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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by spriggy on October 16, 2005, at 17:16:55
I don't know how to describe what I'm feeling.
I don't want to sound like I'm complaining, I'm not. I am totally and completely and utterly amazed at the way God has already grown this church but I am feeling very, very overwhelmed.
I think the gravity of the responsibility has really hit me this week. We love these people so much and feel like God has brought us the "cream of the crop" so to speak. We have a lot of help but the spiritual responsibility of leading these people has hit me like a ton of bricks.
We have a family that just found out their daughter is on crystal meth (age 18), another family's daughter is having surgery tomorrow for a tumor to be removed (and biopsied), one family is sending their daughter off to an eating disorder clinic and she is very sick, one lady is having a hysterectomy this week, and another family is getting sued by an ex wife.
It's just unbelievable the amount of battles our people are facing and they want/need their pastor (and his wife.. me!) there for support, prayer, and encouragement.
I think I'm realizing the burden that comes with this as well- it's not just leading people and preaching but it's bearing their burden's. It's weeping with them, mourning with them, going through the fire, etc..
I want so much to be a godly example to these women and lead them but I feel soooo inadequate. I feel WAAAAAAAAY too young, too inexperienced, too tired, and overwhelmed.
I'm really wondering what God was thinking when He asked us to do this. Can we do this?
Please pray for wisdom, strength, energy, and that God will equip us to do all He's asked us to do.
Oh and please, please, please, pray God provide a building for us. We had people standing up today during the service.
Posted by lynn971 on October 16, 2005, at 20:51:39
In reply to Update and prayers... (church and ministry), posted by spriggy on October 16, 2005, at 17:16:55
If God called you, He will equip you. Just remember, your family comes first. God, family, and then ministry. My pastor gets really bummed out sometimes when one trial after another happens to his congregation. He has other ministers that he leans on when he gets down. Just remember, you are human. You can only do what God has called you to do. It is so easy to get out of focus. You must not let the congregation pull you down. Be there for them, but they have to get the oil for themselves. (Remember the ten virgins) You cannot get the oil from anyone else but God. (oil = anointing)
You will do fine. You dont feel adequate, so when God uses you, you will not be able to take the credit. Just like Moses studdored and David was a shepperd boy. I always say, God can use me because He uses the lowly things to confound the wise. (I am not calling you lowly) He just needs a willing vessal who loves Him and obeys Him.
Posted by rayww on October 17, 2005, at 0:32:32
In reply to Update and prayers... (church and ministry), posted by spriggy on October 16, 2005, at 17:16:55
If you were truly called of God you would be his hands and mouthpiece to the people you lead. You would have the words come into your mind that God would speak, and somehow the time needed to spend with them for support. These things can only come from God. If not, you'll have to find them on your own. Don't be afraid to let these people know the difference. It won't be a sign of weakness, rather courage and strength. I think it is better to be honest than to try to fake spiritual gifts. We have all seen enough of those. Just be honest, and be a friend to those you love. Surely that will be enough. Your heart is in the right place, but you also have to care for yourself (first). You are doing so well, but don't take on too much all at once. It's out there I know, and people are desperate wherever you look. Advise them to pray and read their Bible, and try to find their own answers. Encourage them and teach them how to rely on God, rather than you, stuff like that. I truly feel for you, and pray you will know what to say to those in such desperate need.
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
This is the end of the thread.
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