6 Questions Pastors Should Ask Themselves

Bunting is important in baseball. But, it requires a particular posture, a stance. Being "squared off" to bunt. From that posture, you have fewer options. And, from that stance, it is impossible to take a full swing at the ball.

Pastors who lead well do so because of who they are.

The most effective have developed the capacity to rely on God in their own crises and to stand with others in theirs. The more faithful they are, the greater the tests.

Christian Leaders who’ve been given great responsibility have developed the capacity to rely on God in their own crises and to stand with others in theirs. The more faithful they are, the greater the tests.

Have you noticed?

A pastor marveled at the intense off-season regimen of an NFL player who trains at his gym. “Do you need all that muscle development to play your position in football?” he asked in disbelief. “No. I need it to survive the physical beating I take every Sunday.” Every day, he strengthens muscle fibers in anticipation of the opposition his body will encounter.

I invite you to consider the posture of your life.

Whether the challenges you now face are intense or mild, are you training yourself to take big, commanding cuts at the ball?

Or, are you crouched to bunt?

6 Questions Pastors Should Ask Themselves:

1. How clear are you about where God has you leading your congregation?

2. How compelling is the vision you’re calling your people to?

3. How great is the sacrifice you challenge your members to, as apprentices of Jesus?

4. How bold is your trust in Christ for the miraculous in your ministry?

5. How desperately do you cry out for the power of God’s Kingdom to break in on your city?

6. How diligently are you training yourself to recognize the voice of God, then unflinchingly obey?

Should the political and cultural opposition to Biblical Christianity continue to strengthen, we may find ourselves ministering in a far more challenging climate.

In Lystra, as Paul is preaching Christ a mob stones him, drags his body outside the city, and leaves him for dead. Believers gather around, he rises up, and goes right back into Lystra.

Why?

Paul is “...strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.” [Acts 14:22]

Who lives like that?

Someone who’s not postured to bunt.