Episode 97: On Celebrating Pastoral Anniversaries (with Isaac Adams)
Sep 24, 2019
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Isaac Adams, a guest on the podcast, talks about the significance of celebrating pastoral anniversaries. They discuss honoring the pastor and evaluating the impact of the gospel. The importance of pastoral sensitivity and the challenges of pastoral ministry are highlighted. They also discuss the need to focus on the gospel at the beginning of gatherings and the importance of honoring the pastor's wife.
Celebrating pastoral anniversaries helps churches honor pastors and remember the work of the Lord.
Genuine appreciation and encouragement for pastors and their wives builds up the church and fosters unity.
Deep dives
The Importance of Honoring Pastoral Anniversaries
Pastoral anniversaries, like birthdays and marriage anniversaries, provide opportunities to remember the works of the Lord and what He has done through pastors. Honoring pastors is part of it, but the emphasis should also be on remembering the work of the Lord. By celebrating pastoral anniversaries, churches can edify and encourage their pastors, while also giving praise to God for the fruitfulness of their ministry.
The Apostolic Burden of Pastoral Ministry
The evening's focus was on carrying the apostolic burden of seeing and caring for the brothers and sisters in other churches. By bringing pastors who were sent out from their church back home, they aimed to encourage Mark Deaver and show how their ministry had a fruitful impact on other churches. Remembering and checking on those who were reached with the gospel helps pastors understand the long-term effects of their labor and serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfully carrying out pastoral ministry.
The Encouraging Power of Genuine Appreciation
The podcast episode emphasized the power of godly encouragement and appreciation. By honoring pastors and their wives, such as Connie Deaver, and acknowledging their role in supporting the pastor's ministry, genuine appreciation and encouragement can be expressed. This not only lifts up the pastor, but also builds up the church and creates a culture of encouragement. Sincere words of appreciation have a ripple effect, blessing both the giver and the recipient, and foster unity and growth within the body of Christ.
The Long-Term Journey of Pastoral Ministry
Reflecting on 25 years of pastoral ministry, Mark Deaver discussed the significance of the early years in laying the foundation for the future. Relationships with the older members of the congregation were acknowledged as invaluable, providing loyalty and steadfastness to the church. The conversation also touched on the importance of staying faithful to the ordinary means of grace, like praying and studying the word, as they are central to the longevity and doability of pastoral ministry. Looking forward, the focus remains on trust in God's faithfulness and enjoying the ministry.