STUFF I’VE LEARNED THAT SEMINARY DIDN’T TEACH ME #15

 

Set parameters on counseling—particularly when meeting with women or minors. There needs to be a policy fence put up for your protection. There is the so-called “Billy Graham rule” that ought to be adopted. Early in his ministry, he set a policy where he and his team would not meet with women alone, ride with them, dine with them, and so forth. It apparently worked, as their evangelistic organization was scandal free from charges of immoral behavior, so far as I know.  

Even in the case where one might avoid yielding to temptation, this does not prevent a false accusation from being made—and there will always be those who believe it.  So, DON’T MEET BY YOURSELF WITH A WOMAN OTHER THAN YOUR WIFE!  Be careful what information you share with any lady, and how much time you spend with them.  If David—a man after God’s own heart, who brought down a giant with a slingshot—could fall, so can we.

Another big danger is the internet.  You are always but a click away from being sucked into the cesspool of pornography. Pastors and staff need accountability. Filtering software may help, but accountability software is even safer.  Cable TV makes porn easily accessible.  You don’t have to visit an X-rated bookstore.  It’s good to have your wife with you when you travel, or another preacher room with you, so the hotel room doesn’t become a trap to catch you up in lust.  

“Flee from youthful passions...” (2 Tim.2:22a CSB).  Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!   

STUFF I’VE LEARNED THAT SEMINARY DIDN’T TEACH ME #14

 

A prospective and/or new member class taught by the Senior Pastor is vital. It enables him to establish connections with them at the beginning. Also, he is able to establish expectations for them as they begin their membership journey. More than a remote talking head, he becomes a shepherd among the sheep in a more informal setting. 

STUFF I’VE LEARNED THAT SEMINARY DIDN’T TEACH ME #13

Pray that God would take you home to heaven before you become a stumbling block.  Seek to finish well. Pray this often and humbly cast yourself on the grace of God to keep you!  

Look at the contrast between the end of Uzziah and Paul in their service to God. 

“But when he became strong, he grew arrogant, and it led to his own destruction. He acted unfaithfully against the Lord his God by going into the Lord’s sanctuary to burn incense on the incense altar. ... So King Uzziah was diseased to the time of his death. He lived in quarantine with a serious skin disease and was excluded from access to the Lord’s temple, while his son Jotham was over the king’s household governing the people of the land.”  (2 Chronicles‬ ‭26:16, 21‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. There is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved his appearing.”  (2 Timothy‬ ‭4:6-8‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

Both had started well, climbed high, but then in pride, Uzziah surrendered to the flesh and fell, while Paul soared in faithfulness on into glory!

What will your end be?

STUFF I’VE LEARNED THAT SEMINARY DIDN’T TEACH ME #12

 

Resist the success SIN-drome. Design ministry to reach the lost rather than marketing to disgruntled church members. There is a reason why people move from church to church. They often bring their dysfunction with them. Let them bless the church down the road.