Revitalize Your Church

Yesterday, I worked on a book chapter entitled, Empty Pastors: Clouds Without Water. In it, I explore the reasons why ministers end up running on empty, when the Gospel they carry is so rich and FULL of life, joy and peace. Pastors Run Empty. . . 1. When Responsibilities Exceed Energy. 2. When Pretentions Exceed Reality. 3. When Pleasing Exceeds Shepherding. 4. When Outflow Exceeds Inflow. 4. When Serving Exceeds Loving. 5. When Duty Exceeds Delight.

The camel at the close of day Kneels down upon the sandy plain To have his burden lifted off And rest to gain. My soul, thou too shouldst to thy knees When the daylight draweth to a close, And let thy Master lift thy load And grant repose: Else, how canst thou tomorrow meet, With all tomorrow's work to do, If thou thy burden all the night Dost carry through? The camel kneels at break of day To have his guide replace his load. Then rises up again to take The desert road. So thou shouldst kneel at morning's dawn That God may give thee daily care Assured that He no load too great Will make thee bear. -- Anna Temple