What is the most important job of a pastor?  Some say, “That’s an easy answer.  He preaches.” Preaching involves preparation.  He prepares his sermons in his spare time, and then he works only on Sunday, right?  Wrong!  The most important job of a pastor is to prepare himself.  Then, preparing the sermon takes second place.  He must be prepared before he can prepare his sermon.

God is more concerned with our character than with our standing in the community.

God is more concerned with our spiritual growth than with our education.

God is more concerned with Christlikeness than with outward appearance.

God is more concerned with generosity than with the amount in our wallet.

God is more concerned with our Godliness than with our giftedness; and,

God is more concerned with our inward spiritual life than with our outward success.

Before any other consideration, a pastor’s priority (as well as every Christian’s priority) is to let God work freely in us.  Only then will God be able to work through us.  The preacher’s entire being must be driven by the desire to know God and to let the Holy Spirit conform him to the likeness of his Son, Jesus.  This is of first importance.  The pastor’s pulpit ministry will rest on this.  Regardless of how great a speaker the pastor may be, God’s message will flow most effectively and with the greatest power from a pastor who is a pure vessel.  Therefore, each pastor is accountable before God to cultivate his own heart for God. 

How can a pastor conform to the likeness of Jesus?  How can we allow God to work through us?  Spend time every day in the Bible, the infallible Word of God.  Become a man of prayer.  Be a soul-winner.  Seek to grow in love for God and dedication to Him each day.  

Do you have dreams of pastoring a large church and preaching to thousands every week?  Cancel that dream.  Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of its own worries. (Matthew 6:34) Seek to have a deep ministry by growing deeper in the Lord every day.  God will take care of the ultimate size of your ministry.

“God looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) How will your heart respond?