Swindoll's Advice to Pastors

Good advice to pastor's from Chuck Swindoll:

No one will ever demand that you pray and give priority to the Word of God. Physical needs will always bring the louder complaint. And the predictable will occur: we'll spend so much time greasing the squeaky wheels that we neglect prayer and the Word of God...

If we let the demands of ministry determine the priorities of the church then the tail of the urgent will wag the dog of "the important"...The needs of ministry will always be greater than your ability to meet them. Always. Don't let them distract you.

Does that mean we ignore the needs? Not at all. It's a matter of recognizing ones calling. By confirming your priorities the apostle also provided the opportunity for laymen to get involved in ministry...

If the church leaders attempt to meet all of the churches needs themselves then two effect will occur. First as we've seen the spiritual leaders will neglect their priorities of prayer and the Word of God. Second the body of Christ will cease to function of the body! God has gifted every Christian to serve in some way. It's a matter of calling. Moreover it's a matter of obedience.
(from The Church Awakening)

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