The Episcopalian, Sam Shoemaker, defined the role of the pastor even more specifically as the playing coach, someone who, while trying to bring out the best in others, coaches from the hub of activity. He is extremely important, but he doesn’t do all the running and blocking and passing and play-calling.
When this philosophy and its implications are understood, we see the local church operating with the kind of precision maneuvers of a modern football team, where each man is alive to his exact function, yet there is great opportunity for spontaneity. If someone is sick in the church, there is no need to inform the chairman of the hospital visitation committee. Each member, aware of his unique gifts, knows when he should move to carry out his role. The same is true when an appeal is made for teachers, finances, flowers, etc.
As we move forward in this attitude, all those feelings so common to us before—”Do I have to?” “I did it last year.” “Get Someone else.”—begin to disappear. The man whose giving has for years kept the church solvent does not despair that he has led no one to the Lord, if this is not his gift. Nor does he begrudge being told of a financial need if contributing is one of his major roles.
It is now no, longer enough for me, as a pastor, to feel satisfied with a solitary display of my gift. My ministry must include assisting each one in our congregation to find expression for his particular gift or gifts, either within the framework of the organized church or beyond it.
My prayer time exemplifies this new attitude. My requests regarding members include a desire for wisdom to help each discover his spiritual potential and possible areas of service. Some need no help. Others, so accustomed to pew-sitting, present a greater challenge.
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Sunday’s coming. Do you have your sermon ready? Is it relevant? Will it effectively motivate your congregation to walk more in step with the Master? What about that Sermon Series you’ve been thinking about? Or, what will you preach for your Easter Sermon, your Advent Sermon, your Christmas Sermon? David Mains and Mainstay Ministries can help. We offer a wide variety of Sermon Starters and Full Sermons that will give you Sermon Ideas to help you prepare for regular Sunday sermons, Mid-week Bible Sermons, and Sermons for special occasions. We also offer assistance as you create Topical Sermons, Sermons Series, and sermons for special times of the year. We have resources available to help you with Advent Celebrations, Advent Sermons, Christmas Sermons, Easter Sunday Sermons, Patriotic Sermons, and more.
For more information on how to create better Bible Sermons and how to turn Sermon Ideas into Sermon Outlines, and then into effective, meaningful Sunday Sermons, please click here to visit David Mains’ website.
You will also find a variety of resources for pastors and congregations at the Mainstay Ministries website. Just click here.
