Ministers, have you ever had a moment when you just did not know where to turn? A situation arises and you do not know what to do. A question is asked that you do not have an answer to. Or maybe time has hold of you, and you find yourself unprepared.
Richard RayWhat I have described is a weekly occurrence in the life of a bivocational/small-church pastor. What this pastor needs is an advocate, mentor and friend who will assist him at a moment’s notice.
I cannot tell you the number of times time has gotten away from me, and I found myself ill-prepared for the situation or question that comes my way. Time will become our enemy when our energy is consumed on researching solutions or finding answers to questions. They take away our time in prayer, sermon preparation and participating in the ministry. Our families also suffer from mismanagement of time.
Serving as a pastor for 20 years and now serving as the executive director of the Texas Baptist Bivocational/Small Church Association, I understand from the pastor’s perspective how important it is to have an advocate who will serve alongside the pastor. Every pastor needs the help of another who will provide assistance in his time of need. Simply put, every pastor needs help.
First Chronicles 12:22 states, “Day after day, men came to help David, until he had a great army, like the army of God.” I am writing to remind you that you do not serve alone, nor were you called to serve alone. As men came to David day after day in his time of need, you also have an advocate who is willing to help you in your time of need.
Allow the Bivocational/Small Church Association the opportunity to assist you in the ministry by providing solutions to situations and answers to questions so that time does not become your enemy. You are part of a great army—the army of God.
Registration for the 30th annual Bivocational/Small Church Banquet and Conference is now open. Click here to register and to view the complete conference schedule. Free on-campus housing is available. If you would like any additional promotional material, please contact us.
We are here to serve you as you serve the Lord. Remember, the Lord has called you to serve, but he has not called you to serve alone. Visit our website for more information on how the Bivocational/Small Church Association can minister and serve you. For more information, contact me at tririversdom@gmail.com.
Richard Ray is executive director of the Bivocational/Small Church Association and director of missions for Tri-Rivers Baptist Area.
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