Page 108 - Pastoral Ministries -Student Textbook

• Times of deep darkness will later serve as life’s great lessons.

“Remember the word that I said to you, “A servant is not greater than his master.” If they persecuted Me,
they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.” 1John 15:20

• Act in kindness toward opposition and you will always please God.
“The Christian never has the luxury of being unkind.” Jerry Vines
• Some relationships will not be restored, however, know that deep inside you wish them God’s best.

“Persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I
endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will
suffer persecution.”
2 Timothy 3:11-12

“Be warned! From Satan’s viewpoint you are a pawn in his game of cosmic chess. Plans have already been
made in Satan’s underworld to sabotage you, your loved ones and your family. How does he plan to gain the
upper hand over you? He uses two chief weapons-the world and the flesh. Together, with his orchestration, they
make up a trinity of evil, the world, the flesh and the devil. They are interactive forces in a three-pronged
attack.” Adrian Rogers
• Ministry’s greatest hurt often comes from within the family.

14. Be Quick to Forgive Mistakes.

• We will make our share.

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive
men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15

15. Servant Leadership is the Key.

“Christian leaders are servants with the credibility and capabilities to influence people in a particular context to
pursue their God-given direction.” Aubrey Malphurs

• Christian leadership is not authority but influence.
• When people are convinced you will do everything in your power for their good and nothing for their harm,
they’ll trust you.
• Homer Lindsey, It takes 5 to 6 years to become the pastor”.
• A leader is not someone who is concerned with his own successes and his own best interest.
• The very essence of Christian ministry is being a servant.
• Servant (deacon) refers to a common servant. One who performs menial tasks for those in need.
• In Luke 22:27 Jesus said, “I am among you as He that servith.”
• Mark 12:37b “and the common people heard Him gladly.”
• Jesus showed that a real servant acts when the objects of the service are underserving.
• Jesus washed Judas’ feet.

Richard Foster, Quaker author of Celebration of Discipline, wrote, “When we choose to serve we are still in
charge. We decide whom we will serve and when we will serve. But when we choose to be a servant, we give up
the right to be in charge. There is great freedom in this. When we choose to be a servant we surrender the right
to decide who and when we will serve. We become available and vulnerable.”

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