Building Your Church Through Counsel and Care

ARTICLE TOOLS

Find similar articles E-mail this page

The greatest baggage a pastor carries to a new ministry assignment is ready-made programs.
—Richard C. Halverson

After my first pastorate, 1944-1947, in Coalinga, California, I never intended to pastor again; I didn't think I was good enough material. So I worked with small groups as an associate minister for eight years and then joined International Christian Leadership for three years. After the Lord led me to Fourth Presbyterian Church, I realized I didn't have a ready-made ministry program. In fact, I was so out of touch I didn't even know what programs other churches were using or what programs were available.

Now, after twenty-one years at Fourth, I look back on that "problem" as one of the greatest assets I took to the church.

The greatest baggage a pastor carries to a new ministry assignment is ready-made programs. He is programmed to think he should try out this program as soon as he's finished trying out that program. He's buried in an avalanche of "how-to's." He continually compares program ideas with his colleagues. Consequently, ministries never become indigenous.

To make a ministry indigenous requires a more inductive approach.

In those early days at Fourth, God taught me two things: First, treat the Sunday morning congregation the same way you'd treat a small group of people meeting in your living room. Second, fully implement the commandment Christ gave: "Love one another as I have loved you, and you will demonstrate to the world that you are my disciples."

I was captured by a simple little statement in Mark: Jesus chose twelve and ordained them to be with him. Suddenly the word with became a big word, one of the biggest in the New Testament, because implicit within it is koinonia prayer and support. ...

Like the preview? To read this complete article and 20,359 more in the archive—JOIN NOW! Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history. Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
It's easy and quick to join: 2-for-1 Deal. Two powerful resources for 1 great price! A 1-Year Membership to CTLibrary & a 1-year print subscription to the magazine of your choice! Enjoy your first 7days online FREE! Only $49.95 1-Year Membership Plus your first 7 days are FREE! You won't be charged until after your free trial. Only $49.95 1-Month Membership Includes automatic renewal each month. Only $9.95 1-Year for Print Subscribers Special offer if you are currently a print subscriber to Christianity Today, Leadership journal, Books & Culture or Christian History & Biography. Only $29.95 first year Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l		FREE e-Newsletter! Even if you're not a member you can take advantage of the free "Christian News & Research" twice monthly e-newsletter! Sign up today for the FREE e-newsletter!   Note: Members also automatically receive this free e-newsletter.