Just thought I'd share a little pep talk for pastors going into Easter weekend. This is a challenging week and exciting week for pastors. Here are a few thoughts:
1) Preach the Resurrection. If there ever was a weekend to clearly, persuasively, and unapologetically preach the resurrection it's this week. Don't get too clever. Don't get too creative. Just preach with Spirit-filled conviction. I think the same holds true for worship. Sing resurrection songs! And we steer clear of introducing new songs on this week.
2) Be yourself. I know all of us hope and expect we have lots of guests. And the temptation is to try to be more than you are. I'd encourage you to be yourself. Keep it real. Keep it raw. And enjoy the day!
3) Laugh at the miscues. We want everything to go perfect this particular weekend don't we? Trust me, it won't. Most of us probably plan more for Easter than other services. And that's fine. But at the end of the day, it is the presence of God that will impact people, not a perfect liturgy or homily. Wow. I just used two really traditional words in one sentence.
4) Expect some opposition. This hasn't been the greatest week for me spiritually. Not sure why. I feel a little stressed. I feel a little pressed. But I have also felt like the enemy is coming against us. Should we expect anything less? I hope not. If the enemy ignored us that would be cause for concern. Pray through!
5) It's all about God and His glory. Pastors, let's personally and authentically celebrate the victory Jesus won over the grave. Get a little fired up! Get a little worked up!
Finally, pray for your pastor friends! Let's lift each other up!
1) Preach the Resurrection. If there ever was a weekend to clearly, persuasively, and unapologetically preach the resurrection it's this week. Don't get too clever. Don't get too creative. Just preach with Spirit-filled conviction. I think the same holds true for worship. Sing resurrection songs! And we steer clear of introducing new songs on this week.
2) Be yourself. I know all of us hope and expect we have lots of guests. And the temptation is to try to be more than you are. I'd encourage you to be yourself. Keep it real. Keep it raw. And enjoy the day!
3) Laugh at the miscues. We want everything to go perfect this particular weekend don't we? Trust me, it won't. Most of us probably plan more for Easter than other services. And that's fine. But at the end of the day, it is the presence of God that will impact people, not a perfect liturgy or homily. Wow. I just used two really traditional words in one sentence.
4) Expect some opposition. This hasn't been the greatest week for me spiritually. Not sure why. I feel a little stressed. I feel a little pressed. But I have also felt like the enemy is coming against us. Should we expect anything less? I hope not. If the enemy ignored us that would be cause for concern. Pray through!
5) It's all about God and His glory. Pastors, let's personally and authentically celebrate the victory Jesus won over the grave. Get a little fired up! Get a little worked up!
Finally, pray for your pastor friends! Let's lift each other up!
10 Comments:
This is so important - and SO helpful. I appreciate hearing from a guy who's been doing it longer than I have, to just chill out and preach the gospel, and let God do the 'heavy-lifting'. thanks again Mark!
Great word! Thanks for calling us back to the center. I've really struggled, especially early in the week, with being so caught up in the details and preparations for the weekend, that I was at risk of forgetting what it's all about.
Thank you! This is helpful. So easy to get distracted and or overwhelmed this week. Thanks again.
Thank you, this is encouraging.
Thanks Mark. This is my first Easter as a Sr Pastor, and I confess I've been holding on too tightly to the details of this weekend. Our Life Group tonight reminded me that God's in control and your words were further confirmation to continue to let go, let God and have fun!
Thanks Mark... I needed that!
Mark - Thanks for posting and helping us to do the best we can this weekend. I will be praying for you...just keep your phone in silent mode! :)
That's a good word, brother!
Thanks for your timely post, Mark. I needed it to refocus on God and His Words.
Truth! Thanks for sharing. I'm joining the Prayer Ranks for all of us who are going to 'bring it' tomorrow.
Forget polished... let's be real/raw. Love that!
Post a Comment
<< Home