Presedintele Senatului Romaniei a reusit performanta (demna de Guinness Book) sa rosteasca o fraza de 203 cuvinte FARA sa spuna NIMIC!
sursa foto: Curentul
Monthly Archives: May 2013
SA INDURI GREUTATILE CA UN BUN SOLDAT…
din volumul “Slujitorul adevarat, Slujitorul care schimba lumea”
2 Timotei 2:3: “Sufera impreuna cu mine, ca un bun ostas al lui Hristos.”
In timpurile grele care vin uneori peste lucratorul Domnului trebuie ca intotdeauna sa nu parasim lucrarea incredintata. Cei angajati fug la primul obstacol dar soldatul cel bun va fi totdeauna la locul desemnat de Comandantul Suprem. Sa lucrezi pentru Dumnezeu este mai mult decat o indatorire, este o onoare.
Povestirea urmatoarea a circulat pe internet si a fost publicata in mai multe publicatii, fara autor insa, de aceea am sa o reproduc parafrazand-o: Regimentul al treilea infanterie din Garnizoana Myer avea responsabilitatea sa asigure garda de onoare la ceremoniile unitatii, deasemenea garda de onoare la unele festivitati ale statului: activitati sociale la Casa Alba, ceremonii publice, paza la cimitirul national Arlington si asigurarea garzii si purtarii drapelului la Mormantul Soldatului Necunoscut.
Publicul local era deja familiar cu marsul soldatilor la intrarea si iesirea din postul Mormantul Soldatului Necunoscut. De la uniforma impecabila la pasul cadentat, la miscarea armei, totul era perfect si frumos de urmarit. Schimbarea garzii se facea la fiecare ora prin exercitiu militar. O mare parte dintre oameni credeau ca atunci cand cimitirul este inchis pentru public, acest spectacol de schimbare a garzii inceteaza. Dar pentru cei dedicati in ceea ce fac, nu era un spectacol, era o schimbare a garzii de onoare, cu onoare. In fiecare noapte, la fiecare ora, rutina exercitiului militar de schimbare a garzii continua fara nici o intrerupere, ca si in timpul zilei. Pentru acesti oameni (speciali oameni) continuitatea garzii era un respect si onoare in cinstea eroilor fara nume din armata americana, cazuti la datorie in lupta.
Povestirea continua: In timpul uraganului Isabel (18 septembrie 2003….nota traducatorului), cand mii de copaci au fost scosi din radacini, cand curentul electric a fost intrerupt pentru zile intregi, cand semnele de circulatie si semafoarele nu au mai functionat, cand soselele erau pline de crengi rupte si materiale de la case distruse, cand inundatiile au inceput sa apara, Comandamentul General a transmis un ordin Regimentului al treilea infanterie sa inchida temporar serviciul garzii si sa caute un adapost impotriva vantului pentru a proteja soldatii. Ordinul a fost dat pentru protectia si siguranta garzii. Dar soldatii nu au ascultat comanda primita. In timpul vantului cel mai puternic, care rasturna masinile si transforma resturile aparute in adevarate proiectile, ei au continuat ritualul de schimbare a garzii la fiecare ora dupa programul stabilit.
Potrivit declaratiilor ulterioare ale soldatilor, ei au refuzat sa-si intrerupa postul si sa se adaposteasca pentru ca au inteles ca ce faceau ei este mai mult decat o datorie: era cea mai mare onoare care putea fi incredintata unui soldat (american).
Mormantul Soldatului Necunoscut din cadrul Cimitirului National Arlington (unde sunt inmormantati si presedintii Statelor Unite…..nota traducatorului) a fost si este patrulat si pazit de garzile de onoare ale armatei in mod continu din 1930, 24 de ore pe zi, sapte zile pe saptamana.
Punctul meu in aceasta povestire: Dumnezeu ne-a incredintat o slujire, un serviciu de indeplinit pe acest pamant. Trebuie sa fim credinciosi in aceasta slujire indiferent de pericole si circumstante pentru ca aceasta slujire este mai mult decat o responsabilitate, mai mult decat o datorie. Este o onoare!
Da, in lucrarea slujitorilor Sai pot aparea batalii, persecutii, greutati si neintelegeri. Dar avem raspunderea noastra. Ca si soldatii neclintiti de la mormantul soldatului necunoscut trebuie sa stam in picioare indiferent de puterea vantului, indiferent de inversunarea furtunii. Noi trebuie sa veghem asupra sufletelor aflate in joc. Responsabilitatea noastra este mai mult decat o datorie: este o onoare!
va urma….sa te ingrijesti de familie!
ISLAMOPHOBIA SHOULD BE RECOGNIZED AS CRIME…WOW, REALLY????
This declaration was stated by Turkish Prime Minister ….
….and President Obama named him:
…..moreover, he permitted to be build in America, more specific in Maryland $100 million Islamic Indoctrination & Infiltration Center!!!!!!!
On May 15, 2013, Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan placed a ceremonial stone on a 15-acre construction site in Lanham, Maryland that will become the largest and most ostentatious example of Islamic architecture in the western hemisphere.
WHY, after all the staff this country has been through because of the terrorism that is simply Islam – WHY after all that, are we allowing these savages to expand their presence and their influence in our society???
(BTW… in exchange, we will be seeing a huge Church or Synagogue going up in Turkey? Not in the next thousand years…)
These Mosques are fortresses where the Muslims plot and plan the destruction of Western civilization…..and still they are granted permits and we allow them to invade our lands. WHY???
We should never have allowed this to happen, but our government seems more concerned about appeasing foreign countries (or SOME country only…) than it does about what it’s own people think. WHY???
God Bless America!!!!!
ERAST…..
Un film de Adi Gliga……Un film extraordinar despre tineri si anturaj…..
David Wilkerson: “Counterfeit Christianity”
David Wilkerson (1931 – 2011)
View images and photos of the speaker David Wilkerson. Founder of Times Square Church in New York City with over 100 different languages spoken in the congregation. Wilkerson wrote many powerful books such as: The Vision and Cross and the Switchblade. His ministry was prophetic as God called him to be a watchman to the Church in North America. He gave clear messages on repentance to the Church.
Wilkerson also founded Teen Challenge where there are hundreds of centres for Christ-centered drug recovery and addiction recovery. He also organized and spoke at pastors gatherings in many countries where he gave prophetic strong messages to encourage pastors and leaders.
California vote today…Who’s Next????
California Assembly Bill 1266 just passed out of the Assembly floor on a party-line vote this morning. AB 1266 forces all California schools to allow students to participate in sex-segregated school programs, activities, and facilities consistent with his or her gender identity. “This bill allows children of any gender to participate on any sports team, and enter into locker rooms, showers and bathrooms of their choice based on that student’s private sense of their own gender regardless of their biological gender at birth,” said Karen England, Executive Director of Capitol Resource Institute.
PASTORS, PREACHERS, YOUTH PASTORS AND ANY LEADER: Preaching on Sunday and teaching during the middle of the week is great, but if we do not move our congregations boldly into the public square we will see our children suffer. Any legislator who voted for AB 1266 must be voted out of office.
Here is AB 1266 for your records and for your review:
AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY APRIL 25, 2013
California Legislature—2013–14 Regular Session
ASSEMBLY BILLNo. 1266
Introduced by Assembly Member Ammiano
(Coauthor: Assembly Member Atkins)
(Coauthors: Senators Lara and Leno)
February 22, 2013
An act to amend Section 221.5 of the Education Code, relating to pupil rights.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST
AB 1266, as amended, Ammiano. Pupil rights: sex-segregated school programs.
Existing law prohibits public schools from discriminating on the basis of specified characteristics, including gender, gender identity, and gender expression, and specifies various statements of legislative intent and the policies of the state in that regard. Existing law requires that participation in a particular physical education activity or sport, if required of pupils of one sex, be available to pupils of each sex.
This bill would require that a pupil be permitted to participate in sex-segregated school programs activities, including athletic teams and competitions, consistent with his or her gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the pupil’s records.
Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no. State-mandated local program: no.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
P2 1
SECTION 1.
Section 221.5 of the Education Code is amended
2to read:
3
221.5.
(a) It is the policy of the state that elementary and
4secondary school classes and courses, including nonacademic and
5elective classes and courses, be conducted, without regard to the
6sex of the pupil enrolled in these classes and courses.
7(b) A school district may not prohibit a pupil from enrolling in
8any class or course on the basis of the sex of the pupil, except a
9class subject to Chapter 5.6 (commencing with Section 51930) of
10Part 28 of Division 4 of Title 2.
11(c) A school district may not require a pupil of one sex to enroll
12in a particular class or course, unless the same class or course is
13also required of a pupil of the opposite sex.
14(d) A school counselor, teacher, instructor, administrator, or
15aide may not, on the basis of the sex of a pupil, offer vocational
16or school program guidance to a pupil of one sex that is different
17from that offered to a pupil of the opposite sex or, in counseling
18a pupil, differentiate career, vocational, or higher education
19opportunities on the basis of the sex of the pupil counseled. Any
20school personnel acting in a career counseling or course selection
21capacity to a pupil shall affirmatively explore with the pupil the
22possibility of careers, or courses leading to careers, that are
23nontraditional for that pupil’s sex. The parents or legal guardian
24of the pupil shall be notified in a general manner at least once in
25the manner prescribed by Section 48980, in advance of career
26counseling and course selection commencing with course selection
27for grade 7 so that they may participate in the counseling sessions
28and decisions.
29(e) Participation in a particular physical education activity or
30sport, if required of pupils of one sex, shall be available to pupils
31of each sex.
32(f) A pupil shall be permitted to participate in sex-segregated
33 school programs activities, including athletic
34 teams and competitions, consistent with his or
35 her gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the pupil’s
36 records.
LA MULTI ANI, PASTOR FLORIN IANOVICI!!!!!
L-am intalnit pentru prima oara in Septembrie 2011….a fost, vorba noastra din America, DIVINE APPOINTMENT!
Apoi ne-am reintalnit in Noiembrie 2011 in Phoenix….. apoi din nou in Decembrie 2011 in Bucuresti, Oradea, Beius….. in Mai 2012 in Bucuresti, in Decembrie 2012 in Viena, Graz, Linz, Bucuresti….
Am calatorit impreuna cu masina, cu avionul, cu autocarul….am cunoscut Biserica Betel unde slujeste si unde fratii si surorile il asteapta si vorbesc cu dansul cate o ora si mai mult dupa inchiderea programelor….. am cunoscut Orfelinatul unde se ingrijeste de sute de copiii si care ii sar in brate ca la un adevarat tata cand il vad si unde cei peste 30 de angajati il doresc ca pe un parinte, sfatuitor, prieten si nu ca pe un sef…..am vazut cum este de asteptat in fiecare Biserica Romaneasca din Europa si unde isi ia timp sa vorbeasca cu sutele si miile de Romani care il inconjoara cu dragoste sincera….toti au intrebari si toti primesc raspunsuri….nu poate sa spuna NU… nu refuza pe nimeni…..isi face slujirea cu o statornicie si bucurie nedisimulata, cu raspundere, cu sacrificiu chiar, martor ocular fiind cand a trebuit sa predice sambata seara in Viena, sa plece de la Biserica la Aeroport, sa zboare prin Munchen la Bucuresti, sa slujeasca la Betel duminica dimineata unde fata dansului, Aniela, lua botezul, sa fuga de la Biserica la Aeroport unde avea zbor din nou la Viena si sa ajunga cu masina la Linz, unde era programat sa slujeasca duminica seara!
Un om care este tot timpul unde-l vrea Dumnezeu….un om cu o familie intelegatoare care se roaga pentru dansul si accepta sa-l aiba uneori numai musafir acasa….un om cu o sotie care de multe ori fuge la Biserica numai sa-si intalneasca sotul, care intre doua zboruri sau calatorii misionare se opreste la Bucuresti dar tot pentru slujire…..
Un om pozitiv care tot timpul se lasa pe el pentru altul….langa care fiind, iti da reincredere in tine insuti…..un om care ridica, intareste, da curaj, imbarbateaza…..un om care astazi celebreaza 45 de ani dar care a slujit (pana acum) cat altii intr-o suta…..
A fost si este pentru mine mentorul care mi-a schimbat viata….omul care a influentat copiii mei si care tot timpul a zis “se poate”…..omul care mi-a redat reincrederea in om….dar mai presus de toate, pentru mine ramane PASTORUL CARE PREDICA IN GENUNCHI!!!
LA MULTI ANI OMULE AL LUI DUMNEZEU!!!!!
LA MULTI ANI PASTOR FLORIN IANOVICI!!!!!
The Isaiah 9:10 Judgement
This evening we play this recording at our church….first reaction, SILENCE….second reaction, RECOGNIZED NEEDS OF PRAYER….third reaction, DECISIONS: START WITH NEXT WEDNESDAY OUR CHURCH (REDEMPTION INTERNATIONAL http://www.go2ri.org) WILL CANCEL ANY PROGRAM AND WE WILL START PRAYING MEETINGS ONLY …..
“…..If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
PART ONE
PART TWO
Tim Tebow ranks as most ‘influential’ athlete, according to Forbes
Tim Tebow is the most influential athlete in America, according to Forbes’ magazine. (AP Photo)
Tim Tebow just got released as a No. 3 quarterback, but that didn’t keep him from being NUMBER 1 on Forbes’ list of most influential American athletes for 2013. The Denver Broncos starting sensation turned Jets benchwarmer benefited from his time in the big-market Big Apple last season to “influence” 29 percent or survey respondents. He also had an “awareness” score of 48.
According to the magazine, there was no denying Tebow’s great reach beyond what he does (or doesn’t do) on the field: “A unique set of QB strengths and weaknesses and an affinity for wearing his Christian faith on his sleeve combine to make Tebow a compelling public figure, even as an NFL backup.”
Tebow beat out Olympic superstars Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt for the top honor.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/tomvanriper/2013/05/06/americas-most-influential-athletes-2/
POLL!!!Should Pastors Know How Much Church Members Give? POLL!!!
La Evanghelizare cu lotul olimpic de gimnastica al Romaniei…
“Dacă vrei să afli cum poţi învinge furtuna, pe 11 Mai 2013, de la ora 9:30, te aşteptăm la Biserica Menorah din Caransebeş, la o Conferinţă de tineret cu tema: „Luptând cu furtuna”.
Cuvântul Domnului va fi vestit de către păstorul Florin Ianovici, alături de care vor sluji, prin mărturii şi închinare cu Alin Jivan împreună cu soţia şi un grup de sportivi de la lotul olimpic de gimnastică al României.”
Știrea si fotografia preluate de pe www.resursecrestine.ro
Poeziile Invierii…………
O lista cu poezii despre Inviere pusa impreuna de Alin Cristea. Multumim pentru munca depusa, deasemenea pentru linkurile puse la dispozitie pentru cei interesati.
Tu duci înviere – Ionatan Piroşca
La Mormînt, la Mormînt – Alin Cristea
Isus e viu! – Petru Dugulescu
Hristos a înviat! – Vasile Militaru
Învierea – Mihai Eminescu
Paştile – M. Popescu
Clopotele de paşti – C. Z. Buzdugan
Îngerul şi mironosiţele – Alexe Mateevici
Hristos a’nviat – Alexe Mateevici
Imn al învierii – Valeriu Gafencu
Lista si fotografia au fost preluate de pe site-ul: http://romaniaevanghelica.wordpress.com/
HRISTOS A INVIAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! / JESUS IS RISEN!!!!!!!!!!!
Credinciosii din Estul Europei in aceste zile sarbatoresc Pastele sau Invierea Domnului.
Pe langa frumosul salut “Christos a inviat!”, pe langa raspunsul la fel de frumos “Adevarat ca a Inviat!”, pe langa frumusetea hainelor noi care fiecare familie a incercat sa le cumpere dupa posibilitati, pe langa masa incarcata cu toate bunatatile, pe langa frumusetea amintirilor cu familia si prietenii din aceste zile, ce mai poti sa spui despre Paste?
Stii ca toti am pacatuit, pacatele noastre au pus un zid de despartire intre noi si Dumnezeu, mania lui Dumnezeu era aproape de noi, dar in mila Sa pentru noi tot El a gasit solutia salvarii prin Fiul Sau, Isus Hristos?
Stii ca acest Fiu a fost trimis pe acest pamant sa plateasca pretul pacatului in locul meu si al tau?
“…..El suferintele noastre le-a purtat, si durerile noastre le-a luat asupra Lui, si noi am crezut ca este pedepsit, lovit de Dumnezeu si smerit.
Dar El era strapuns pentru pacatele noastre, zdrobit pentru faradelegile noastre. Pedeapsa care ne da pacea a cazut peste El, si prin ranile Lui suntem tamaduiti.
Noi rataceam cu totii ca niste oi, fiecare isi vedea de drumul lui, dar Domnul a facut sa cada asupra Lui nelegiuirea noastra a tuturor….” (Isaia 53:4-6)
Stii ca Isus dupa ce a murit pe cruce in locul nostru, a treia zi a Inviat, si aceasta ESTE CEEA CE SARBATORIM DE PASTE?
“…….Pentru ce cautati intre cei morti pe Cel ce este viu?
Nu este aici, ci a inviat.
Aduceti-va aminte ce v-a spus pe cand era inca in Galileea, cand zicea ca: “Fiul omului trebuie sa fie dat in mainile pacatosilor, sa fie rastignit, si a treia zi sa invie.” (Luca 24:5-7)
Stii INSA ca Invierea Domnului nu are NICI UN EFECT ASUPRA TA daca NU CREZI IN ISUS HRISTOS, DACA NU ACCEPTI MANTUIREA OFERITA IN DAR , DACA NU INCHEI UN LEGAMANT CU EL, SI DACA AI O RELATIE PERSONALA CU EL?
“…..Iata Eu stau la usa si bat. Daca aude cineva glasul Meu si deschide usa, voi intra la el, voi cina cu el, si el cu Mine.
Celui ce va birui ii voi da sa sada cu Mine pe scaunul Meu de domnie, dupa cum si Eu am biruit si am sezut cu Tatal Meu pe scaunul Lui de domnie.” (Apocalipsa 3:20-21)
Poate atatea Sarbatori de Paste s-au scurs pe langa tine si ai ramas doar cu o haina noua, o mancare buna, o intalnire cu cei dragi si cu cateva zile de politete fortata cand salutai (ca asa era obiceiul) pe toti cu o formula in care nu credeai.
Nu lasa ca si acest Paste sa treaca pe langa tine fara sa aduca o schimbare reala si adevarata in viata ta!
“….Daca marturisesti deci cu gura ta pe Isus ca Domn, si daca crezi in inima ta ca Dumnezeu L-a inviat din morti, vei fi mantuit;
Caci prin credinta din inima se capata neprihanirea, si prin marturisirea cu gura se ajunge la mantuire” (Romani 10:9-10).
Sarbatorim din nou Pastele; cine stie daca pentru multi nu va fi o ultima sansa sa se intoarca la Dumnezeu!
Si daca inca vor fi persoane care vor nesocoti chemarea la pocainta, ii rog sa nu uite ca vor fi PERSONAL responsabili pentru aceasta alegere:
“….Oricine crede in El nu este judecat; dar cine nu crede a si fost judecat, pentru ca n-a crezut in Numele singurului Fiu al lui Dumnezeu.” (Ioan 3:18)
PASTORS ARE HUMAN TOO…
Peter Drucker, the late leadership guru, said that the four hardest jobs in America (and not necessarily in order, he added) are:
- The President of the United States
- A university president
- A CEO of a hospital and
- A pastor
Is that true? Pastors love God and love people. They get to pray for people, lead people to a faith in Jesus Christ, and teach the Word about God.
That’s the dream job. You can read the Bible all day, pray, play a little golf, and preach. I want to do that!
Here is the secret. Being a pastor is hard work. It’s not for wimps.
This is the reality—the job of a pastor can be 24/7 and carry unique challenges.
Some pastors wear themselves out trying to help people. Some wound their family because they are so involved in ministry. Others flourish in their ministry and personal life.
Approximately 85% of churches in America have less than 200 people. Sixty percent of churches are under 100 people. The average size congregation in the U.S. is 89 people, according to The Barna Group. Staffs are small, and needs are great. In many situations, the pastor needs to be a Bible teacher, accountant, strategist, visionary, computer tech, counselor, public speaker, worship director, prayer warrior, mentor, leadership trainer, and fundraiser.
Who can be all of that?
- 90% of pastors said the ministry was completely different than what they
thought it would be like before they entered the ministry.
- 70% say they have a lower self-image now than when they first started.
Personally, I love being a pastor. I have a great staff. We have great people in our church; I am content whether going through good times or difficult seasons. Of course, it’s a lot easier to be “content” when things are good. I have great friends who are pastors. My marriage is strong. I am a better man because of my time in ministry.
Some of the unique problems that pastors’ face are:
1. Criticism.
Pastors can be criticized by a lot of people for a multitude of things.
“Music is too loud. Worship is not long enough. It’s too long.”
“Sermon is not deep enough. It’s too long.”
“Pastor thinks he’s too important. It took me 3 weeks to get an appointment.”
“You talk too much about money.”
“…can I talk to you for a minute, Pastor?” This simple question can cause a pastor to think: “Oy vey. Now what?”
We pastors need to find a way to not take criticism so personally and learn from truths that could be hidden in the criticism.
2. Rejection.
Members leave, leaders leave, and pastors’ friends leave. The reality is—people leave.
The smaller the church, the more obvious it is when people leave. Some leave for reasonable decisions; many leave ‘ungracefully.’ They leave the big churches, too—by the thousands.
People leave TD Jakes’ church, and they leave Andy Stanley’s church.
When our church had about 150 people and some would leave, it was so disappointing. I tried to console myself by thinking, “They may be leaving by the dozens here at Oasis, but thousands have left Jack Hayford’s church, and he’s a great pastor.”…That only helped for a minute.
“I’m leaving.”
“We want something deeper.”
“My needs aren’t getting met.”
These comments can feel like a personal rejection.
Every pastor has heard, “I’m not getting fed here.” Bill Hybels has heard it. Wayne Cordero, Dino Rizzo, Ed Young, Craig Groeschel, Steven Furtick, and Matthew Barnett have heard it.
Really? Not getting fed? In those churches? How is that possible?
One of the most difficult conditions to achieve is to have a “tough skin and a soft heart.” Love people, hold them lightly, and don’t take it personally.
“…uhhh, OK. Lord, help us.
3. Betrayal
Trusting church members with personal burdens can backfire. They may end up telling the pastor’s personal issues to others. Staff leaders can take church members away. The pastor trusts a person with the platform or title, and that person uses the influence given to them to take people away. The Judas kiss.
Church staff causing problems is a betrayal. Pastors rightfully think, “I’m paying you to solveproblems. I can get new problems for free. I don’t need to pay someone a salary to create them.”
- 40% report a conflict with a church member at least once a month.
- 85% of pastors said their greatest problem is they are tired of dealing with problem people, such as disgruntled elders, deacons, worship leaders, worship teams, board members, and associate pastors.
- The #1 reason pastors leave the ministry is that church people are not willing to go the same direction and goal of the pastor. Pastors believe God wants them to go in one direction, but the people are not willing to follow or change.
- 40% of pastors say they have considered leaving their pastorates in the last three months.
We pastors have to find a way, with God’s grace, to love people as if we have never been hurt before.
4. Loneliness.
Who’s my friend? Who can I trust? If I tell another pastor my problems, will he criticize me, tell others, or just treat me differently?
- 70% do not have someone they consider a close friend.
Are my friends really my friends or a church member who is a temporary friend who may leave any day now?
Healthy friendships are crucial to a fulfilling life, especially to the well being of a pastor. Put special effort in this area.
5. Weariness.
50% of the ministers starting out will not last 5 years.
70% felt God called them to pastoral ministry before their ministry began, but after three years of ministry, only 50% still felt called.
Keeping personally refreshed is an art and a science…and extremely important.
When fatigue comes in, you not only look ½ empty, but also dirty, contaminated, and undrinkable.
6. Frustrations & Disappointments.
Disappointments come in many ways.
Because of smaller congregations, the average compensation package for pastors is between $35,000 – $40,000. There are many things pastors in this salary range are not able to do for their family that other people around them can do.
There are many areas of ministry that judging “success” is difficult. Pastors can be hard on themselves. We work in an area that good work and good effort does not always guarantee success.
Many pastors work hard but are missing some kind of “X-factor.” They are good people, sincere believers, love God, know the Word, have great content in their sermons, but somehow it’s not clicking. It’s frustrating.
It’s like a worship leader who loves Jesus and has a great singing voice but somehow cannot lead people in an effective worship experience.
Some days, leaders feel like they can’t seem to do anything right. The ministry finally gets momentum, and then a leader in the church falls. Things are going well, and then a couple of your biggest givers leave.
The church needs money, but the pastor doesn’t want to put too much focus on money. It’s not about the money—but it becomes about the money.
All of this can be overwhelming.
- 4,000 new churches begin each year and 7,000 churches close.
- Over 1,700 pastors left the ministry every month last year.
- Over 3,500 people a day left the church last year.
- 50% of pastors feel so discouraged that they would leave the ministry if
they could, but have no other way of making a living.
- 45.5 % of pastors say that they’ve experienced depression or burnout to the extent that they needed to take a leave of absence from ministry.
This is not the case for all pastors. In fact, many that I know have managed to handle these issues well.
How Christians and church members can help:
Pray for your pastor.
Pray for guidance, protection, healthy friends, their marriage, and family. Pray for inspiration, anointing, the leadership team, unity, and clarity.
Protect your pastor.
As best as you can, don’t allow or participate in gossip and criticism. How can you serve and problem solve to prevent overload?
Encourage your pastor.
Thank him for his or her work and ministry. Thank them for their sacrifice. Tell them a specific time in which you or someone you know experienced a life change in their church. Honor them to others. Let your pastors know you are praying for them. According to the Barna report—the profession of “Pastor” is near the bottom of a survey of the most-respected professions, just above “car salesman.”
To Pastors:
Don’t give up, pastor! Persistence is powerful.
Keep on. Really! Your work, your labor of love, and your sacrifice matters.
I realize the last thing a pastor needs is another sermon. But these verses have helped me. Hold on to God’s Word with your life.
So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. Hebrews 10:35-36 NLT
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time, we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Gal. 6:9 NLT
Be careful of the comparison trap.
Looking at other ministries can be inspiring. Comparing yourself to other churches can be destructive and discouraging.
Make new pastor friends. Expose yourself to new influences, new leaders, churches, or ministries that are doing some things differently.
Discover to some fresh views and ideas. Sometimes, it just takes one or two new ideas that can change momentum around.
Pastors that are struggling or are no longer in ministry may have unresolved hurts. I encourage you to find healing. Seek counseling; find a local Celebrate Recovery group; equip yourself with resources on healing (some examples are Safe People or Boundaries) and share your secrets with safe people. Remember you’re only as sick as your secrets.
WE, THE CHRISTIANS, ARE MONSTERS…….?
Michael L. Weinstein, Founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation and (so ironically) the President Obama counselor in the matter of religion in the military (wow) describe us, the Christians, a monsters, a terrorists (people who terrorize others!!!)….
“And let me tell you what these bloody monsters thrive on.
I founded the civil rights fighting organization the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) to do one thing: fight those monsters who would tear down the Constitutionally-mandated wall separating church and state in the technologically most lethal entity ever created by humankind, the U.S. military.
Today, we face incredibly well-funded gangs of fundamentalist Christian monsters who terrorize their fellow Americans by forcing their weaponized and twisted version of Christianity upon their helpless subordinates in our nation’s armed forces.”
Read full article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-l-weinstein/fundamentalist-christian-_b_3072651.html
What is more incredible, Pentagon appointees meeting with anti-Christian extremist Mikey Weinstein to develop court-martial procedures to punish Christians in the military who express or share their faith.
“Weinstein, the head of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, says Christians–including chaplains–sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in the military are guilty of “treason,” and of committing an act of “spiritual rape” as serious a crime as “sexual assault.” He also asserted that Christians sharing their faith in the military are “enemies of the Constitution.”
Read full article: http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Peace/2013/05/01/Breaking-Pentagon-Confirms-Will-Court-Martial-Soldiers-Who-Share-Christian-Faith
Kermit Gosnell Murder Trial Jury start Deliberating…..
ENCOURAGE by cornelilioi 