Comments on: How can I compete with Internet sermons?

By: Randy Biswell

Randy Biswell — Thu, 20 May 2010 05:38:29 +0000

As a leader it is important to duplicate yourself with your inner circle. Pour your life into these ones and teach them to pour their lives into their inner circle. This is called leverage and is the effective method of personally touching all of the sheep. We all need a hands on shepherd. A Timothy and a Paul. baaaah!

By: a pastor's wife

a pastor's wife — Thu, 20 May 2010 04:39:20 +0000

From the parable of the Lost Sheep we learn that even a good shepherd easily leaves his “save” sheep to go after that needy one. And there is often more than 1 % of the flock in need of personal pastoring. Some cases are more obvious than others and unlike the “real” shepherd (or a mother with young children…) a pastor doesn’t live with his people 24/7. Could it be that your pastor doesn’t know your need?

By: Mike's Dad

Mike's Dad — Wed, 19 May 2010 06:05:02 +0000

I am sure that the post on May 18 by Mike D was that of my son’s. His words from a conversation we had several days earlier rang in my ears as I read his post. I too feel the want of someone to shepherd my soul. Oh, that today’s church leaders would be shepherds (pastors) and not “preachers.”My wife and I are thankful that you are being used to prepare men to lead Christ’s church. May God raise up pastors after His own heart.

By: Mike D

Mike D — Tue, 18 May 2010 19:33:18 +0000

The sad thing is that so many pastors do not embrace their duty of shepherding the sheep through relationship (I know this from experience). Feeding the sheep is enough for them. It goes back to an earlier discussion you had a couple of weeks ago about this very issue. In my 34 years as a Christian, I can only point to one pastor who was a true consistent shepherd to my soul.O for men who would come out of their pulpits and feel the fleece.

By: A. Amos Love

A. Amos Love — Tue, 18 May 2010 18:13:27 +0000

DavidYou write…“I know this is a sore point for many discouraged pastors.”Is it possible the reason “Burnout” and “Discouragement”is such a problem for **today’s** “Pastor/Leader” is they have found themselves with a “Title” and “Position” NOT found in the Bible?Did anyone have the “Title” “pastor” in the Bible?Was anyone ordained a “pastor” in the Bible?Any congregations “led” and “taught” by a “pastor” in the Bible?Any Sermons in the Bible being… Preached – by Pastors – in Pulpits – to People – in Pews.And every “pastor” I’ve met also hadthe “Title” “Reverend.”Does anyone have the “Title” Reverend in the Bible?In my experience…Titles become Idols.Pastors become Masters.”Titles/Idols” come with… A Little Bit Extra… “Heavy Weights” on shoulders NOT easy to lay down.Power, Profit, Prestige, Glory, Honor, Reputation, Recognition, etc.Ezekiel 14:1-7, speaks about “Idols of the Heart,” and now God will speak to us according to the “Idols of our Heart.”Jesus taught “His Disciples” NOT to be called “Master/Leader/Rabbi/Teacher”For you have “ONE” “Master/Leader/Rabbi/Teacher” The Christ. Mat 23:8-10 KJVAnd other sheep I have, which are not of this fold:them also I must bring, and they shall “hear my voice;”and there shall be “ONE” fold, and “ONE” shepherd.John 10:16One Fold – One Shepherd – One Voice.If Not Now, When?Be blessed in your search for Truth… Jesus

By: Paul C

Paul C — Tue, 18 May 2010 00:48:22 +0000

Excellent post, especially concerning the power of empathy.

By: Randy Biswell

Randy Biswell — Tue, 18 May 2010 00:03:09 +0000

Pastors that are discouraged by this type of thing need to repent and realize it’s God’s church. Pastors, please work through your insecurity for the sake of God’s kingdom and we sheep! Thanks.

By: James Boyd

James Boyd — Mon, 17 May 2010 22:13:15 +0000

Many thanks,Visiting is not the only way to build relationships – hospitality, and the associated fellowship, can be a great blessing too.Having often been the recipient of such kindness, I don’t know if there is a better motivator to be hospitable except to know how great a blessing it can be. The blessing’s aren’t just fellowship and a bite to eat but particularly the benefits in contrast to the alternative for some: spending the Sabbath afternoon/evening alone.There’s also a side benefit – building a relationship, showing kindness towards/interest in an individual might turn them away from church-hopping or sermon-tasting.Every Blessing,Jamesp.s. the Lord’s blessing to William Macleod’s congregation:http://www.knightswoodchurch.org/knightswood-fcc/the-gift-of-a-new-church/

By: Jose Colucci

Jose Colucci — Mon, 17 May 2010 18:22:43 +0000

By: Bryan Buie

Bryan Buie — Mon, 17 May 2010 16:17:45 +0000

Dr. Murray,I was greatly blessed by this post. Especially your last point about encouraging our ministers.Though the Internet has brought about many blessings, one of her curses, is the false sense of community she represents. This is especially tragic when it takes from the covenant community found in our churches.I have been greatly blessed by the Internet ministry of several pastors (including yours! I will forever be in your debt for the sermon you preached against attending the cinema; God used that sermon to effect a great change in my life) but strongly appreciate your emphasis on the importance of real community.Blessings,Bryan P. S.) On your “short list” I have heard of Mr. Angus Smith of the FPCS, William Macleod of the Free Church (Cont.), and Dr. Joel Beeke. So I knew three names!