Henry Urges Pastors, Deacons to Pursue Unity in Christ

Understand the heart of your people. That includes understanding each congregation’s unique culture and learning the church’s expectations, Henry said.
Serve with a shepherd/servant heart. “Some of our pastors think they are too big to get in there with the people and have a CEO mentality,” he cautioned. “It’s very important to be close to your people; they’ve got to know you love them.”
Listen to wise counsel. “All of us preachers make mistakes. We have clay feet. We don’t know everything,” he acknowledged. “Get close to the wise men of the church.”
Wear humility as a badge of honor. “All of us have to fight the demon of pride,” Henry said. “If you’re going to pastor in a noble way, you must do it with humility.”
“Make your own butter.” He exhorted pastors, “Don’t preach somebody else’s sermons. Avoid plagiarism.” He added, “Pastor, you have to make prayer and study a priority. That requires three things: work, discipline and a plan.”
Be careful about chasing the latest church fad. “God does not take a cookie cutter and say, ‘This is what I want to happen in every church.’”
Make much of Jesus. “After we’re gone, Jesus is still there,” Henry concluded. “It’s all about Jesus; it’s not about us. We’re just His messenger boys for a season.”

Trennis Henderson is editor of the Western Recorder, newsjournal of the Kentucky Baptist Convention