Posted by Dena on October 23, 2005, at 19:30:34
In reply to Re: Update and prayers... (church and ministry) » spriggy, posted by rayww on October 17, 2005, at 0:32:32
Hi Spriggy -
I'm thrilled that God is growing your church, and so sorry that you're feeling overwhelmed. But, of course that feeling is normal, because you ARE overwhelmed, because you're NOT equipped to handle the needs of so many people.
Even Jesus had to walk away, when surrounded by the needy, and seek time alone with the Father.
Your church needs to know (all of us need to know) that God alone can supply all of our needs - the rest of us are merely here to support one another, pray for one another, and respond as God leads us. That includes pastors, and pastor's wives!
Your church needs to be taught to go to Him, wait on Him, and to join toghether in corporate prayer. Perhaps, practically speaking, people could report in to a answering machine, designed to report prayer requests, and then prayer-monitors could pick up the messages, call down a pre-set-up "prayer tree", so that others are praying for those in need. Of course, those with prayer requests are encouraged to call back with answered requests, so that everyone can rejoice together as well...
I've seen too many pastor's, pastor's wives, and pastor's kids burned out on the endless needs/wants of those in the congregation. Someone already wisely sated the priorities we all have: God first, family second (with spouse ahead of children), then job, then ministry.
That includes the priorities for pastor's families!
Others need to be raised up: counselors, financial advisors, burden-bearers, prayer warriors, sub-leaders for every area of need.
Protect yourselves, and rely on God's strength, not your own. You don't want to be come yet another pastoral statistic of burn-out...!
Shalom, Dena
poster:Dena
thread:567777
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20050811/msgs/571132.html