Category Archives: Ministers

Elders: On How to Fire the Preacher

Posted on March 20, 2016 by Jay F Guin

I get emails — Having grown up in a different tribe, it seems common among churches of Christ for the elders to get rid of the preacher periodically. I would be interested in your observations. Also, this usually seems to … Continue reading →

Posted in Ministers, Uncategorized | 25 Comments

How to Explain Your Ministerial Job

Posted on November 22, 2015 by Jay F Guin

Thanks to Grace Centered Magazine for finding this.

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Sarah Rainer: Six Guidelines for Ministers Who Counsel

Posted on August 22, 2015 by Jay F Guin

Interesting post from Sarah Rainer on guidelines for pastors (ministers, in the Churches of Christ, of course) who counsel. Also for elders. 1. Competence A lack of training in counseling and mental health issues would indicate that a pastor should … Continue reading →

Posted in Ministers, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Mark Love on Cynicism and Ministry Training

Posted on February 6, 2014 by Jay F Guin

Marvelous post by Mark Love: “Learning Without Cynicism” — We also try to take an appreciative stance in relation to the congregation. We do this in two or three deliberate ways. Part of it is built into our notion of … Continue reading →

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The Preacher Search: Lessons for Churches Searching for Preachers, Part 1

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Jay F Guin

We finished a 15-month preacher search late last year. I’ve learned several lessons I thought I should pass along. Many of these I learned the hard way. This was not my first preacher search, by any means, but the Churches … Continue reading →

Posted in Ministers, Preacher Searches, Uncategorized | 58 Comments

Leadership: The National Association of Evangelicals Issues Code of Ethics for Pastors

Posted on June 30, 2012 by Jay F Guin

The National Association of Evangelicals has issued a code of ethics for pastors. It deals with integrity, trustworthiness, purity, accountability, and fairness. Read the code. Do you agree with the principles? What’s missing? Should a minister sign?

Posted in Ministers | 11 Comments

Ministers: Why We Should Do Background Checks on Ministers Before We Hire Them

Posted on December 20, 2010 by Jay F Guin

The Christian Chronicle just ran this astonishing story. The full story is from the Washington Post, and it’s a fascinating, disturbing read. It seems that a Virginia Church of Christ hired a minister who had been convicted of beating his … Continue reading →

Posted in Ministers, Uncategorized | 38 Comments

Clergy & Laity: He says he’s suffering from burn out. Is he serious? (The Minister)

Posted on July 9, 2010 by Jay F Guin

In my view, most cases of preacher burn out are the fault of the elders, the congregation, or our unchallenged traditions. But sometimes, it’s the preacher. Preachers can burn themselves out by — * Not praying enough * Not taking … Continue reading →

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Clergy & Laity: He says he’s suffering from burn out. Is he serious? (Simple Church)

Posted on July 8, 2010 by Jay F Guin

One of the most important books in church literature to come out in a while is Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples. It’s a quick and easy read — and very powerful. It’s premise is, well, simple: … Continue reading →

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Clergy & Laity: He says he’s suffering from burn out. Is he serious? (Murmuring)

Posted on July 6, 2010 by Jay F Guin

Now that we’ve solved the problems with elders, we need to address murmuring by the congregation. (Heb 13:17 ESV) 17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give … Continue reading →

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