shepherding the shepherd
from PreachingToday.com
How Beautiful
Sometimes even good shepherds get distracted by ministry staircases and such and forget to see the beauty of Jesus right there in our own congregations. Part of good pastoring is helping our people see Jesus in the alcoves of our fellowship.
The Parable of the Contractor
A certain wealthy man summoned a building contractor and told him he wanted to enlist his services in building a home. This wasn’t just a house; not even a mansion. It was a palace. No expense would be spared. But when the rich man began to describe the materials he wanted the contractor to use his astonishment turned to bewilderment.
Building with Hesed
Our church buildings and programs don’t tell the really good stories. You have to dig a little to discover the important stories beneath the surface of our songs and suppers, our affection and history. Take the little house ekklesia, Bethlehem Fellowship, way back in our history. It started with just three people.
‘Build with Care’
It’s not ours to choose the kinds of people God entrusts to our section of his living temple, whether Bible-hungry Bereans or contentious Corinthians, but we do determine the materials we use. Scripture tells us how to build with golden mortar.
To Remember Who You Are
Ted and Margaret were grandparents in our church. One grandson was given the middle name, Ziga, reflecting his mother’s Rwandan heritage. The name means “Remember Who You Are.” In some families parents say the same thing when a teenager heads out for an evening with friends—“Remember who you are.” That’s what a benediction says to God’s people.
Benediction Jazz
Will Willimon once asked a woman how she liked their new pastor.
“Oh, he is wonderful,” she replied enthusiastically. “He gives the best benedictions.” … I asked her to explain.