pastoral pointer

Pastor Well | The Pastor As Worship Leader

Most pastors understand that they are the primary teacher of the Word, but few realize that they are also the principle worship leader. No congregation will ever be focused on worship if the pastor treats it cavalierly or acts disinterested. Dr. York explains the integral relationship between preaching, which is the central act of worship, and the preacher, who is the de facto leader in worship.

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Pastoral Pointer | Leading Your Church to be Welcoming

No one likes to go where they feel unwanted—especially church. How can a pastor train a congregation to welcome guests and project a warm, inviting spirit so visitors feel at  home and are more receptive to the worship and the Word? Dr. York shares some practical insights and strategies that can make the difference between a church that hopes for growth and one that actually grows.

Listen to a sermon where I coached my own church on how to do this very thing.

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Pastoral Pointer | Finding Great Illustrations

The more experienced a preacher you become, the less time it will take you to do exegesis, outlining, and preparation. You can become very proficient at that. Illustrating the sermon, however, will become harder because of the demand for fresh, culturally relevant illustrations that truly serve and illuminate the text. So, where do you find illustrations that are both memorable and relevant? Here are a few suggestions about where to look—and what to avoid.

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Pastoral Pointer | Personal Illustrations

Few illustrations grab attention and create interest like personal stories from a pastor’s life, but the path to clarity has some hidden and dangerous landmines. Is it too personal? Does it embarrass family members? Does it distract from the goal of the sermon and the meaning of the text? Dr. York helps preachers think through the purpose and process of using personal illustrations without hurting relationship or the exposition of the Scriptures.

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Pastoral Pointer | Saying "Goodbye" with Grace

Few things are as awkward or as hurtful to a pastor as the unexpected departure of church members for another local congregation. Their decision to leave may cause fear, defensiveness, and anger in the pastor’s heart while clouding his judgment and threatening his peace of mind. Left unchecked, his emotions might even compromise his ability to shepherd the ones who stay. How can a pastor not only manage his feelings, but also sow seeds of friendship and kindness that salvage the relationship and leave the door open that might one day welcome them back?

Pastoral Pointer: Take Some Time and Write a Note

Since caring about people is foundational to pastoring well, then any tangible way to show members or guests that they matter is invaluable. Few things have the impact of a personal note written on distinguished personalized stationery and finished with a wax seal.

Obviously, fountain pens are available at many price points and you can certainly find a hobby (or an obsession) collecting them, but if you are just entering the world of fountain pens or need one that will serve you well without a great expense, I recommend the excellent LAMY Safari with a broad nib, coupled with a robust and eye-catching ink. For the best writing experience and another way to demonstrate a careful attention to detail, invest in some high quality correspondence cards. I found my custom letterpress cards on Etsy. And to make your letter really stand out in the recipient's pile of daily mail, round out your effort with a wax seal, on the envelope.

No matter how well you write or what stationery you use, the most important element of a personal note is the sincere love and concern you communicate. People have an uncanny ability to see the truth of a caring heart and the pretense of an empty one that's just trying to gain an advantage. That's the difference between a true shepherd and a a hired hand. Jesus put it like this:


(John 10:7-18 ESV)