One of the most common mistakes that preachers make is too much time behind a desk. Preachers do need time for study and sermon prep along with balancing the many demands of pastoral ministry. But if preachers never get away from the desk, they will soon lose touch with people.

“Many a preacher misses the mark because, though he knows books, he does not know men.”
~James Stalker

How well do you know the people in your community? What are their hopes? What are their dreams? What are their struggles? What are their fears? What are their Hobbies? Jobs? Favorite TV shows? Favorite music?

Many pastors know a lot about dead authors, but nothing about their people. So their preaching soon becomes irrelevant to the people they are called to reach.

This is the delicate balance of pastoral ministry. Too much time away from the desk and your ministry will suffer. Too much time behind the desk and your preaching will suffer – not because you aren’t prepared, but because you aren’t connected. Continue Reading…