how to be a guest speaker!

Daniel - btw, I grew up in Arlington (graduated in '69 from W-L HS).

Ask your pastor to recommend you to other pastorss in the ministry. If you're part of a denomination such as the SBC, speak to the DOM about opportunities.

Obviously, keep praying about God widening your ministry. Heard a preacher say once that we should only concern ourselves about the depth of our ministry and allow God to establish our width.

 

I agree with almost everything you said here. Preach as much as you can, as often as you can- anywhere you can.

One caution- I have worked with some churches that do not realize that gas is no longer 1.00 a gallon. Some of them have never thought of mileage, let alone traveling for an hour or more and not even offering to buy lunch.

Be up from with a church about what you may need. The church and yourself have to be good stewards of your resources.

Keep preaching the word. Seek the Lord for where He would have you go. Also build relationships with fellow ministers.

 

Let your pastor know your desire, he may spread the word if you are doing a good job.

If your denomination/group have a home missions group, let their leadership know you are available. If the denom/group have pastor get togethers, go to on with your pastor and let them know you desire to fill in.

When asked to preach ask what is expected of you, if there is anything you need to know.

Expenses: everyone has their own feelings. We always kept a little in store in case expenses were not covered - so we could get home/buy some chow. Never came up short and most (we were in the western half of the us) were generous. We only had one church in 10 years that did not give anything, and I suspect that was an oversight because the pastor promised there would be a check in the mail that week.

 

Pardon me for derailing the thread, but is it proper to call the pastor and ask him about it?

One idea might be to call him, and say "I forgot to give you my mailing address where you can send the honorarium check. Got a pencil?"

Of course, if he responds, "What check?".........

Okay, back to the OP.

 

Personal lifestyle, never asked for a raise in my life and a forgotten check didn't harm our budget that much. Some might seek the check, I would not.

 

Exscentric,
We are very much in agreement on this. I also have never asked for pay or a raise. I have to say that I am a blessed man, my churches have always taken very good care of me. As to the check issue, I even refused to accept payment a couple of times when I felt the church was doing me a favor in letting a young "nobody" like me preach.

 

I could not agree more. My journey=

Teaching youth Sunday School.... then
Volunteer youth minister....then
Youth Pastor...While
Preaching at local nursing homes...which led to....
Supply preaching...then
Interim Pastor....finally
Pastor.

Looking back, I can see how the Lord was shaping me every step of the way.

I say this becasue I have spoken to young men about the ministry (their request) and they want to start out at the top. Just like any other profession, one usually starts out at the bottom and works their way up. I will help those who are willing to work this way, but I have zero patience for those who will not get their hands dirty in service to our holy and righteous God.

In other words- Rhet's advice is top-notch. Get as much experience as you can...serve as well as you can. Let God open the doors.

 

Very Important!!!!!!

ALWAYS remember to dust your shirt and check your fly before going into the church. I had near catastrophe this Sunday morning when the one morning I forgot to check before I left the house was the one morning I forgot to zip after tucking in. As I walked from my office to the sanctuary for S.S. I did a quick check and nearly lost it when I discovered my uncoveredness. Fortunately the sanctuary was not yet full so I was able to make a fast "correction" and go on with my morning.

On the dusting front, many churches like to serve donuts for S.S. so always check to make sure you don't have the glazing on your shirt, jacket or tie (if you wear such things).

Finally, don't preach what men want to hear or what will make the pastor happy, preach ONLY what the Spirit tells you to preach. As long as you follow that God will open the doors for your ministry.