I been doing some thinking tonight about pastoral issues. It wasn't that long ago, that I served as a pastor. I have told some of my friends, that I think I could write a book on "How not to pastor a church." You can take all the teaching, training, and seminary learning, and it will never amount to the things you learn from the experiences you face.
Let me state, I am not thinking of pastoring again at this time. I do not feel that this is where God wants me right now. I do believe in the future I will take up pastoring again. When God opens the correct door. Yet thinking this evening, I wanted to take a moment and mention some of the things I have learned from my pastors over the years. Most of the men I will mention have great insight on how to lead a church, and have impacted my life. Most of the men I will mention have years of experience, and have learned how to deal with issues affecting the church.
I must say, over the years I have had several pastors. Please, remember I was raised in church. Some pastors of my childhood I really do not remember, but I will say they have impacted my parents life and that is part of the heirtage I have today.
The first pastor I can remember was Rev. David Denher. He pastored the Covington, Banklick Steet Church of God. He was the man preaching the morning I got saved at seven years old. I remember he loved to joke with me and he always had a smile on his face. He faced a lot of health problems and eventually retired. Years later when I saw him, he had that same smile on his face. When I get to Heaven, I'll be looking for the preacher who always smiled, Bro Denher.
The next pastor I had was Rev. Don Neal. He pastored Taylorsport Church of God. My Dad served as his associate pastored. The thing I remember the most about Brother Neal was everybody was his "buddy". That was his catch phrase. He wanted everyone to feel welcomed and loved. He always tried to encourage every body. He even encouraged a 9 year old boy to start singing in church. He is one of the reasons I sing today. He also faced health problems and eventually retired and died of cancer. Yet he never changed over the years he remained the same, sick or well throught the good time and the bad.
Next was the first pastor who really took the time to encourage this young man to step out. Rev. Lindsey Cornett, pastored the Covington church. Brother and Sister Cornett had a heart for young people, and truly encouraged me. It was at this time I started working in children's ministry, he always encouraged me to keep going. Brother Cornett pastors another church today, but everytime I see him, he still encourages me.
Bro. Donald Combs, also made an impact in my life. I learned to do things in church will integrity, dignity, and excellence. Bro. Combs always pushes for excellence and wants God's people to excell. Bro. Combs became my District Overseer, and presented me with my credentials and asked me to serve as his district youth director. This was a high honor for me, by this special man. He had left the pastorate in Covington and moved to Louisville, yet one phone call and he was there to speak at my Dad's funeral. Brother Combs is truly a pastor. He may tell you like it is, but he really love his people and has a heart of compassion. He taught me to be there when people need you, and when you serve the Lord do it with excellence.
I guess the pastor that had the most influence on me was my Dad. I served under my Dad, Jack Farrell for over 15 years. I learned so much from him, I could never express it. I get my spirituality from him. I get a great deal of my leadership skills from him. If there was one word to sum up my Dad was DEDICATION. My Dad was commited to the church. He tried to be there for everyone. He loved people, even when they didn't love back. He was a giver. He faced many health problems, but never gave up. I pray that I have the dedication and determination that he always had.
Next, I sat under two young men that taught me a great deal, Rev. Shane and Jesse Harris.
These two brothers were sold out to God. I learned so much from my time working with them. They had a heart for people and were bold about it. They were commited to Bible basics....prayer....fasting....witnessing...and genuine faith. I learned what it ment to be close to God during this time. I saw more supernatural moves of God during this time and true genuine miracles.
I did a brief stint as a pastor for about a year and half. My next pastor really took me under his wing. Pastor John Sprouse, East Bank Church of God, didn't know me from Adam, however the time I spent at East Bank prepared me for the next wave of ministry. I learned several things while serving under Bro. Sprouse. He showed me I could be real. He taught me several things about adminstration and compassion. He showed me how to deal with church conflict, without running people off. I owe a debt of gratitude to Brother Sprouse. Brother and Sister Sprouse were such an inspiration to me and Paula, they will never know what they have ment to us.
After leaving West Virginia, I started Oasis and this lasted a little over a year. This was pastoral boot camp. The last year, I have attended Newport Church of God and my pastor is M. M. Woolum. In the short time I have served under Brother Woolum, I have learned how to be postive and always encourage and uplift. I also have learned how to bring humor into the church. Brother Woolum has also faced severe health problems, but has stayed commited.
These men have imparted so much into my life. I pray that I can take the good qualities of these men and use them in my ministry. Pastoring is a hard job, I know I've done it.
Scripture teaches we must build ourselves up on holy faith and to stir up the gift of God that is within us. May we continue to follow HIS path.
Just on my soapbox,
Steve
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