PASTOR'S ARTICLE - What's New (02/01/12)

 

How many times have you heard that statement? You meet someone you haven't seen for a while and the first thing they say to you is; "what's new?" You go to a conference and start fellowshipping with other ministers and that same question will eventually arise. I think many times that question is asked just so they can tell you "what's new" in their lives.

 

But there is a truth to those words for you as a pastor, evangelist or minister of God. So let me ask you, "What's new?"

 

I know you're thinking; "what's he trying to be a smart alec?" No, I'm not. I'm trying to ask you what's new, what's fresh, what's God doing in your life? I'm asking you "what's different" in you than the last time I saw you?

 

What I've discovered over the years is that ministry is not a continual "high." We don't go from one glorious event to the next one. I know the Bible tells us we go from glory to glory, but that sure hasn't been my experience in the ministry. What I've found is that you go for weeks, months, and yes, years between those glorious mountaintop experiences. For the most part, ministry is an uneventful, daily grind that requires you to give everything just to stay on track...headed for some destination. And that is why the question, "what's new" is so important to you.

 

As I've served God I've noticed that He does have preordained victories, highs, and yes, those glorious moments when all heaven opens up for us. But those are few and far between. I can remember when I first entered the ministry, someone told me about seeing angels. I immediately asked God to show me some. I've been waiting for 35 years now and to the best of my knowledge, I haven't seen one yet. What I have seen is the "work" of the ministry…day in and day out.

 

Of course there have been high times, ordained by God to bring some relief from the burdens of ministry. Yes, in between those times He's done things to bless me, astound me, comfort me and even surprise me. But as a whole, one day has gone into the next with the same old, same old daily grind. People get married, get sad, have fights, leave the church, come back to the church, need prayer, get upset with me, get happy again, and...You get the picture.

 

Knowing that these routines are mostly likely going to be the typical day (week, month or year) in the ministry, I must find something that brings a sense of newness to me on a regular basis. If I don't the chances of discouragement, despair and the possibility of leaving the ministry increase exponentially. I must have something on a regular basis that stimulates me, and keeps the excitement of my calling alive as the duties of ministry try to drain life from me. I must find a place where life is good in spite of all the problems surrounding me.

 

Here's what I have found to be that "what's new" in my life. First I've discovered that the more I surrender to God, the more He reveals stuff to me. It's amazing when you open up your Bible and begin to discover answers to questions you've wondered about for years. I can't tell you the times lately where God has shown me something in His Word just for my edification. It wasn't something to be made into a sermon, or shared with other ministers to show how "spiritual" I've become. It was just for me.

 

Do you have any idea how "new" you feel when that happens? It's like a whole new world has been opened to you. You enter a place you've never been before with God. Scriptures that you've read for years suddenly connect with scriptures you didn't think related to each other. It is an awesome experience and happens on a much more frequent basis that the "glory to glory" stuff. And who knew, all it took was surrender a little more of yourself to God every day or week and "all these things shall be added to you..."

 

The second thing I've found is that the church will not fall apart if I take a day or two off. In fact, it won't fall apart if I take a week's vacation. I've discovered I'm not as important as I thought I was in the scope of God's church. Every one's life is not dependent on me and my anointing. I'm not the "god" of the church; I'm only a vessel of the "God" of the church. So relax, take the time off when you need it…and when you don't…so you won't get to the point where you have too. It will make the difference in "what's new" in your life.

 

Finally, enjoy your life...and your ministry. Ministry can be so hard if you allow it to be. Ministry has a way of depleting your resources and your reserves. So...take some time with the family. Do things that produce enjoyment and joy. Stop and smell the flowers, the coffee, the donuts and the dog. Put your family before your ministry and watch how good ministry becomes. Yes, you heard me right. "Put your family before your ministry." If you can't share in your family's special events, you'll never share the fullness of your ministry's events.

 

When you and your family are together (if any two of you agree) and you're balancing your time with your family, ministry and life itself, then you will constantly have something to report when asked; "What's new?"

 

 

 

ARCHIVE

2012

A Church In Turmoil


It seems that the church of Jesus Christ has experienced some extremes during the last year to eighteen months. In this article, Pastor Myers speaks of those extremes and then helps to reestablish our focus on our prime objectives...regardless of current conditions or extremes.

2011

Dont Sweat the Small Stuff


Don't sweat the small stuff is an entertaining article that will help you cope with the reports you get from "these" people. Every pastor has had someone tell them that "these" people don't like your preaching, leadership, vision, etc. In this article Pastor Myers deals with "these" people so you'll be freed to do what God says and not "these" people.

 

From Where I Stand


Are you experiencing negativity in your church. Is there a person or a group of people causing you problems, accusing your leadership or just hassling you? If so, you need to read this article by Pastor Myers.

 

Integrity Versus Anointing


This is an important article for anyone seeking to be used by God in any level of leadership. Pastor Myers deals with the secret of success to being promoted and maintaining that promotion from God.

 

Is It Really A Crisis?


Have you ever received a call at 2:00AM by some family who feels they are in a desperate situation? Did you find out that what they deemed as a crisis was not one in reality? If so, you'll want to read this inspiring and informative article by Pastor Myers covering how to discern a crisis from a situation.

 

Guard Your Heart


Pastor Myers addresses the epidemic of failed marriages among Pastors and Ministers in the body of Christ. He shares the secret that has kept him safe when temptations come his way. This is an article every minister needs to read.

Living In The Fast Lane
In this article Pastor Myers develops the real strength of the ministry. As a minister you'll learn what brings the Holy Spirit's anointing and what keeps Him at bay. This is one article you won't want to miss reading.

 

Random Acts Of Kindness


Our church families are engaging in making 2011 a year of doing random acts of kindness. In this article Pastor Myers shares what prompted this and why they are doing it. There are some revelations here you won't want to miss..

 

The Details


In this article Pastor Myers shares about how the little details of ministry are what mess up our big visions. You'll want to read this special article before you start any new projects.

 

What's in a Title?


It's a dangerous epidemic in the body of Christ that could cause a discredit to the name "minister." Pastor Myers address the practice of giving "titles" to people in exchange for money, faithfulness or favor without the calling of God on their lives. You won't want to miss this article.

 

What's Love Got To Do With It?


In this article, Pastor Myers discusses the motivation and foundation of being able to deal with those tough situations, people and circumstances you encounter regularly. You'll learn how to deal with all of these the way God would so His light shines through you.

 

What's Your Plan for 2011?


In this article Pastor Myers shares with you why churches are decreasing and what you might do about it to change that course. He shares with you some of the things that have worked for his ministry and the families of New Life.

 

Wishful Thinking


Do you know about wearing the armor of God? If you want to know why God gave you His armor, how to wear it and what each piece means, then this Bible Study is for you. You'll learn what it means to stand in the face of trials and testings.

2010

Are You Ready?


In this article, Pastor Myers explores the integrity of our character. Should God promote us would our character be able to sustain our promotion? This is an article you wont' want to miss.

 

Character VS Anointing


Pastor Myers covers one of the most important ingredients in the life of the minister of the Gospel…character. Without it, you will never reach your full potential in God. You won't want to miss this article if you're seeking to go higher with God..

 

Defend you name


Your church's name is your church's reputation. How do others on the outside of your flock refer to your church and ministry? In this article, Pastor Myers explores the value of protecting your church's name and what New Life does to project a positive and productive image to the public at large.

 

Dress Up


In this article Pastor Myers opens an area of deception that many are involved without even knowing it. You'll learn about the masks we wear as pastors and ministers, and how to remove them and receive the joy of ministry rather than the labor of your calling.

 

Power of Agreement


There is a principle in God's Word that deals with the "power of agreement." In this article Pastor Myers explores how that power put to use within church government can direct, guide and help avoid the pitfalls of ministry.

 

Power of the Supernatural


In this article, Pastor Myers explores the new move of God that is on the horizon. The questions he asks, the suggestions he makes will cause you to consider where you are in relation to the coming wave of the "super-natural."

 

What About Christmas?


For believers this is one of the most important times of the year. Do we see it as such or just a time to give and get gifts, have family dinners and sing carols? In this article Pastor Myers deals with the opportunity to bring Christ to the nations during a time when all ears are open.

 

What Is Your Plan?


In this article Pastor Myers shares with you why churches are decreasing and what you might do about it to change that course. He shares with you some of the things that have worked for his ministry and the families of New Life.

 

What's your prespective?


"What's Your Perspective" is written out of the discovery God showed to Pastor Myers in regards to the prophetic ministry. The discovery he shares in this article will help you discover hidden treasures hidden within your own church and ministry. This is one you don't want to miss.

 

Who comes to church?


"Who comes to your church" is an article written by Pastor Myers that will help you understand the different levels of people that attend your church. In this article you'll learn of the different kind of people that make up your congregation.

 

Who Should Succeed you?


This is an important article to any leader that wants their vision to continue long after they have departed. In this article, Pastor Myers shares the keys of transferring the vision into the hearts of those that help carry it, and will carry it into the next generations.

 

Why should they follow you?


In this article Pastor Myers asks some important questions regarding why your church would want to follow you and your vision. He makes some interesting observations and gives some helpful insight on how to be a real leader of men.

2009

Are You Prepared


In this article Pastor Myers shares some helpful ideas to help you reach your community during these most stressing economic times. Learn how to start small ministries that will reach out, draw in and minister to those who have been seriously affected by the crisis our country is currently experiencing.

 

Conference Attendance


Are conferences a necessity? You may be surprise by the answer Pastor Myers offers in this important article. You will learn when to go to one and when not. His insight on the "purposes" of attending anything will help you evaluate whether a certain conference is right for you.

 

Confidentiality


Confidentiality is the key for a successful ministry and the building of trust between a Pastor, counselor and the congregation. In this article, Pastor Myers explores some key points in the counseling ministry.

 

The Cycle of Life


Pastor Myers begins a four part series entitled: "The Cycles Of Life." In these articles, over the next four months, Pastor Myers will explain the different levels that each church goes through in its quest to follow God. You'll learn how to discover where your church is in the level of promotions God is orchestrating for your ministry.

 

The Cycle of Life Pt 2


In Part two of this article, Pastor Myers explains the second level of the "Cycle of Church Life." You'll learn about the "in-gathering" phase of church life. It's the level that you as a Pastor can do no wrong. Part two will give you great insight on how God draws people to your ministry in times of need for the purpose of advancement of your vision.

 

The Cycle of Life Pt 3


Pastor Myers continues this important study of the life cycles of the church. This month he shares the importance of the "cleansing" process orchestrated by God to bring the church into one accord. This is one of the most important parts of the cycle in preparing the church to move to the next level.

 

The Cycle of Life Pt 4


This is the final installment of this powerful teaching on the "Life Cycles of the Church." In Part four you'll learn about the final stage called "Promotion." This is the level we all strive toward. But is it what we expect? In Part four you'll learn the truth of what "promotion" really means with the Lord. It's the final conclusion that you won't want to miss reading.

 

The Gift Within


In this article, Pastor Myers explores the hidden treasures within the local church. Within each church God has placed many with gifts and talents just waiting to be discovered. Learn how to discover what God has given your church.

 

The Principle Pt 2


In part two of this article entitled "The Principle" Pastor Myers expands on how the principle of asking God for His resources rather than man. You'll see how God supplied for over 1500 people when New Life's missionary trusted God for all their needs.

 

Prophetic Utterance


In this Article, Pastor Myers gives a prophetic message who what is happening in the world today, and what the church needs to do to respond to it. You won't want to miss this important message given by a prophet of God.

 

Some Things Never Change


In this article, you'll learn how to handle those things that never change. As a pastor, you will deal with people, finances, attendance and spiritual things that never seem to advance. In this article, Pastor Myers shares with you some ways to handle these very frustrating areas in ministry.

 

We're Blessed


Pastor Myers shares the two principles that he and Sister Helen believe is the reason God blessed them so much on their recent vacation. You won't want to miss this article.