Proclaimer Blog
Word Alive for preachers. Or something similar.
How do you make sure your own soul is fed, Mr Preacher? How many ministries and churches suffer because the pastor-teacher does not take care of his own soul? It's an easy trap to fall into. There's so much to do, so many meetings, so many tasks – and if you don't do them, who will? So, take a moment this morning to ask yourself this question:
How do you make sure your own soul is fed?
A key way is by sitting under other people's ministry. I think the best place to do this is in your own church. It's good to go to a Bible study you're not leading. It's healthy to be in the congregation when someone else is preaching. Always assuming, of course, you can do so uncritically, listening not as a fellow preacher or leader, but as someone who needs the Spirit to apply the word of Christ to you so that you might love the Father more.
To be honest, I sometimes struggle with this. That's partly because, even if I train myself to be uncritical in this way, people always view you as the pastor, so can't leave you alone. And here is the benefit of making the most of outside conferences. I'm particularly keen on Word Alive, not because they share a building with us, but because it's something that you, Mr Preacher, can benefit from with your family or church family. Here's a chance, pacing yourself well, to sit under ministry, learn and grow. It's not the only thing you could do, go to or listen to. You may have something else. But it's a start. Have a think about it.
How do you make sure your own soul is fed?