Tuesday, February 21, 2006

A couple of questions for you...

First...

What makes a pastor good?
What makes him successful?
Is there a difference between the two?
Is there a difference between being a good youth pastor and a good pastor?



Second...

I am just wondering who actually reads this blog? So if you could just comment and let me know who is reading it that would be awesome!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Andy,

I do read your blogs and copy them for Grandma and Grandpa to read.

Today, you have asked some questions that need some deep thinking.......and since we didn't work yesterday (President's Day), I feel like it's Monday......so hang on, I am thinking.

Love you,

Lana

Anonymous said...

I read your blog all the time....I, too am thinking about those questions and will answer you soon.

Love, Momma

Anonymous said...

Your blessed Mother-in-law reads your blog, Andrew.

I like what you write.
What makes a pastor good? Successful? Youth pasotr vs pastor?
I think of the word 'minister' when I start thinking about a "successful pastor". A good pastor or youth pastor ministers to his people. That includes truth-telling: sometimes with compassion, sometimes with boldness, sometimes admiting you don't have an answer or solution to every problem.
A successful pastor sometimes just "is there" for his flock.
A pastor's success certainly isn't evaluated by the number of people in his congregation or the size of his building project, or by all the sins or successes of the people around him.
I'm not sure there is a definate answer to that question. I would imagine you're struggling some if you're wondering about it.
I will pray for you.
Whatever you see today is not the end result. Our lives are all a work in progress. God will use you if you keep focused on Him.
Keep looking up.
SMYG

Peggiford

Anonymous said...

Andy,

When I think about you and what you do, I think of a shepherd.....someone who leads his people (old or young), tries to keep them on the right path, is gentle, but firm.

This is your calling and you are also like a farmer, always planting seeds. You never know where the seeds fall and how they will "sprout" up into beautiful plants (or corn). You may never realize the impact you have had on lives....but be confident that you do impact others. God uses you to touch the lives of the kids you deal with every week. No matter what kind of a homelife they come from, they will remember the things you are teaching them, counseling with them, etc. I know this is true when I think of David...even though he has made terrible choices, he can verbalize the consequences of his choices and he can verbalize what he should have done differently. (By the way, he got your letter and was thrilled. He's going to answer you soon).

It doesn't matter whether you are a youth pastor or the senior pastor. You each have a calling and you are following that calling. I am sure you get discouraged at times wondering if you are making a difference, but you ARE making a difference. Continue to live closely to the Lord. He will give you guidance in the ways you deal with your flock, no matter the age. I have seen your gentleness with older people, and the comradery you have with teens.

You know we are all praying for you. You have a family that loves you much (and Sarah)and we pray that God keeps you safe and in the protection of His big arms, and gives you the guidance to the job (big job) He has called you to do.

Talk to you later.

Love,

Lana

Anonymous said...

Here's an answer to your question. beiing a good pastor or a successful pastor will begin with the relationship that pastor has with God. I think one of the greatest qualities a pastor must possess is compassion. He must be a very caring and loving person that sense the needs of others and help them unconditionally. Sometimes it is hard being in the ministry, because that mininstry is not a 9 to 5 job that comes and goes. It is a 24/7 job that you do because you love the Lord and that is your life calling. To reach people....of all ages....makes a pastor successful. You learned so much at IWU as far as knowledge and depth into His Word. You are now learning what a good pastor consists of and I know that is exactly what you are. I love you Drew, keep up the good work for the Lord and don't let the "load" get you down.

Love always, Mom

Anonymous said...

Andy
what up? Let you know I read your blogs.I want to think you for listen to me the other night.I know I don't talk much ,but it's nice to know I've have someone to talk to. You mean so much to me I can't even start to put it into words, how much you mean to me. So what ever your doing keep it up. You are make a difference. Love you Kerry