and says to himself, “Hmm, it is almost 8:00; I guess I have to go feed the sheep today or someone is bound to complain,”?  Of course, not!  In fact, it is almost embarrassing to even put something like that in writing.  So, why is it that we often hear of leaders who gripe and complain about the ministry God has entrusted to them?  Or, maybe a better question is this, “Why do ministry leaders complain about ministering to the people under their care?”

I recently jotted down a statement I heard another ministry leader say. You may need to read this a few times to get the full emphasis.

As a pastor, “our hearts have to be in our people and our people have to be in our hearts.”

This short statement quickly sums up the strong connection between a pastor and his flock.  The sheep know their shepherd’s voice.  They know his heartbeat.  They know his innermost desire to minister the full gospel of love, correction, encouragement, discipline, and training.  (2 Timothy 3:16)  They know and rest assured that they are in his heart!

Let me once again exhort you to more fully grasp that ministry is not about objectives.  Ministry is about people!  Sure, God has objectives and so should you and I.  However, the remarkable death, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was for people!

Get your heart into your ministry!  Get your heart into your people and allow your people to be in your heart!

One final thought, consider how Paul beautifully illustrates this through his words in 2 Corinthians 3:6-7.  “If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.  And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.”

Thank you for allowing me to share in your ministry!

Pastor Gary

A Lesson I Highly Recommend!

When was the last time you guided your children into the understanding how to examine their spiritual lives, eliminate any lifestyle element that hinders their relationships with God, give to the needy, and make commitments to a deeper, spiritual, Christ-like life?

Our kids responded so well when we taught this gameshow-style lesson, “Intensify Your Christ-Likeness.” This is a great service for the Lent season or any time of year when you want to spiritually challenge your kids!  You can download it from CMT!