Reading Into It
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” [Phil.4:8]
We are going full speed on the pastor search. One question that many churches ask applicants is “What have you been reading?” Churches want to see what they are putting in their minds. Is it commendable and excellent from a Biblical point of view? Does it help prepare you to build up the church? There are many great such books that have been written since Christ called the church into existence.
Churches also want to ask about a pastor’s Bible reading. For him to thrive, it should be much more than just for sermon preparation. How does he go about putting the Word in his heart? Does he still memorize scripture? What translation(s) does he use and why.
Then it is good to know how what he reads has influenced the way he ministers. Right along with that, it is a natural segue for a church to “read” an applicant’s history. I don’t just mean resume here. It’s common for an applicant to say what he WOULD do in situations. It’s MORE helpful to find what he has already done in some of the major and minor situations he has faced in his church history.
Reading is an important thing to evaluate in a pastoral applicant. Both for him and us.
NEW! Ministry Minute
WOMEN’S MINISTRIES
“Be Still. . .and Know He is Exalted” is our Women’s Ministry theme for the month of November. Ladies of all ages will have the opportunity to gather together this weekend for our “Prayer, Praise & Pie” evening. I’m looking forward to the time we set aside to exalt Him in prayer and praise. . .and the delicious pie will be a bonus! It’s not too late to sign up, but registration will close at 9 a.m. on November 15, so please act quickly!
Just three weeks later, the women will gather for our annual “Cup of Cheer” on December 7. We’ll enjoy a tasty brunch, fellowship and be encouraged in the Word by Karissa Johnson. Our December theme is “Be Still. . .and Know He is Our Savior” I am thankful He chose to step out of Heaven, put on a human body, live, die and rise again to rescue us from our sin!
I will praise the name of God with song, and exalt Him with thanksgiving. [Isaiah 69:30]
For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. [Colossians 1:13-14]