Every Pastor has a set of guiding principles. Mine were taught to me by men who have deep experience in pastoral ministry.

Feed with truth

Pastoral ministry combats the corrosive effects of sin by the continual proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ: first for me, my wife and family, then to the Church I am shepherding, and finally to those outside the church who need to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. With the truth of God’s word, I will continually feed the sheep.

Practically speaking, when Scripture is clear, I don’t deviate. On issues where the Bible is not clear, the clarity of “to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Titus 3:2) guides me.

Love as I am loved

Pastoral ministry is rooted in the outgoing, overflowing abundant love of God the Father and the reality of Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd. We were made to know God, and he does not give up on us even when we stumble. Loved by God, I will love the sheep…even when it ain’t easy.

That means that when conflicts arise, my goal is to deal with those in conflict with the same grace that God continually shows me.

Lead through the Spirit

The power for Pastoral ministry is the same power that dwelt in Jesus Christ: the Holy Spirit. It is only through the ongoing, continuing work of the Holy Spirit that people hear the good news, spiritually dead rise, strongholds crumble, and relationships are restored. Led by the Spirit, I will lead the sheep with guidance and protection.

On a daily basis I seek the Lord in prayer. In decisions I seek the Lord with prayer. For direction? You got it, I seek the Lord through prayer.