Pastoral Ministry (Student Manual)

This book focuses on the ministry of a pastor in 3 areas:

Preparation: Like a lasting house, a ministry must rest on a firm foundation to endure. So before we talk about the pastor’s work, we must consider the pastor himself-his call, character, and gifts. We must examine his daily walk with God-his prayer life, study, and fasting. We must emphasize his personal life-as a husband, father, and friend. Who we are is always more important than what we do.

Responsibilities: Every pastor must choose between trying to do it all himself, and equipping believers to share the ministry of the church. In this book we guide a pastor to excel in preaching and teaching, and perform the special services of communion, water baptism, baby dedications, weddings and funerals. But we also focus on training others. Blessed is the pastor who trains each member of the body to do its part. Then, the pastor does not burnout, and the whole body builds itself up-meeting the needs of all.

Relationships: This section is like a final exam. A pastor must make a passing grade in the way he relates to workers, lay leaders, volunteers, and deacons. Otherwise, he will fail in ministry. A pastor must also learn to relate well to his work. Many who begin well in pastoral ministry drop out of the race after a few years. Some fail because they care too much for others, and too little for their own needs. Others develop a root of bitterness that grows into a tree with deadly fruit. And there are always those who stumble over their own pride or selfish desires. In these final chapters a prophet from God will guide you to a long, fruitful ministry.