There are four imperatives for leadership ministers should remember, according to a speaker at the fourth annual Alabama Baptist Leadership/Church Growth Conference.
Mike Miller, director of leadership services division for LifeWay Christian Resources, made his observations during the conference, April 17-18 at First Baptist Church, Birmingham.
Miller told pastors the first imperative is to be watchful in their ministries. “That’s one of the most important principles of leadership that we have,” he said.
Miller said some pastors have shipwrecked their ministry because they did not watch their lives and ministries.
He further warned ministers must watch their people and their conduct, along with the “evil one.”
The second imperative, he said, is to be durable in their ministries.
“The Bible tells us that leadership has to do with enduring affliction,” he said. “Many of the situations we face are difficult.”
Miller added ministers grow by enduring affliction, telling them calm seas do not produce a strong preacher.
Doing the work of an evangelist was the third imperative cited by Miller. “We have a responsibility to lead our people to be personal soul winners,” he said.
Defining the fourth imperative, he said it is important for preachers to be finishers in their ministries. Miller said of the men he admires most are not flashy- just steady in their ministry.
“We have a responsibility to God, not just to start well, but finish well,” he said. “The way we finish is as important as the way we begin.”
Miller said there is always at least one pastor at conferences like the one on leadership growth who is ready to quit.
But he said the key to success is staying the course.
“I hope you won’t quit, I hope you won’t give up,” he said.
Share with others: