In April 2002, I was installed as the lead pastor of Mt. Zion Church in Cary, NC. Here are 20 lessons I've learned so far. Love people . You have to love people. If you only love to preach but don't love people, don't be a pastor. Shepherd your family . Your first flock to shepherd is your family. I reduced my meetings when my kids were born because I wanted them to know me as daddy, not Pastor Harris. Watch your life and doctrine . It's great to have the right doctrine but that doctrine must be lived out. It's hypocrisy to live contrary to the doctrine you're preaching and teaching. Focus on Character . Your character is more important than your skills as a preacher. Find joy in pastoring . I find great joy in seeing people grow as disciples of Jesus Christ Avoid pride . I have to fight against pride to make sure I'm not trying to steal God's glory Share the load . Pastoring is so much easier with a team of elders. A plurality of elders for the wi...
In the beginning was the Word ("logos"), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.