Relying on the Lord

The flurry of activity continues here around Grace Church as we anticipate the beginning of a new Shepherds' Conference. I just finished reviewing my notes for the seminar I will teach tomorrow. My seminar is called "Maneuvering Through The Ministry Minefield." A lot of explosive things can happen to set a ministry back or even destroy it. In the seminar we will look at biblically handling the common ministry threats so that we avoid those landmines.

My last point deals with the importance of relying on the Lord. The problems of ministry are too great for me to handle by relying on my self. Also, I cannot rely on others for a variety of reasons. I must rely on the Lord. He is the only One who will always be there and be able to strengthen me. Maintaining this perspective is so important and makes a crucial difference in my attitude and how I relate to people.

One example I always think of in this connection is that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, Daniel's three friends. In Daniel 3 we read that these men refused to bow down to the king's idol and as a result they were thrown into the fiery furnace. They did what was right, they obeyed the Lord, and they were willing to suffer the consequences. But the Lord did not abandon them, He joined them in the furnace. The king saw this and he called the three men out of the furnace. That is an amazing thing. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego could have come out of the furnace if they wanted. Who was going to stop them? But they didn't come out until the king commanded them. The point is that it is better to be in the fire with the Lord then to be out of the fire with a king. You can always rely on the Lord.

The Pampered Pastor

This is the week of the annual Shepherds' Conference here at Grace Church. More than 3,000 men from around the world will be here. Right now Grace Church is a flurry of activity. Big trucks keep rumbling by under my office window making deliveries. The campus is swarming with people who are planting flowers, preparing rooms, and setting up stations in order to minister to the men. Banners have been hung from the pillars around the sanctuary with quotes from the Bible and influential pastors from the past. Everything will look fantastic for the conference especially the recently completed chapel which is spectacular on the inside. The men who are coming will be able to have their shoes shined, have plenty to eat, check their e-mail, and receive many nice gifts (including 25 free books!).

Of course the highlight of the week will be the study of God's Word and the rich times of worship and fellowship. We have excellent keynote speakers and dozens of stimulating seminars (one taught by yours truly). This will be a great week to encourage pastors in their ministry. Approximately 1,000 of the men attending have never been to the conference before so it will be a great opportunity to strengthen the church worldwide.

Why is this week so important? Because the role of pastor and elder is so important to the life of the church. These are the leaders and the church can never rise above the level of its leadership. And many of these men will arrive here with disappointments, discouragement, and doubts. Being a leader is not an easy thing. They are targets of the enemy's missiles. They are trying to stand for the Lord in a godless society and in the midst of a confused church. These men should receive our support and encouragement. We should express our appreciation to them every way we can.

If we truly love Christ then we will love His church and we will love those He has called to lead His church. So for a few days its nice that these men get a little pampering. Soon enough they will be back in the battle. I want to do what I can this week to encourage as many of these men as I can.