The man who led me to Christ in 1936 became my pastor, and at a time when nobody talked about discipleship, he discipled me through two years of college and three of seminary.
Once when discussing the pastor’s administrative responsibility, he gave me this counsel: “Use ideas like seeds, not bullets.”
When you have a good idea, plant it in the hearts of a few people and be patient as it grows there. Later, at some official meeting, one of those people will likely present that idea as though it were his own, which puts you in the enviable position of supporting a great idea with all your influence without it seeming a personal crusade.
The only price you pay: someone else gets credit for your good idea.
-Richard C. Halverson
Chaplain, United States Senate
Washington, D.C.
My preaching professor, Gwyn Walters, was reviewing a video taped sermon I’d preached to the class. I’d worked hard on the manuscript, and the tape clearly showed my dependence on it.
Carefully commending my preparation, he then suggested I might view preaching like a sailboat moving across the waters rather than a train moving on steel rails. Each is moving toward a given destination, but the sailor, having plotted his course, must constantly read the wind and respond to it.
While I think of that advice every week in the journey of a sermon from desk to pulpit to congregation, its application has become even wider. To listen quietly, study diligently, plan carefully-depending on the Holy Spirit at each step-is to know the adventure (and risk!) of moving with the Sovereign Wind. This dynamic helps me understand ministry day by day.
-Harry J. Heintz
First Presbyterian Church of Brunswick
Troy, New York
While at Cincinnati Bible Seminary, I held the weekend pastorate of a small rural church where, in 110 years, attendance rarely flexed beyond thirty.
I was determined to help the congregation increase. Seeing only the obstacles, however, the elders rejected my plans for growth. Sensing my disappointment, the oldest elder, at eighty-nine still the youngest at heart, told me quietly, “It’s hard to teach old dogs new tricks. If I were you, I’d try to get new dogs.”
The Holy Spirit had spoken through this man. It proved valuable advice. With the influx of new members, the vision of the old members began to change. This weekend ministry blossomed into the first full-time pastorate in the church’s history.
-Dan Bernard
Brazos Valley Christian Church
Bryan, Texas
Upon graduating from college, I had to choose between medical school or seminary. After I had agonized, prayed, made lists, observed physicians, taken interest tests, and heard a potpourri of advice, one of the professors at the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary in Fresno said simply, “Just get as close to Christ as you can; then do whatever you feel like doing.”
That advice empowered me to choose seminary over med school and has freed my decision making many times since.
-Lynn Jost
Hesston Mennonite Brethren Church
Hesston, Kansas
I’m indebted to the late Henry E. Russell of Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis for an early insight into the nature of pastoral ministry. At the time I was a graduating seminarian and very concerned that I have a clear description of the job being offered me in youth ministry at Second Church.
After writing Dr. Russell a couple times about the job description, I remember getting a call from him. “Jack,” he said, “I’ve got a tiger by the tail here. I’ll be glad for you to come and help me by grabbing hold wherever you’d like!”
-Jack C. Oates III
Clairmont Presbyterian Church
Decatur, Georgia
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