Now is the time when the people of God must become so radiated by the Holy Spirit that they warm the world with peace, truth and authority. A Pastor For Jesus is a book which embodies that radiance. There should be something that positively distinguishes the People of God from the people of the world, this is the essence of Christianity. Jesus said that “to whom much is given, much is required”. That means we have to give more because we have been given more. Therefore, there must be a welcoming and illuminating glow on the countenance of Christians that is noticeable to others. There also should be an outpouring of doing well for others and living well for God. This reminds us of a large number of elderly believers in the Christian Church who say frequently: “Let the works I do speak for me.” As senior pastors and best friends, we daily seek God’s presence in our calling — such that we may serve as vessels for healing, catalysts for hope, comfort for the weary and empowering peace to the confused. This book is our way of blessing more people to come to understand and appreciate God and His goodness that is available to all who ask for it. A pastor or senior pastor is the chief executive officer and chief ecumenical officer for the church congregation. This book is written to provide a revelation of the responsibility, role and purpose of the pastor. It also is written to foster support for the clergy and the Christian Church, through understanding and appreciation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As senior pastors, we made positive impacts on the lives of the members of our respective congregations and the communities that we serve. In this book, we set out to provide a work of support, information, best practices and Bible-based inspiration to members of the clergy and Christians in general. It provides a visionary leadership perspective for denominational and non-denominational Christian Pastors and church leaders. Actually, this book will benefit Christians and non Christians by providing insight and information on the operations of the Church. An additional common bond we share is a personality of giving. Over the years, we have given to other pastors, ministries, churches and individuals significant resources to enhance and improve their lives and organizations. We are trying to raise the level of integrity in ministry and in the Christian Church. We also are seeking like-minded believers who are willing to take Christian ministry to a much higher selfless level. This will help to introduce Christianity to a new generation and to the diverse global village that we live in today. As sons of pastors and having accepted Jesus Christ at early ages, we have been traveling this road for many years. Our common interests and common bond in fellowship also were motivating factors for us to respond to God’s calling on our lives to improve the lives of believers (edification) and nonbelievers (evangelism). In this book, we will share our experiences as Christian senior pastors that will help you achieve a greater understanding of Jesus and those of us called to proclaim His Gospel. Over these many years, we saw numerous examples of how difficult and misunderstood the role of the pastor is to the laity, the world at large and sometimes even the clergy itself. We also saw how this misunderstanding caused numerous problems for congregations and pastors. As best friends, we have a fellowship similar to that of David and Jonathan. We have a genuine respect for God’s calling on our respective lives; we have a love for each other’s families as if they are our own. We have a deep and abiding commitment to excellence in ministry through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is not our goal to rewrite history, to argue denominational doctrine, or to deify the office of the pastor. It is our goal to provide an understanding of the office of the pastor that will help you get a broader understanding of the clergy and appreciation for what the clergy does in the lives of people and in the development of communities. It is also our goal to provide a foundational basis for Christian ministry that is necessary to reach the individual and the masses in the 21st century and beyond. It is our quest to be thorough and helpful to pastors. As an added bonus in this book, we have included highlights of two powerful interviews: The first is with the Federal Chaplain at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tallahassee, Florida, Reverend Tyree Anderson, on the growing ministry of the chaplaincy. The second is with an outstanding leader and practitioner on mentorship, Professor Jason Black at the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, Florida. These are two major areas of emphasis a visionary pastor for the 21st century must be aware of, attuned to and familiar with. Although we are both scholars and have a profound appreciation of the scientific method, this book is not a dissertation. However, we will be factual and thorough in our research findings and in our presentation of them for you. This is a book designed to inform, illuminate and inspire the clergy. It is also a book designed to educate church members on how to appreciate, interact with and understand the clergy. It is, further, a book designed to demystify, to the public at large, the clergy’s role and impact on lives of people in the community. This book is an exciting power-packed revival for your understanding that as pastor, your first service is to Jesus Christ. You owe it to yourself, when you answer God’s call into ministry, to develop a testimony that is pleasing to God. Regardless of whether a person is a believer or not, you must treat them as if you are providing service to Jesus – “such that you have don to the least of these, you have also done unto me”. Go now and do likewise!
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