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Preface
For seventy-five years Standard Publishing has published the Christian Ministers Manual . It is not the work of one person. It is the work of many ministers. They carefully manage the need for professionalism and the personal contact that changes lives. Since 2006, ministers around the world have sent positive reviews and suggestions for the manual. Recently several hundred Christian leaders were asked to respond to an e-mail survey seeking their advice on making further improvements. It is my desire that this revision with its new features will inspire your creativity and help you with special ministry opportunities.
What is new in this manual?
- How to Use the Christian Ministers Manual
- Biblical Exposition Adds Strength to Ministry
- Story Adds Life to Ministry
- The Importance of Evangelism in Ministry
- new ideas for evangelism
- new worship tools
- new Scriptures and prayers for special occasions
- new funeral outlines, ideas for weddings, and Communion meditations
- Using Technology in the Church
You will still appreciate some of the special features of the manual that were added in the 2006 edition. There is a section for baby dedications, which have become very popular. There is also a section on leading seekers to a saving knowledge of Christ. And most churches need ideas in worship reflecting the changing dynamics of modern and blended music. The downloadable content available with this edition allows ministers to personalize ministry tools. With all of the information provided here, this manual is the most affordable tool of its kind in the market.
The ministries of Bill Gaslin, Dr. Robert Wilson, Olin Hay, Leon Appel, John Hasty, Jerry Paul, and Bob Russell are special inspirations. Their words echo throughout this book. My special relationship with Christian college presidents has challenged my life of faith to a deeper level, and I hope that is also reflected in this book.
I am deeply indebted to the churches I have served through the years. They have provided the framework for this project. I am also indebted to everyone associated with Saint Louis Christian College who focuses on excellence in the Word and ministry in the local church. They allow me the honor of serving as their president. Several advanced students at the college did research and wrote Communion meditations for this book. They are Robert Ayres, Anthony Barbee, Chris Daniels, Daniel Pabarcus, Chase Rothman, Patrick Shirley, Brittney Tepovich, Kevin Vickers-Pruett, Skylar White, and Ronnie Wilson. I also want to thank two very special administrative assistants, Deb Pabarcus and Norma Baker. They keep me focused on accomplishing the Lords work. Terry Golightly from Kentucky Christian University worded many of the prayers in this edition that express her love for God and compassion for people. And Barbara Veech has always encouraged me to appreciate every day the joy of being a minister.
May this resource be an indispensable tool that will sharpen your skills as you minister to others with the Word of life. Never give up!
Dr. Guthrie Veech
How to Use the
Christian Ministers Manual
In the life of a minister, few days are exactly the same. One day the minister writes a sermon. The next day begins with a funeral and ends with an evangelistic presentation of the gospel. On Friday night there is a wedding rehearsal and on Saturday there is a wedding. In between all these events there are meetings, teaching and preaching, staff encounters, counseling, administration, and study. It is no wonder it is so easy to forget your personal relationship with God and family.
The Christian Ministers Manual tries to help you make the task of ministry doable. Ministry takes education, experience, wisdom from God, and a ton of grace from demanding church members. This manual acts as a tool, a handbook, a resource for dealing with the demanding situations a minister faces every day.
I never go anywhere without the manual. This little book is a great tool for any minister. All I have to say is, this manual is one of my teachers. I can run to it for almost anything. This manual is a perfect resource for any minister looking for answers in the tough situations. All of these statements were made by people in various stages of their ministrysome young, some much more experienced. The Christian Ministers Manual is not just for beginning ministersit can help you from the first days of ministry to the end of your years of service.
Ministers are called people. They are called by God to impact the lives of people through his Word. Regularly ministers need to be reminded of that call. This manual explains that call and how the minister fits into Gods purpose.
This book also lays out what you should aim to achieve from day one in the church you serve. A step-by-step guide offers the hardworking minister a path to accomplish what God desires in the church. Most ministers move to several churches during their careers. The section on Christian Ministry provides you with a chance to start off (or start again) making the right decisions in ministry. This section discusses staff relationships, where to turn for help, and time management. It also gives advice to help you achieve faithfulness in the family as well as the pulpit. What minister doesnt need that? By reading and re-reading this section you will discover practical helps you need for effectiveness.
After the first days of ministry, the busy minister must move forward. You desire the church to grow. You desire to talk to people about Christ. How do you make those contacts? The manual encourages those in ministry to build relationships with the unchurched. It provides several model presentations of the gospel. If a minister learns and presents just one of these, men and women can come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Nearly every minister has the privilege to meet with those who are sick and grieving. So many need comfort. What do you say? Sickness and death do not happen according to your schedule. You must move into action quickly. The manual helps you accomplish that with suggested Scriptures, funeral services, and prayers.