Session 8 - Pedro Garcia

I had heard Pedro speak (I believe it was) last year, as a devotional speaker.

I liked him then, I like him now.

Also, I apologize for the scatterbrain-style note-taking - this is how I jot notes on my HTC 6800. It's more "stream-of-consciousness" than true notetaking.

Mea culpa.

• Paul lived as though each day could be his last
  
  
  
  • Lived in absolute abandon
  
  
  
  


• We need to be passionate about what we do


• Conviction - with heart, with faith


• Paul was passionate about the church, the Bride of Christ


• I need to grow in the gift of exhortation


• Paul tells us what time it is, & then what to do in that time


• In light of Jesus' soon return, it's not time to disengage, but to engage


• A good leader is a good follower
  
  
  
  • A shepherd is also himself a sheep
  
  
  • We would be foolish to ignore the wisdom of what has gone before
  
  
  • Not only look for Timothies, but also Pauls
  
  
  • We need to use wisdom in who we allow to speak into our lives
  
  
  
  


• We (I) need the elder statesmen of the movement, & the Church at large


• Take the time to thank those who do the work in the fellowship


• "Ministry is the extreme sports of the Christian world. It's for crazy people."
  
  
  
  • It's intense, pain-filled work
  
  
  • No room for lazy pastors that won't give themselves to the last full measure to love the sheep
  
  
  • It is a labor of love - or it is nothing
  
  
  • We need to be involved with the sheep
  
  
  
  


• We are not to lord it over the flock
  
  
  
  • Our authority - which is real - is for their growth, not our benefit
  
  
  
  


• The true pastor labors for, loves, & serves the people


• In one sense, ministry is always warfare
  
  
  
  • DEAL WITH IT.
  
  
  
  


• Many times, we teach the what - but we need to teach the why.


• We need to remember that not everybody is a pastor
  
  
  
  • So don't get uptight when some don't get it
  
  
  • Just keep plowing & serving & exhorting
  
  
  
  


• A loving shepherd will warn those who need it
  
  
  
  • Firmly
  
  
  • But humbly & with a servant's heart
  
  
  
  


• God's eyes are always on the timid & weak
  
  
  
  • ...to love them
  
  
  
  


• Be patient with all.


• People will hurt you as a pastor - love them anyway - and don't get a bad attitude
  
  
  
  • Watch out how we (I) respond when this happens
  
  
  • No, everybody does not have an agenda
  
  
  • Want to minister with the heart of Jesus?
    
    
    
    • Stop being paranoid
    
    
    • Love even (especially) when it hurts
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• NEVER retaliate


• ALWAYS pursue what is good
  
  
  
  • Not just for yourself
  
  
  • But for all
  
  
  
  


• Pursue the heart of Christ


• Time is short - don't lose focus!