Pastor Lee Eclov shares wisdom on caring for people, spiritual formation in preaching, working through a text, viewing Scripture as a song, and crafting sermons that touch minds and hearts. He offers insights for pastors to finish well, emphasizing the importance of soul work and reflecting on Scripture. The chapter also highlights the challenges faced by pastors and the value of resources and safe spaces for them to connect.
54:20
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Caring for the well-being of pastors is crucial, prioritizing their spiritual and emotional health over numbers.
Soul-centered preaching involves finding the song within the text and cultivating a soul connection with the message.
Deep dives
The Importance of Shepherd Care
This podcast episode highlights the significance of taking care of the shepherds and pastors within the church. The guest, Lee Ecloth, shares his insights as a pastor and his heart for fellow pastors. He emphasizes the need for pastors to prioritize their own spiritual and emotional well-being amidst the demands of ministry. Ecloth also discusses the importance of finding one's unique preaching style and connecting with the wonder and soul of the text. He encourages pastors to be authentic, to prioritize prayer, and to engage in shepherding the souls of their congregants.
Navigating the Challenges of Ministry
Ecloth discusses the challenges faced by pastors in the modern church. He highlights the cultural shift in church life towards more corporate and strategic approaches. Ecloth shares his personal experience of wrestling with the tension between pastoral effectiveness and church size, noting that success is not merely measured in numbers. He emphasizes the importance of finding joy and meaning in shepherding a smaller congregation and the benefits of having greater space for personal connection and soul care within a pastoral role.
The Role of Soul in Preaching
Ecloth emphasizes the significance of soul-centered preaching. He discusses the concept of a contemplative exegesis, where pastors focus on not only the logical aspects of a text but also the emotive and wonder-filled dimensions. Ecloth encourages pastors to find the song within the text, to engage with the wonders and surprises that scriptures offer, and to cultivate a soul connection with the message. He highlights the importance of authenticity, prayer, and the ability to speak into the lives of congregants by asking thought-provoking and personal questions.
The Resource for Shepherding the Shepherds
Ecloth shares his writing journey and the creation of the book 'Shepherding the Shepherd,' a collection of his columns written for pastors. These devotionals are designed to support and encourage pastors in their role. Ecloth describes the privilege of speaking to other shepherds, offering wisdom and practical insights for their ministry. He also discusses the role of writing as a way to connect with pastors, provide personal reflections, and create resources that speak to the hearts of those in ministry. The book is available through Christianity Today and provides a valuable resource for pastors seeking guidance and support.
Every pastor needs a pastor一someone to offer wisdom, empathy, and an example of finishing well. Lee Eclov is a shepherd to shepherds, and in this episode he shares with Steve Carter:
How to care more about people and less about numbers.
The role of spiritual formation in preaching.
The importance of working through a text in your own soul before you preach.
Why thinking of Scripture as a song will enrich your preaching.
How to write sermons that touch people’s minds and hearts.
If you’re a pastor, please don’t miss this episode! Lee’s voice resounds with grace, is seasoned from decades of ministry, and offers countless insights that will help you finish well.