Ministry Etiquette
Welcome to the month of May! A time when the weather is getting warmer, more people are coming out, and there are so many more things to do. At the same time, it is around this season when the minister's calendar also begins to escalate and traveling becomes more of a part of the "work". Therefore, in an effort to make sure that you're ready to hit the road and arrive at your destination safely, here are a few short tips on two of the most popular modes of transportation taken from my book, "Hooper's Evangelist & Minister's Handbook":Read more inside...
This month, my preaching sister, is Women's Month. Do you know what that means? It means that this is a special time that has been set aside where you and I take time from our busy schedules to pause and celebrate each other. Yes, as much as there is to do, and always will be, we are determined that some time during this month, we will etch into our schedules time to reach out to that single mother, female pastor, college student, grandmother, special friend, family member or stranger and let her know that she is doing a great job and we are proud! Truly we understand that doing what you do has not, and is not easy, in particular, if you are single and doing it alone. But, nevertheless, that is why you are celebrated! Because amidst all that is going on in the world today, and [according to the world's point of view] having the odds strongly stacked up against you, you have found a way to utilize your faith, press on anyway and survive. Read more inside...
Somebody help me, please! Have you ever heard that cry or exclaimed it yourself? I have, especially ever since I've been doing the work of the ministry. There have been times, and I mean rough times, where I've gotten stuck on something and have had to either say it myself or have heard it over and over from the lips of some of my ministry friends. In actuality, that's the reason why I was so greatly inspired to write the ministry book, Hooper's Evangelist & Minister's Handbook. It all came about in an effort to help those new and aspiring ministers, who like I in my early ministerial years, are both embarking upon this new territory, have some questions they need answered or are actually simply scared to death about the ministry and calling. (Which are you?) Well, even if you don't want to share your answer, I still want to share something with you and that is, if you need help with your calling and ministry, rejoice, because help is here! Find out more inside...
Speaking of dreams, I know that one of the things you are looking forward to this year is the Lord expanding your territory in ministry. And if so, that means traveling. With that in mind, let me share something with you to help prepare you with that area and make your life easier as well. Twenty years prior, as an itinerant evangelist, I literally lived out of a suitcase, traveling and doing ministry at least 42 weekends out of the year. It was rewarding and exciting, but in all honesty, the constant hustle and bustle made my life pretty hectic. So to help keep things in order, the Lord led me to create a Minister's Travel Checklist...Find out what's on the list inside...
In laying down some foundational truths about preachers, the Apostle Paul in Romans 10:14 asked this question: how can they hear without a preacher? On the heels of such a question, I further ask: and how can a preacher preach without a voice? If you've been ministering for some time, or you're just joining the ranks, then you know this statement is true: no voice, no preaching. And there's nothing more embarrassing for a preacher than to hear his or her voice going out in the middle of a sermon. So, know this my sister, your voice box is a very vital part of your body. It is this instrument that allows you to articulate God's Word so that His people can hear it and be edified in the faith. Therefore, at all costs, it is important that you be careful to guard and protect it; for it is one of those things whereby we say, "if you take care of it, it will take care of you." Find out how to protect this precious asset inside...
Let's face it ladies, as a preacher, there is nothing more exciting than preaching. (Not even a new pair of shoes can compare!) But as a preacher, how do you get an opportunity to preach? While there may be several ways (at the request of family and friends), it usually happens by God touching someone's heart (a complete stranger) to ask you. If ever you are blessed with someone extending an invitation for you to come and minister, I believe that there are at least five things you should know so that you can respond professionally. Therefore, in this issue, we shall discuss how ministers should respond to a ministry invite. Find out more inside...
Often times when ministers are asked to speak at churches, they are also asked to forward their biography. This piece of information is a brief synopsis about the minister and is basically used to introduce him or her to the inviting church. Because of its importance, it is without question, that every minister should have one, and it should be readily prepared when called upon to solicit it. To make sure that is the case, and that it is one of excellence, let us consider a few pointers: Read more inside...
Join Dr. Debora Hooper as she continues the third of her four-part series on how we as ministers can enhance and market our ministry with excellence!
Find out inside what Dr.Debora Hooper says every ministry should have. This is an article that you will definitely want to read if you are looking to expand the reach of your personal ministry. Find out more inside...