Leadership, conclusion

LEADERSHIP - CONCLUSION

Pastoring one of the Lord’s Churches and proclaiming His Word is the highest calling and the greatest privilege a human being can have. It can be a rewarding work. Perhaps the greatest joy is finding, years later, those who were the fruits of your earlier ministry, still faithfully serving the Lord. There is joy in heaven over one sinner repenting and elation in the heart of the one who presented him the Word and prayed with him!

There are countless times when one is lifted up and made to rejoice in the bountiful grace of God. These are precious times and are to be treasured. Then, there are the times when satan gains a foothold in the church and in the lives of some of the people. These are times to weep but NOT TO DESPAIR!

Permit me to share another memory . I was pastor of a small church with great potential. The devil had gotten in however, and was stirring up all kinds of trouble. A brother I had not seen for a few years came by to visit, but all I could think or talk about was MY troubles in my pastorate. Finally this brother asked me these questions, "have you preached the Word to these people?" "Yes!" "Do you think this is really one of the Lord’s churches?" "Yes!" then came the advice; "Then why not let Him handle it? He has more invested in it than you!"
I haven’t always been able to follow that advice but it is still good. Do your job and let the Lord do His.
May God richly bless you in His vineyard.

Fred C. Creel

THE PASTOR’S PRAYER

Lord, help me present a burden
to weigh thy people down;
A burden, Lord, to do thy will,
so they might win a crown.

Help me not to strive that I
might reap a great reward,
or earn great earthly honor,
or receive man’s high regard.

But, I would be found faithful
to ever lead thy flock,
that THEY might lay up treasures,
by building on the Rock!

Help me, to always lead this flock
in paths that you might choose,
and to guide them ever onward,
and never to refuse.

Then, when thou, the Master Shepherd,
shall bid us come to thee,
and this flock shall come before you,
whose care was given me,

If you can only smile and say,
"Well done!" to each of these,
and grant to everyone, reward,
then I shall be well pleased!

So help me then, to lead this flock,
not that I am vain,
but so that every one of them
might labor, grow and gain!

fcc