Pastors, never underestimate the significance of being present for special days in the lives of those we serve. Graduations & receptions. Weddings & receptions. Funerals & visitations. Surgeries & hospitalizations. These are things that will not be forgotten by our congregation.

Pastors, whether Sunday’s ministry was personally encouraging or discouraging, your resolve to serve again this week is what makes you a great shepherd! Thank you for being faithful. It’s not about us!

Pastors, to us, this may seem like “just another Sunday morning at church.” But as we are faithful, the Holy Spirit plans to use us to communicate the Word and make an eternal difference in someone’s life today. Thank you for being faithful.

Pastors, we need each other. Take the initiative today to schedule a meet-up for coffee and conversation with another pastor. You will both benefit!

Pastors, ever feel like your ministry has accomplished little? Isaiah did. He said “I have spent my strength for nothing.” (Is. 49:4) But in the next verse declares, “God has become my strength.” Remember, our strength comes from Him who called us, & it is “perfect.” (2 Co. 12:9)

Pastors, remember that though Jesus ministered to crowds, He routinely stopped for the individual. As we busy ourselves to stand before Sunday’s congregation, let us also pause to focus on today’s individuals.

Pastors, these three things will give us sustainability in the pressures of pastoral ministry: 1) A praying relationship with God. 2) A loving relationship with our wife. 3) A confiding relationship with a colleague. A God who answers. A wife who supports. A friend who listens.

Pastors, remember that our daily work is of more consequence than a day, it makes an eternal difference. Thank you for being faithful on a Tuesday.

Pastors, we all want our church to grow in attendance, but remember, the average congregation averages around 65 people each week. Don’t allow numbers to discourage you. Be faithful and let God give the increase.

Pastors, let us guard against ecclesiastical envy, i.e. desiring another's ministry context, ministry opportunities, ministry reputation, ministry recognition or ministry results. Ministry discontentment ruins ministry possibilities. James 4:2 tells us to pray for what we want.

Pastors, when the hype of leadership “how-to’s” prompt insecurities, remember Jesus on leadership - “Follow me and I will make you (an influencer of) men.” And we can do that! Such how-to’s won’t fill conference centers. It did turn the world upside down!

Pastors, let us be quick to check any tendencies of promoting or accommodating self. Ever and always, we are servants of Christ!

Pastors, in preaching, let’s place the priority on Scripture not sensational content or delivery. Truth transforms, while sensation sensualizes the hearers. Churches built on sensory experiences are spiritually shallow, but churches built on Scriptures will be deep and abiding.

Pastors, most of us feel the need to make Christmas services sensational, but let us remember - our role in preaching this December is not to create Hallmark moments but manger moments! Tell it… “unto you is born a Savior!”

Pastors, selflessly living and sacrificially serving will give us many moments of great joy and also tremendous pain. But what I know about most of you is that you would choose a life of ministry all over again! Thank you for being faithful!

Pastors, it may help us to remember that the power of the sermon we have prepared for Sunday lies not in our creativity, but in the Bible’s inspiration.

Pastors, most of us will at some point be tempted to lead the congregation we serve in a direction that serves a subtle self-interest. For the sake of the kingdom & eternal souls, we must resist. Let us always & only view the church as God’s work & never as our ministry.

Pastors, here are 5 things we must have, if we are to beat the odds of clergy burnout: 1)    a soul-feeding devotional life 2)    a healthy marriage 3)    a scheduled time for relaxation 4)    a trusted ministry confidant 5)    a sustainable income   We need YOU in the game!

Pastors, for the next 7 days or so, you will blend your personal life with your pastoral life as you balance ministry moments with family togetherness. While much of culture cries “foul on the clergy!” - you serve with selfless joy! So, enjoy these days with your family.

Pastors, wishing each of you and your families a Merry Christmas! Thank you for faithfully serving Christ and His Church.