Advice for a Pastor

[Jon7]

Currently I am in between youth ministry jobs. The last church I was a part of was very challenging to myself and my wife. The church did not act Biblically, and when challenged, I was let go.

What are your thoughts on what it means to pursue God so that He is the source of strength? I feel so worn down and burned out from relying too much on my old church for growth when that wasn't happening. How do you "rely" on God, and not do things in your own strength? Any counsel is much appreciated!


Thanks,

-Jon
Ritely.com

 

[will]

Jon, spiritual growth can only be the result of submitting to the teaching and direction of the Holy Spirit.
Our only part is to consume the Scriptures (read *and* think) as regularly as possible and let God grow us from the inside, not ourselves.

If the above statement sounds like a cliche (I certainly I thought that way the first time my pastor told me that ),
please read it again and think about it. It's more practical than you'd first think.

I would submit that your situation may be a blessing in disguise. Churches that are not biblical causes more hurt than healing. And there is no lack of need for people who care about our youth nowadays.
I would also suggest for you to start home group meetings with the people/youths that you know already. Read the Scriptures with them, and just focus on growing their reliance on the Holy Spirit, not other man or church.

 

[faithfulservant]

Get your head straight with God every morning you wake up and pray: I am just a fragile vessel, LORD. I can do nothing without You! Use me as You see fit. Guide me in all ways, despite me.

When God uses you, people will try to heap praise upon you. Do not accept it. Tell them it's all by His grace, mercy, love and power. Do everything in the name of Jesus. We can do nothing in our flesh. If there is any good thing within us, it's Jesus.

Lastly, take a break and rest if needed. The fig tree gives it's fruit in its season, but many Christians want to act like they can bear fruit continually year round, month after month, week after week, day after day. It is this mindset which leads us to believe we can do things in our flesh. This is a lie. The Bible teaches otherwise:

Philipians 3:3
For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.

 

[Thiscrosshurts]

Hi Jon,grace and peace to you brother:
I agree with will and faithfulservant and would like to add that this pattern fits the 1st temptation of Christ.
Command that these stones become Bread.Jesus knew that he was the bread that would bring the stones life not the other way around.
It's a horrible thing when we get the feeling that a ministry we love may just be fattening up the sheep for slaughter..ie..turning the stones into bread.Certain teachings can gain or lose income.
Jesus told Peter (a stone ) to feed his sheep not eat them.
Jesus felt it was worth repeating twice more.

You did the right thing and you suffered for it.
I'm relatively sure I can find that pattern in scripture over and over again.
Think about why Jesus put a thief in charge of his ministries finances.

John 10:10 The thief cometh not but to steal kill and destroy BUT I have come that they might have life and that more abundantly.

Therefore let scripture be fulfilled by having faith that God has his hand on your ministry and the first temptation to compromise for a meal has passed.The thief came and now the rest of the scripture must be fulfilled.

John 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Philippians 1:28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.