Jesse Reimers

In the realm of pastoral ministry, the responsibility to "Preach the Word" stands as a pivotal priority. Brian Croft’s The Pastor's Ministry underscores this as a foundational aspect of pastoral duties. Effective preaching isn’t just about delivering a message; it’s about faithfully communicating the entire counsel of God’s Word and applying it to the lives of your congregation. This post explores why preaching the Word is critical, offers practical guidance for effective preaching, and highlights how pastors can ensure their sermons remain biblically grounded and impactful. Why Preaching the Word Matters 1. Delivering God’s Truth Preaching the Word is essential because it delivers the truth of Scripture directly to the hearts and minds of the congregation. Paul instructs Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV), “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” This command underscores the impor...

In the intricate tapestry of pastoral ministry, few responsibilities are as crucial as safeguarding the truth of God’s Word. Brian Croft, in his book The Pastor's Ministry , emphasizes that guarding the truth is the first priority for pastors. This essential task forms the foundation for all other aspects of ministry and ensures that the gospel message remains pure and impactful. This post delves into why guarding the truth is vital, how pastors can uphold it, and the practical steps to ensure that the integrity of biblical teachings is maintained within your church. Why Guarding the Truth Matters 1. Maintaining Doctrinal Integrity Guarding the truth ensures that your church’s teachings remain doctrinally sound. Paul’s instruction to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:13 (NIV) underscores this importance: “What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.” By adhering strictly to the teachings of Scripture, you protect your congregation from d...

In the demanding and multifaceted role of pastoral ministry, it’s essential to focus on what truly matters. Brian Croft's book, The Pastor's Ministry , outlines ten critical priorities for pastors, each aimed at fostering a robust and faithful ministry. Over the next ten weeks, we'll delve into each of these priorities, offering insights and practical advice for pastors of small churches. Today, we’ll kick off this series by introducing these priorities and highlighting their significance in effective pastoral leadership. 1. Guard the Truth A pastor’s commitment to the Word of God is foundational. This priority emphasizes the need to uphold and defend the biblical truths found in the scriptures, regardless of cultural pressures. As Paul instructs Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV), “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” Pastors are called to stand firm in their commitment to biblica...

In the dynamic world of small church leadership, managing resources, people, and programs effectively is crucial. Yet, the principles of management often seem distant from the spiritual mission of the church. However, integrating Biblical management principles into your church’s operations is not just beneficial—it’s essential. Embracing a Biblical approach to management aligns your church's practical operations with its spiritual mission, ensuring both efficiency and faithfulness. Understanding Biblical Management Biblical management involves applying scriptural principles to the stewardship of church resources, including finances, personnel, and programs. It’s about leading with integrity, purpose, and accountability while honoring God in all aspects of church life. As John C. Maxwell notes in The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership , “Management is not about being in control; it’s about taking responsibility and serving others.” Why Biblical Management Should Be a Priority 1. Stew...