Classical Presbyterian
Puritan Board Junior
I was reflecting on my pastoral ministry last night and was getting quite discouraged, for no one reason in particular. So, I wanted to ask if you all could help me understand what I should be looking for in the life of the congregation as a sign (or indicator) that my pastoral ministry is bearing fruit.
What does a fruitful ministry look like for a pastor? For a congregation?
How do you know if you are doing what is needed in your pastoral labors?
Basically, I could not tell if my discouragement was a voice of the Tempter inciting me to sinful despair or if it was the Spirit challenging me to change the way I am being a pastor. I also want the perspectives of church members, so I did not post this in the pastor's only area. I really could use your insights in what I, as a pastor, should be looking for to determine if my work is at all useful for the Kingdom or if I am just spinning my wheels in fruitless repetition.
Feel free to offer specific examples of what you have seen as fruitful pastoral ministry in your congregation or the negative (fruitless) examples as well!
What does a fruitful ministry look like for a pastor? For a congregation?
How do you know if you are doing what is needed in your pastoral labors?
Basically, I could not tell if my discouragement was a voice of the Tempter inciting me to sinful despair or if it was the Spirit challenging me to change the way I am being a pastor. I also want the perspectives of church members, so I did not post this in the pastor's only area. I really could use your insights in what I, as a pastor, should be looking for to determine if my work is at all useful for the Kingdom or if I am just spinning my wheels in fruitless repetition.
Feel free to offer specific examples of what you have seen as fruitful pastoral ministry in your congregation or the negative (fruitless) examples as well!