Pastor's Appreciation-- A Word For The Pastor

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God gave pastors a family and a congregation. With a balanced life, family and your church can be satisfied. Here are four tips that may be helpful.

 1. There must never be a competition between the two. God called you to be a pastor, and at the same time, He gave you your marriage and family. God expects you to put your family first, but don’t let prioritizing one cause you to neglect the other. God would never give you one gift to destroy another. If there is a conflict, between the church and your family, it is because you misunderstood something. Learn how to live a balanced life and your members will commend you for doing so. When my children were small, Thursday evenings were set aside as family time. I remember one Thursday evening the phone rang, and I continued playing with my son. “Daddy, the phone is ringing, are you going to answer it?”, asked Tarea. On this occasion I did not take the call. When I returned the call later that evening the member understood. Develop an understanding between you and your members with regards to your family time. However, always return calls from your members. Every call is important.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. “I am an Adventist pastor.” It is so dangerous to get trapped in what that means to so many members. For some parishioners that means that the pastor must be perfect. It means that you are not vulnerable, never ill, never exhausted, never burnt out, you’re a flawless parent, and you will always have a fresh sermon to preach. Don’t believe that lie. Pastors must not be afraid to admit shortcomings or ask for help? In fact, don’t be embarrassed to ask for professional help, especially when you are experiencing shame and isolation. Being human does not mean that you are not worthy of your calling. Your members in the congregation will understand if you have problems in the area of marriage, family, mental, or emotional health because they have the same struggles.

3. Create a support group. Don’t pretend to be a spiritual superhero because some members have incredibly unrealistic expectations of you. Know that from time to time you will fall short. But create a safe space where you can express your doubts and fears. It is not easy to find that space, but if you do not have a support group, you are a certain candidate for depression. Having a safe haven will help you to be a calmer and more balanced person. As a result, you will be a better husband, a better father, and a better pastor too.

4. Protect the boundaries of your marriage. The Minister’s Handbook reminds us that, as pastors, we occupy positions that may make us the objects of thoughts, emotions, and even the sexual desires of some members, with no deliberate intent on our part. A person can be attracted to the pastor for several reasons, i.e. you may give more attention to a person than they received from their spouse. Although you are kind and caring, pastors need to set very clear rules to guard the boundaries of their marriage. Show up with your spouse at speaking engagements, and other events. If you are counseling someone of the opposite sex, make sure someone else is in the building. Depending on who you are counseling, you should leave the door of your office open. My point is, since the danger is real, the protective measures need to be real also. As a pastor, it is possible to have a healthy family and a church that is satisfied too! 

--Pastor T. Basil Sturrup, is the Ministerial Secretary for the South Bahamas Conference, pastor of the Good News Seventh-day Adventist church and an author of several books and publications. He has been in pastoral ministry for 26 years. His spouse is Lavern and they have two adult children, Tarea and Brandon.


CONFERENCE CALENDAR OF EVENTS AT A GLANCE

NOVEMBER

1 - 3: Family Island Youth Congress & ACLASS: North Eleuthera
3: DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS
2: Mission Transform 242: Local church AY visit to pray with the M.P. of church area
2 - 9: Week of Prayer
10: Remembrance Day March

15-17: (ALERT) Advanced Leadership & Retention Training
17: PARL Year End Council Meeting
23: CHAM - Children’s Day (in all churches)

23: CHAM - Agape Praise

24: SBC Youth Council Elections

24: CHAM FUN DAY
24: Youth Council Elections
27 - 30: SBC Bible Conference (Islam and Christianity in Prophecy)
28: THANKSGIVING DAY


ATCU PUSH INITIATIVE

The prayer focus of The Atlantic Caribbean Union (ATCU) for the week, October 27-November 2: Missionary Families.


ADVENTIST BOOK & NUTRITION CENTRE (ABNC)

We have a large supply of Sabbath School quarterlies and lesson helps available for purchase. Please visit us or call us at 341-2429 to get your supplies. –Mr. Noel Browne, ABNC.


BIBLE CONFERENCE 2019

 Islam and Christianity-Daniel 11

November 27-30, 2019 at the

Centreville Seventh-day Adventist Church.

All members are invited!

WATCH HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.


CHILDREN & ADOLESCENT MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT THANK YOU

Last week we held our CHAM Week of Prayer, October 16-19, 2019, under the theme: ‘Steel Values’ at the New Providence Church, Soldier Rd. We would like to thank the local CHAM leaders, Week of Prayer committee members, the children who preached, participated or attended the services, the New Providence Church and of course the faithful parents. Our children did an awesome job in ministering to us! We rejoice with the four (4) children that were baptized and say special thanks to Pastors Jon Dorsette, Alvarico Moss and Jamal Franklyn for their support. May God bless us all as we continue to develop ‘steel values.’ -- Mrs. Lavern Sturrup, C.H.A.M Director.


FAITH & SCIENCE WEEKEND

October 24 - 26, 2019

The South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will join the World Church in celebrating ‘Creation Sabbath’ with a weekend of events. Guest Speaker: Dr. Arthur Chadwick, Research Professor of Biology and Geology at Southwestern Adventist University.

- Friday, October 25, 2019 - 7:00 p.m. @ Bethany Church.

- Creation Sabbath, October 26, 2019

8:00 a.m @ Grant's Town Church, 11:00 a.m. @ Hillview Church, and 4:00p.m & 4:30p.m, "The Earth is a Witness" film & Open Forum (Q & A) @ Hillview Church respectively. Invite your friends, come and celebrate the wonders of God's creation as seen through science.


HEALTH MINISTRIES THANK YOU

A special thank you is extended to all persons who organized and participated in the ‘Let’s Move to Live’ Fun, Run, Walk held on October 14th. Keep moving folks!

Blood Drive

During the months of November and December the Adventist Health Professionals Association (AHPA) is encouraging you to give the gift of life by donating blood to the Princess Margaret Hospital’s Blood Bank. Lab hours, Monday – Friday 8:00a.m – 4:30p.m. CALL 502-7822. All types of blood are needed. Thank you so much for your support. —Mrs. Nathelyn Lacroix, Health Ministries Director.


WOMEN’S MINISTRIES 

Fourth Quarter (October - December)

“WE” (Women Empowerment) – Q4 Forecast:

November, 2019

1-3 ATCU Retreat - South Caicos, Turks & Caicos Islands

December, 2019

TBA - Zone 4 Community Outreach

A Heartfelt Thanks 

A heartfelt thanks is extended to the scores of women who supported and attended the 2019 Women’s Ministries Conclave held last weekend. It was truly a heavenly sitting with Pastor Brenda Billingy. Special thanks is extended to the Women’s Ministries local leaders & GEMS council members, the South Bahamas Conference administration; and to my family for their support during my many days of concentrated planning. Special commendation is also noted for the stellar musical assistance by Sisters Annette Dorsett, Allison Rolle, and Brothers Kyson Miller and Winston Smith. We are also grateful to the commitment of the Conclave Choir, Praise Team and the willingness of the Centreville Youth Choir to partner with us musically; as well as the Ministerial Spouses who facilitated our Sabbath School Program. May God bless each of us as we continue to serve as His daughters, who have been Rescued, Redeemed, Restored and Released!

Warfare Wednesdays

The Women’s Ministries Department extends an invitation all women in the South Bahamas Conference to take a minute to “pause and pray” with us at 12 noon each Wednesday. This collective effort not only enrich our prayer lives, but the results of these unified prayers are unmeasurable. You may contact your local leader for more information on this wonderful initiative. -Mrs. Jacqueline Gibson, Women’s Ministries Director.

Women's Ministries Conclave Music Committee

THANK YOU is extended to our Ladies Chorale, Praise Team, Musicians and Technicians for a wonderful ministry experience during the Women's Ministries Conclave 2019. May you continue to be a blessing in ministry at your local churches.

Watch for an announcement on the official formation of an SBC Ladies Chorale. –Mrs. Annette Dorsett, SBC Music Ministries Coordinator, and Mrs. Allison Rolle.


SOUTH BAHAMAS CONFERENCE MUSIC MINISTRIES

Rehearsals for the newly organized SBC Youth Choir, for persons ages 15 – 30 years, continues at the Agape Church, Wulff Road, this Sunday and every Sunday at 6:00 p.m. You are invited to be a part of this dynamic Youth Choir.--Mrs. Annette Dorsett, Music Ministries Coordinator.


PRAYER MINISTRIES CONFERENCE-WIDE WEEK OF PRAYER 

Week of Prayer is scheduled for November 2- 9, 2019. This will be held at the Grant’s Town Church, Monday through Friday at 5o’clock to 6 o’clock in the morning. All churches are asked to encourage members to support the joint in the morning or to assemble at their local churches in the evening with their local congregations for this Week of Prayer program. --Pastor Leonardo Rahming, Prayer Coordinator.


YOUTH DEPARTMENT TIDBITS

National Youth Month

The National Youth March and Rally will be conducted on Sunday, October 27, 2019 leaving from Clifford Park at 3:00 p.m.

Uniform: FOR ADVENTURERS, PATHFINDERS & MASTERGUIDES: CLASS A UNIFORMS

ADVENTIST YOUTH: ROYAL BLUE GLOBAL YOUTH DAY T-SHIRTS

PLEASE SEE WEBSITE FOR 

THE MARCH ROUTE.

The Youth Department Presents: “WE2019”

A Winter Evangelism Series for Children, 

Youth & Adults.

Theme: “Answers for Your Attacks”

Venue: New Providence Church, Soldier Road Date/Time: November 2-16, 2019, at 7: 00p.m to 8: 30p.m nightly/ 11:00 a.m on Sabbaths!

Nightly feature: The premiere of the Adventist produced TV series: ‘Believe a Lie!’

Monday & Thursday are nights off!

Evangelist: Pr. Jamal Franklyn

Host Pastor: Pr. Alvarico Moss

Invite a friend and plan to attend to get your answers! --Pastor Jamal Franklyn, Youth Director.


CENTREVILLE CHURCH ANNIVERSARY 

All are invited to join the members of the Centreville Church, on Sabbath, November 2, 2019 during the Divine Worship service at 11:00 a.m., as we celebrate the church's Anniversary under the theme, "Remembering What He Has Done". We will be featuring Negro Spirituals and the guest soloist for that day will be Ms. Georvantae Wells, a Music major at the University of The Bahamas. Come and be blessed!


GOOD NEWS CHURCH YOUTH RETREAT "SWIPE RIGHT"

ALL Youth are invited to join us at the Bahamas Youth Camp from December 6-8, 2019. COST $30. (For Ages 14-30 years).

There will be: Interactive sessions, spiritual and uplifting programs, avenues to develop a closer walk with Jesus, social activities and prizes & surprises. Deadline for registration is November 15, 2019. Call/whatsapp for more information - 359-0833 / 813-4554.


PHILADELPHIA CHURCH

The Philadelphia Church celebrates its 30th Anniversary with the following events.

  • Wednesday November 30th - Prayer and Praise at the Elizabeth Estates Park
  • Friday November 22nd - Praise and Worship at the Church
  • Sabbath November 23rd - Divine Service
  • Sunday November 24th - The celebration climaxes with a Gala Banquet at the National Training Agency. Tickets are on sale. –Mrs. Annette Dorsett.


FINALE CHORALE 

Rehearsal for the Finale Chorale will be held at the Grant's Town Church at 7:00 p.m on Tuesday October 29, 2019. All members are asked to be in attendance as we prepare for our debut on Friday December 20, 2019. --Mr. Nelson Bain, Director.


Please Email Weekly Announcements

To: sbclogos@gmail.com

By Tuesday at 3:00 p.m.

Visit the Conference website:

 http://southbahamasconference.org

CALL 341-4021

SUN SETS NEXT SABBATH

November 2, 2019 AT 6:28P.M.