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Advice from My Preacher

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Yesterday at my church we honored my former pastor, Rastus Salter. He served as pastor of Second Baptist Church in Warner Robins, GA for almost 50 years. Did you hear that? Almost 50 years pastoring the same church. And now, I have the privilege of occupying that same pulpit.

What an encouragement! What a blessing! What an example! What a legacy!

I remember walking into my pastor’s office as a 17-year-old preacher boy asking for a bit of advice. The question went something like this – “If you could tell me anything about ministry, what would that be?” I wrote his answer in the front of my Bible. And yes, I still have the Bible. More importantly, his advice is etched upon my mind and heart. Here it is.

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Creating Trust

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Trust. You can’t lead without it. That’s right. It’s impossible to lead a family, a church, or an organization without trust. Michael Hyatt compares trust to “oil in the engine.” It’s what keeps you from overheating. It’s what keeps things running smoothly.

As a leader, a pastor, or a boss, trust is absolutely essential. Your people must trust you if they are going to follow you. But for people to trust you, you must be trustworthy. Here are two simple ways to create trust in your organization, your family, or you church.

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God is Able

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Maybe you’re tired. Maybe you’re weary. Maybe you’re sad. Maybe you’re weak. Maybe you’re heartbroken. Maybe you’re lonely. Maybe you’ve lost hope. Maybe – maybe not. But you need to hear this anyway.

God is able.

Here are two verses for you today. “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

Maybe – just maybe – you need to hear that. I’m guessing you’re just like every other person in the entire world. From time to time you need to be encouraged. From time to time you need to be reminded. Remember a few things about Almighty God.

Say Hello to the Learning Curve

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What’s it called when a new pastor arrives at a brand new church and has so much to learn? Oh yeah, that’s right…the learning curve. New place. New ministry. New joys. New challenges. Same truth – so much to learn.

The first year or so is what I call the transition period. During this time the learning curve is steep and the climb is challenging. You are moving your family. Learning a new organization. Attending a new church. Getting to know new coworkers. And leading new people.

During this transition period I have discovered an intense desire to be a better leader and pastor. My advice? Capitalize on the new desire to learn and grow. Learn from the mistakes of the past. Try not to repeat them. Use what you’ve learned before as the foundation for future leadership.

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Take Time to Clear Your Mind

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Our world is full of clutter. And it doesn’t take long for all of the clutter around us to become the clutter within us. That’s why it’s important that you find things that clear your mind. Things that recharge your batteries.

One of the things that works for me is what I call “tractor time.” Every other week or so during the summer I get to spend a few hours on the tractor cutting grass. It may sound like torture to you. But to me it is sweet relief.

That’s what we all need from time to time. You need it too. Clear your mind, disengage, just chill. Here are four quick guidelines for clearing your mind.

1. It must be enjoyable.
2. It must be relaxing.
3. It must recharge your batteries. 
4. It must make you feel better.

For you, it may not be time on the tractor cutting grass. It may be a game of golf, an afternoon fishing, an early morning in the deer stand, or a day at the mall. But from time to time, it’s important that that you take time to clear your mind.