Listening And Learning
FROM: CHRISTIAN STANDARD / BY: PHIL LEMASTER
When I graduated from Kentucky Christian College more than 30 years ago, I felt well prepared for the demands and vicissitudes of the preaching ministry. I had spent an intensive four years in the classroom discovering biblical truth and how to disseminate it to God’s people. I had also been well schooled in the pastoral responsibilities that are an integral part of the located minister’s work. When I received my degree, I was confident that the learning phase of ministry was basically completed and the future called only for the proper application of the lessons learned. How wrong I was!
I can almost hear the rejoining words of wise readers who are surprised at such naiveté. "Of course," you say, "the greatest lessons of any vocation or calling are learned in the laboratory of life, not in the classroom." True, but learning that lesson sometimes takes a lifetime.
Predictably, a number of pastoral faux pas those first few months made it apparent to me that my educational process was incomplete. Although I was learning much from my mistakes, the experience was far too painful to want to continue. It was then that the epiphany (for me!) came that I am convinced saved my ministry. Why not learn from older, more experienced workers in the kingdom?
So began the process of listening to and learning from my capable and seasoned colleagues in ministry. Anytime I had an opportunity to sit in on a seminar, go to a workshop, or spend a few minutes conversing with competent preachers in our brotherhood, I did. And I still do. Oh, the lessons I have learned! Here are the five most helpful ones:
>>CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST
When I graduated from Kentucky Christian College more than 30 years ago, I felt well prepared for the demands and vicissitudes of the preaching ministry. I had spent an intensive four years in the classroom discovering biblical truth and how to disseminate it to God’s people. I had also been well schooled in the pastoral responsibilities that are an integral part of the located minister’s work. When I received my degree, I was confident that the learning phase of ministry was basically completed and the future called only for the proper application of the lessons learned. How wrong I was!
I can almost hear the rejoining words of wise readers who are surprised at such naiveté. "Of course," you say, "the greatest lessons of any vocation or calling are learned in the laboratory of life, not in the classroom." True, but learning that lesson sometimes takes a lifetime.
Predictably, a number of pastoral faux pas those first few months made it apparent to me that my educational process was incomplete. Although I was learning much from my mistakes, the experience was far too painful to want to continue. It was then that the epiphany (for me!) came that I am convinced saved my ministry. Why not learn from older, more experienced workers in the kingdom?
So began the process of listening to and learning from my capable and seasoned colleagues in ministry. Anytime I had an opportunity to sit in on a seminar, go to a workshop, or spend a few minutes conversing with competent preachers in our brotherhood, I did. And I still do. Oh, the lessons I have learned! Here are the five most helpful ones:
>>CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST
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on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 10:51 a.m..
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11:54 a.m.Great perspective from some seasoned men. Thanks for sharing the article.
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