An Example to Follow

What makes a pastor that stays in a place for 30 years?

A Humble Servant — Joyful Support — A Great Savior

Follow His Example:

In Humble Service (7)

Remember those who lead you in the church.

Through the ministry of the Word. (In 30 years, 2 messages a week, would be somewhere in the neighborhood of 3,000 sermons).

1 Timothy 5:17–18 ESV

17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”

Remember their service in the church.

Example - Brother Lannie and Mrs. Gwin helping with the septic problem at the parsonage.

Remember their care for the church members.

1 Thessalonians 5:12–14 ESV

12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.

Much of a pastor’s job goes unheralded behind the scenes; correcting and keeping watch over sound doctrine, encouraging, giving aid to those in need, crying with those who hurt, rejoicing with those who rejoice! Baptizing those who come to faith in Christ! (Have these stand).

In Joyful Support (15-17)

No pastor can effectively labor alone! It takes a team. Paul routinely thanked those who helped him in ministry, even writing half a chapter of God’s Inspired Word! (Romans 16)

It takes a church willing to be led in humility for God’s glory.

There is no bigger support than a pastor’s wife! She knows the late nights laboring over a sermon or visiting someone in the hospital. She knows the struggles when there is a conflict, and the joys when God is at work.

Mrs. Gwen has been a constant partner in ministry. Teaching children, Bible Drills, Visitation, Prayer warrior. (Have those stand who had Mrs. Gwen in Sunday School, Cubbies, or Bible Drills. Then those whose kids participated in one of those).

To the Praise of the Savior! (20-21)

It’s all about Jesus! We would not be here is it wasn’t for Christ. We would have nothing to celebrate, no hope at all, BUT because of Christ we are loved, redeemed and restored!

He’s the Great Shepherd, Bro. Lannie is just an under shepherd. He seeks and saves the lost!

6 yr old Haley Zega lost two days in Buffalo River - 2001

He’s the One who redeemed us by His own blood to an eternal covenant!

He’s the One who was gloriously raised from the dead to provide us eternal life!

He’s the One who is Lord of all, to whom all Glory and honor belongs.

Living He loved me, Dying He saved me, Buried He carried my sins far away, Rising He justified freely forever, One day He’s coming, O Glorious Day!