ASK THE CLERGY.Question: "What do you think are the best ways to recruit people for a life in the pulpit?"Rabbi Donald Goor Temple Judea www.templejudea.com Each year I teach rabbinical rab·bin·i·cal also rab·bin·ic adj. Of, relating to, or characteristic of rabbis. [From obsolete rabbin, rabbi, from French, from Old French rabain, probably from Aramaic students in their classes at the Hebrew Union College The Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (also known as HUC, HUC-JIR, and The College-Institute) is the oldest Jewish seminary in the New World and the main seminary for training rabbis, cantors, educators and communal workers in Reform Judaism. . They have chosen a life in the pulpit because as youngsters or as adults they were touched by a rabbi. Each of them has a story to tell of a rabbi who inspired them to be more; who comforted them in their grief and rejoiced with them at a Simcha Simcha (שׂמְחָה) is a Hebrew word with several meanings. Literally, the word "simcha" means gladness, or joy. It comes from the root word "sameyach," which means glad or happy. -- a joyful moment; who taught them valuable lessons from our tradition; who guided them on their spiritual journey. As clergy, when we live our lives with integrity showing that the message of our tradition adds profound meaning to human existence we will clearly model for others that life in the pulpit has deep worth and purpose. Others will be called to a life in the pulpit when they see in our lives that there is no other calling in life that simultaneously invites the human soul to soar toward the heavens while remaining integrated into the most meaningful day-to-day aspects of our existence. Dr. Andrew John Noch Rolling Hills Rolling hills are like a mountain chain, only a "hill chain" of hills that roll on and on continually. You will often find them in between plains and mountains, near major rivers, or randomly anywhere. The only places without rolling hills are deserts and flood plains. Covenant Church anoch@rhcc.net Simply put, the answer to that question is to look for the people that God is already recruiting. In the New Testament book of Titus, chapter one, we find the characteristics of people God is calling into a pulpit ministry. The first key area is character. Paul says he must be "above reproach re·proach tr.v. re·proached, re·proach·ing, re·proach·es 1. To express disapproval of, criticism of, or disappointment in (someone). See Synonyms at admonish. 2. To bring shame upon; disgrace. n. ?" That does not mean sinless perfection, but it refers to a personal life of the highest morality beyond accusation and scandal. Secondly, the person must be "hospitable hos·pi·ta·ble adj. 1. Disposed to treat guests with warmth and generosity. 2. Indicative of cordiality toward guests: a hospitable act. 3. ." The Greek word means literally a "lover of strangers," a person who gives practical help, time, resources and encouragement to anyone in need. Thirdly, the person needs to know how to "accurately handle the word of God." Just as a surgeon does his craft with absolute precision, likewise it is crucial for a minister to do the same. Fourthly Fourth´ly adv. 1. In the fourth place. Adv. 1. fourthly - in the fourth place; "fourthly, you must pay the rent on the first of the month" fourth , the person should consistently and boldly declare Jesus Christ Jesus Christ: see Jesus. Jesus Christ 40 days after Resurrection, ascended into heaven. [N.T.: Acts 1:1–11] See : Ascension Jesus Christ kind to the poor, forgiving to the sinful. [N.T. died on the cross so that we can be 100% forgiven and have a personal relationship with Him. Find this person and you'll find the one that God is recruiting! CAPTION(S): 2 photos Photo: (1) Rabbi Donald Goor (2) Dr. Andrew John Noch |
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