You had better develop a biblical mind

Pastor, if you do not intently study the Bible apart from sermon preparation, you will be sorely deficient when it comes to helping your congregation in their times of need.

Yesterday, I heard that a couple of members of my congregation was in dire straits. I called them on the phone only to hear the specifics of how their world had fallen apart. The particular details not only left them grieving but terrified.

If you are a pastor who loves your congregation and they feel that love, they will bring their burdens (privately) to you. And just like the precious lady on the phone yesterday, they will say something like, "Pastor, we're struggling. We need to know what God's Word says about this. Can you give us instruction and comfort from God's Word?"

Unscripted situations like this tend to happen more than you may realize and demand that you be proficient enough in handling God's Word that you can give them an instructive / hope-filled word from the Lord.

1 Peter 3:15 "but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,"

While this verse speaks specifically to our need to be ready to share the Gospel with a seeking lost person, the principle can easily apply to being ready to share from God's Word with those believers who desperately need a word from the Lord.

So, pastor, do your congregation a favor and become best friends with God's Word. Read it. Meditate on it. Study it. Know it. And be prepared at a moment's notice to share a relevant word from it.