Prioritizing Pastoral Visitation

One of the simplest ways to gain the respect and admiration of any child of God is to visit with them in a time of need. Many Christians can recall a time when a visit from their pastor was the very event that helped them the most in the midst of crisis. Though pastors know this, it can be the hardest thing to consistently perform in ministry!

Even though pastors are stretched in their responsibilities, they must be sure to make quality visits. Not only quality visits, but also various types of visits. Balancing the priority between these can be wearisome. In spite of the frustration that can frequently arise with the visitation portion of ministry, without a doubt, it is the most rewarding experience a pastor can have.

Let’s face it, some visits are more important than others. We are not saying that people are unimportant or less significant, but we are advocating that pastors prioritize who they visit, when they visit and how long they visit certain people. Consider the following…

#1 Church Visitors – When folks visit your worship service, they need a visit! As soon as is humanly possible they need the pastor, and preferably another church member, returning the visit. Even if it is just a minute or two at the door where a gospel witness can be reiterated, this type of visit is essential.

#2 Unsaved People You Are Asked To Visit – Occasionally a pastor will be asked to visit a friend or relative of a church member who is lost. It is very important that the pastor make the visit as soon as he can. Much prayer should precede this, but no time should be wasted by deferring this matter very long.

#3 New Members Of The Community – This is often over looked in the ministry. Through various sources, a pastor can keep up with who has just moved into the community. New move-ins are prime territory for cults. It is best to beat them to the door!

#4 New Converts – These people are in great need of direction and personal care. Frequent visits may be necessary to help disciple the newly saved. The time spent here is never wasted!

#5 The Sick – When someone is ill or hospitalized, a pastor should be sure to make an appearance. These visits are longed for in many cases. People may forget your sermon title, but they will not forget it when you visited them in the hospital.

#6 Elderly And Shut-Ins – The senior saints must not be neglected nor forgotten. They need attention from the pastor. Set a routine and stick with it! These visits are a lot of fun! Enjoy your time with these people!

#7 Church Members – Visit people in your congregation as often as common sense deems appropriate. Don’t play favorites, but spend quality time. Pastors build relationships and this is only solidified with personal visitation!

Conclusion

Visitation is vital to a thriving ministry. No matter how many things are competing for your time, if you are too busy to visit, then you are way too busy! Build a better relationship with people by spending time with them!

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10573: Preaching & Preachers Preaching & PreachersBy Martyn Lloyd-Jones / Zondervan

A classic from one of the most dynamic preachers of this century! Originally delivered as a series of lectures, Lloyd-Jones’s essays capture the essence of powerful preaching. His insights on the shape and preparation of the sermon, the preacher’s relationship to the congregation, and more will give you much to ponder as you write your next sermon.

12 Tips For Overcoming Fear In Soul Winning!

Pastor Andrew SchankNo single person  is immune from the fear that can grip you heart when presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Its no wonder for we are in a spiritual battle: The Battle Of The Ages! We can speak about many things, but Satan is totally against us speaking for Christ. We must learn to overcome this and it is certain that God will help us do this very thing!

A while back I came across some tips that helped me with sharing the gospel. I hope you will find them helpful! Feel free to share these with your friends!

Overcoming Fear In Witnessing!

1.    Try to memorize an approach when addressing someone. Use a Soul-Winning Plan.

2.    Pray about your fear

3.    Remember and REALIZE that Jesus is with you. Matthew 28:18-20

4.    Do not be afraid to make a mistake

5.    Do not be afraid of doing more harm than good

6.    Do not be afraid of people asking questions

7.    Be MORE concerned about winning souls than friends

8.    Be DETERMINED to be a soul winner

9.    Do not let your imagination defeat you

10.    Refuse to think about your fear

11.    Have a positive mental attitude

12.    Be filled with the spirit.

          a.    Empty yourself – confess sin and get forgiveness
b.    Obey God – yield to Him
c.    Ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit
d.    Claim the filling by faith and go forth

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76959: The Soul Winner The Soul Winner

By Charles Spurgeon / Christian Focus Publications

Evangelist par excellenceSpurgeon literally wrote the book on soul-winning. Distilling the Great Commission in this series of lectures, addresses and sermons he clearly and deftly conveys the length, depth and breadth of evangelism. He gives exacting definitions (so no ambiguity should remain) of, outlines qualifications and obstacles for, reveals the cost and reward of, and offers encouragement to those who should be about their “Father’s business”.Six college lectures begin the tour through what Spurgeon calls the “main pursuit of every true believer”, followed by four addresses given to Monday-evening prayer meetings for other preachers and teachers. Five instructive sermons follow, imparting such directives that will show the believer that “…he is wise who selects for his raw material immortal souls, whose existence shall outlast the stars.” In word and in deed, Spurgeon is a giant upon whose shoulders we should eagerly yet humbly aspire to stand.

Witnessing Tip For Pastors – #2 | Overcoming Fear And Timidity

Though many soul-winners, pastors, missionaries and Christian workers seem as though they do not get scared and intimidated when they witness, we ALL get butterflies in our stomachs when we engage in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is no different than a soldier about to storm the beach with his platoon. He is going to be a little fearful. The important thing we have to remember is that we are involved in spiritual warfare. In view of this, we should not let fear be a detriment, but an Allie.

Listed below are some things to remember when you are out sharing the gospel in relation to the fear and intimidation you might face. We have coupled a thought with a verse of encouragement! THINK ABOUT EACH STATEMENT CAREFULLY!!!

#1 – Assuming you are truly saved, what is the worst thing that could happen?

(Romans 1:16) “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”  (KJV)

#2 – You are Christ’s Ambassador – You have all of the authority in the world to share the message of Jesus!

(2 Corinthians 5:20) “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”  (KJV)

#3 – The person you face may seem cruel and intimidating, but they DO expect you to tell them the truth and be real!

(Galatians 4:16) “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?”  (KJV)

#4 – The person you are speaking with or approaching is really more scared and intimidated of you than you are of them!

(2 Timothy 1:7) “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”  (KJV)

#5 – God’s Spirit will enable you to say and do what you need to do when soul-winning… regardless of what may strike fear in you!

(1 John 4:4) “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”  (KJV)

Conclusion

One of the greatest things any child of God can do is to tell someone about Jesus Christ! Don’t let Satan dim your light by fear and intimidation! Everyone battles this issue so stay close to Jesus and keep on spreading the WORD!

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662713: Tozer Speaks: 128 Compelling & Authoritative Teachings, 2 Volumes Tozer Speaks: 128 Compelling & Authoritative Teachings, 2 Volumes

By A.W. Tozer / Wingspread Publishers

In this two volume set you receive 128 compelling and authoritative teachings by one of America’s most beloved preacher A.W. Tozer. Tozer’s sharp and incisive style may startle some readers, but what is to be gained from his wisdom and exposition of Scripture is immeasurable. Tozer Speaks includes well over one hundred sermons including:

  • 50 Selections from his pulpit ministry
  • 10 Messages on the Holy Spirit
  • 10 Sermons on the Gospel of John
  • 12 Essays on Spiritual Perfection
  • 12 Sermons on 1 Peter
  • 12 Sermons on Well Known and Favorit Biblical Texts
  • 12 Sermons on the Life & Ministry of the Christian Church
  • 10 Sermons of the Voice of God Calling Man

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