HOW TO BE A PASTOR by Dr. T. L. Cuyler

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Nov 14, 1892

HOW TO BE A PASTOR.

By Dr. T. L. Cuyler

DETERMINE to become a pastor, cost what it may. If you are shy and bashful, conquer your diffidence; a man has no business to be a shepherd if he is afraid of the sheep. If you are naturally reserved and reticent, unlock your lips. Go and talk with your people about anything or everything until you get in touch with them. It is not best that a minister should talk exclusively about things spiritual. Talk to them about their business, and show your interest in what they are doing.

Watch your chances to put in a timely and loving word for your Master. You are Christ's man on Christ's business. If you can only gain your point by going often to the house, then go often. One soul wins others. You can reach the parents sometimes by reaching the son or daughter.

Personal conversations with individual souls will train you to be a closer, more suggestive, and practical preacher. They will make you colloquial and simple and direct in the pulpit.

Half of all the preaching is fired into the air. You will gather most precious material for your sermons by going about among your people and finding out what they are doing, what they are thinking, what they are suffering, and what they need.

Devote a portion of every day to pastoral service. To visit a large congregation consumes a vast amount of time; but can you spend it more profitably elsewhere? Be on the lookout for sermon hints wherever you go; one hour with a live man may teach you more than two hours with a dead book.—Dr. T. L. Cuyler.