The Pastor’s Study

Quotes:

“As a result of failure in study habits some preacher, as they stand behind the sacred desk on Sunday morning, remind one of a football game played in the fog. The congregation knows something is going on, but they don’t know exactly what.” --Unknown

“The measure of a man’s education is not how many years he has gone to school, but whether or not he continues to learn after his formal education has ended.” --Bill Scheidler

I. What are some of the biblical challenges to the pastor relating to his or her study life?

There are several key verses that challenge the pastor in the area of study:A. Acts 6:2-71. The apostles knew that their

primary call was to “give themselves” to prayer and the word.

2. The apostles had to structure the local church in such a way as to make that a reality.

3. The fruit of the renewed focus on their primary ministry was a release of evangelism.

B. I Timothy 4:13-161. Timothy was instructed to give

attention to reading and doctrine.

2. Timothy was to give himself entirely to them.

3. The fruit of it would be that his profiting would be evident to all.

C. II Timothy 2:151. When we rightly divide the

word we honor God.

2. When we rightly divide the word we will not be ashamed.

3. The only way that we can rightly divide the word is to study the Word.

D. II Timothy 4:13

E. I Timothy 3 and Titus 1 The qualifications for elders

contain intellectual and educational elements, such as:

1. Able to teach2. Holding fast the faithful word3. Able to exhort in sound

doctrine4. Able to refute those who contradict

5. Able to exhort and reprove with all authority

6. Nourished on the words of faith and sound doctrine (I Tim. 4:6)

F. Ecclesiastes 12:12

II. What happens to the pastor who does not study?

A. He will lack fresh spiritual experiences.

B. He will become stale in his preaching.

C. He will repeat the same things over and over.

D. He will probably cease to grow personally.

III. What are some hindrances to the pastor’s study life?

A. Busyness B. Indifference C. Improper values D. Poor time management E. Laziness F. Lack of knowledge G. Obsolete tools

IV. On what areas should the pastor focus his or her study?

A. The Bible 1. Personal daily Bible reading

2. Systematic study of the Bible

3. Preparation for “word” ministry

B. Other Christian materials 1. Periodicals 2. Current Christian Books 3. Biographies of Church Leaders 4. Theology

C. Miscellaneous, non-Christian materials

1. Newspaper 2. News Magazine 3. Current Non-fiction Best

Sellers

V. What are some of the dangers to avoid in the area of study?

A. Guard against becoming a bookworm.

B. Guard against adopting all of the ideas that you read.

C. Guard against reading that is too shallow.

D. Guard against reading that is too narrow.

VI. What are the main things to keep in mind when building a pastoral library?

A. Have a definite plan B. Focus on source books and

software C. Have a regular budget D. Stay balanced E. Subscribe to some choice

periodicals F. Maintain a good filing system