A Pastor’s Priorities

In the book, Pastor to Pastor: Tackling the Problems of Ministry, Erwin Lutzer lists five priorities that should guide pastors as, “they sort out the many options that confront all of us in ministry” (p. 103).  I want to discuss one of these each day this week. If you are a pastor I hope you will be inspired to evaluate your priorities and adjust as necessary. If you are not a pastor I hope you will be inspired to pray for your pastor as he seeks to fulfill his calling.

Lutzer’s List:

1. Praying Is More Important Than Preaching.
2. Preaching Is More Important Than Administration.
3. The Family Is More Important Than the Congregation.
4. Faithfulness Is More Important Than Competition.
5. Love Is More Important Than Ability.  

Praying Is More Important Than Preaching.

This one is a no-brainer; Every preacher would give a hearty, “Amen,” to this statement. Why, then, do I struggle at times to keep prayer as a top priority in my life? I can get so busy with preparing sermons, counseling church members, visiting the sick, and all sorts of other tasks that I neglect my prayer-life. How can I possibly be the man of God that I am to be if I do not spend time talking to my Heavenly Father? How can I prepare and preach messages that are Spirit-inspired, biblically-based, and Christ-centered if I am not casting myself on God in prayer? How can I preach with the anointing of the Holy Spirit if I have not yielded myself to Him at the throne of grace?

Perhaps at times I am more disciplined in my sermon preparation than in my prayer-life because preaching is such a public activity. I know that Sunday is coming and that I will be called upon to deliver a message that is biblical, relevant, and passionate. It is Monday morning as I write this and I can already feel the pressure of your expectations of me for next Sunday. In my mind I can see you sitting in the worship center, Bible in hand, saying, “Sir, we would see Jesus” (John 12:21). The music fades, the spot-lights come up, and I am left alone on the “stage” to deliver. I’ll admit it; it is often this public pressure that keeps me in my seat studying the Bible so I can be prepared to preach on Sunday. How is that for transparency?

Prayer, however, is such a private matter. No one ever comes up to me and asks, “Did you spend time in prayer today?” That public pressure is not there. But God is making me more sensitive to the gentle, private pressure of the Holy Spirit’s conviction. God is reminding me that He is the one who has made it possible for me to come into His presence through, “a new and living way,” the Lord Jesus Christ. He is reminding me that He welcomes me to draw near (Hebrews 10:20-22).  He expects me to call on Him daily (Matthew 6:8-15). And He is reminding me that even the Lord Jesus Christ had to take time to get alone with the Father in prayer even when people wanted Him to preach (Mark 1:35-39).

I have resolved to schedule time on my calendar every day for prayer. The mornings are best for me. Let me challenge you to make it a priority in your day as well. Lutzer is correct when he writes, “Prayer, it is said, is not the preparation for the work, it is the work” (p. 103).