bits from bob....
A Preacher's Happiness Is....
by Robert J. Young
©, 2001, Robert J. Young
[permission is given to reprint with credit noted]
A preacher's happiness is...
Having elders who are concerned about the welfare of every member, including him and his family.
Having an elder sister who is a widow indeed give him an occasional holy kiss.
Knowing that all of his elders regularly consider absentees and make efforts to contact them.
Watching young married couples start their life together with Jesus having received priority.
Having a teen ask if he can present the devotional on Wednesday night.
Having one who has reached accountability request baptism.
Having a widow past the three score and ten invite him over for dinner.
Having a deacon make a special effort to commend his sermon--on deacons.
Assisting a saint who needs encouragement and love in the middle of the night.
Sleeping soundly Sunday night because the Lord's Day services were so uplifting.
Working with a church that believes in preaching Christ in the community, in the nation, and in foreign nations.
Having elders who are not afraid to tackle new challenges with new methods.
Seeing commitment throughout the membership that rises to meet the financial needs of the congregation.
Having pastors, who with scriptural procedure, work to define the nature of fellowship with unfaithful members.
Seeing a family with financial burdens increase their contribution.
Seeing a teenager step back in the hallway to allow an elderly saint to pass by.
Seeing an octogenarian attend worship when the weather is so bad that most stayed away.
Going to an elders meeting happy and leaving happy.
Appreciating the church, its work, its elders, its goals, and its accomplishments.
Having a song leader who occasionally leads a new song or changes the order of worship.
Having an "Amen" when he preaches on a controversial (or non-controversial) subject.
Having members, young and old, praying for him.
Having a pre-schooler present him with a special homemade card.
Having a next door neighbor remark, "That's the busiest church I've very seen; someone is always over there working."
Working with a church that is alive, growing, and striving to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.
Seeing the budget met so greater works can be done.
Knowing that members are talking to others about Jesus, inviting them to worship, and trying to win souls.
Seeing the church well-represented at lectureships and workshops.
Working with people who are excited about the cause of Christ.
Being told that a sermon was especially helpful in meeting a problem in life.
Going by the church building late and seeing the elders' cars there, knowing that these men spend untold hours planning, visiting, and insuring the success of the work.
Seeing youth grow up in the local church and become preachers and elders and deacons and the wives of godly leaders.
Seeing young people sitting in a group near the front (without whispering, talking, and writing notes).
Having a member postpone a trip to be present on Goal Sunday.
Having a deacon drive 800 miles home on Saturday so he and his family can be present with the church family.
Seeing church leaders attend faithfully so they can guard their influence and effectively lead the flock.
There is my partial list. While a few of these things have been compiled for the experiences of others preachers, most were observed firsthand. All of them really happened. They can happen again and again. Where they do, God's people live in happiness, productivity and unity. May God bless you as he has blessed me.
Go to Articles Index
http://www.bobyoungresources.com/articles/3_1206.htm
Last updated November 28, 2001.