What is a Cutting Edge Pastor?
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| courtesy flickr.com/dinnerseries |
What is a Cutting Edge Pastor? Consider the following statistics about the current state of those in ministry from the Schaeffer Institute:
- 50% of pastors feel unable to meet the demands of the job
- 90% report that they are inadequately trained
- 70% of pastors constantly battle depression
- 50% are so discouraged, they would leave the ministry if they could
- 70% do not have someone they consider to be a close friend
- 50% of those starting out will not last 5 years
- Only 1 out of 10 pastors will end up retiring from the ministry
This is but a small reflection of the struggles those in ministry are facing. But, not all in ministry are like that. So, what are the defining characteristics of a Cutting Edge Pastor?
- A Cutting Edge Pastor is not content with being the status quo
- They are aware that being in ministry is a battle, for which one must be equipped
- They are willing to do whatever it takes to not lose the calling on their life
- They are willing to do whatever it takes to not lose the family God has entrusted them with
- They are willing to do whatever it takes to focus daily on their own relationship with God so they can minister from a place of joy
- They are willing to help others in the ministry, and share what they are learning
- They are passionate, God-fearing, Bible-loving, Spirit-driven, Gospel-centered flames of fire
- Cutting Edge Pastors are ordinary people serving an extra-ordinary God
Which one are you? You are probably facing at least 1 of the challenges reported in the top description. You are probably here because you want to change that. Let's encourage one another along this journey, because you have done this long enough to realize - the devil wants you to fail.
Take the following challenge - I challenge you to subscribe to this link on the right, and take the journey to start sharpening your cutting edge!
Serving Christ Together,
- Jesse Watkins
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