Polled the guys in my coaching cohort on what words of advice they'd give to a new pastor. Here's what they said . . .
1) A calloused heart is lack of spiritual nutrition, so the way you treat others will be directly connected to the state of your relationship with Christ.
2) Encouragement is the best motivator.
3) Don't pastor until you're ready to be passionately disliked.
4) Be quick to listen and slow to speak.
5) Learning to *pastor* will improve your preaching.
6) Be able to take rebuke.
7) Be who God made you to be.
8) Don't underestimate rest.
9) Spend ample time in the community developing a good reputation with outsiders.
10) Write handwritten notes to your members.
11) People won't always remember what you said, but they will remember your presence.
12) Be on guard against sexual temptation.
13) Take off the cape, and ask for help.
/end
/end
