By Ron Cook

Ron and his wife Rodetta have been married for 41 years. They have actively served the Lord together in ministry during the entire time and are co-founders of Care for Pastors. Ron ministers to hundreds of pastors annually through mentorship, counseling, and by phone. He has been a Pastor for 40 years and understands the stress of ministry, and wants to share his longevity in ministry with other pastors and help them finish well.

Posted by Ron Cook

    Ten Reminders for Pastoral Joy

    Wednesday, February 23, 2022

    By Mike Osborne

    Seems like every week or so I speak with another discouraged, burned out pastor. If you’re one, here is a list of ten reminders I’ve compiled over the years that help keep me going. Reminding yourself of these things is a way to preach the gospel to yourself. I hope you’ll write them down and keep the list close by.

    1. I minister out of who I am, not who I wish I were or who others want me to be. I’ll be comfortable in my own skin.
    2. I’ll be kind to and patient with myself. I’m just a jar of clay.
    3. The world needs more people like me. It’s not that I’m perfect–far from it! But God has called, gifted, and anointed me to be his man in this place for this season.
    4. I’ll do what only I can do. Otherwise I’ll get involved in things to which God has not called me, that others can and should be doing.
    5. Home is my first church. If I fail anywhere, it won’t be with my family.
    6. It’s not all up to me. I am not the Messiah. I am not ultimately responsible and I am not in control.
    7. Everyone has a story. I’ll remember that next time I’m tempted to get impatient and aggravated at someone.
    8. God is for me. He is, this very moment, in my midst–rejoicing over me with gladness, quieting me by his love, and exulting over me with loud singing (Zephaniah 3:17).
    9. I won’t take myself too seriously. I’ll laugh, play, enjoy people, take my time, and be willing to fail without it devastating me.
    10. God is always at work. No matter what.

    Click here to read the original blog on survivingministry.com

    Mike was a pastor for over 32 years before becoming Dean of Students and visiting professor at a theological seminary in Orlando, Florida. He cares about keeping pastors encouraged for a lifetime of rewarding ministry. He’s the author of Surviving Ministry: How to Weather the Storms of Church Leadership

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