Dr. Michael McKinney, Senior Pastor of World for Jesus International
Christian Center and Ministries is the director of the fellowship.
The idea of the Pastor's Network was really launched when Dr. McKinney
wrote an article for the Christian Times entitled, "Pastoring the
Smaller Church." Many pastors called to say how much they
were blessed by the article and when they
heard about the fellowship, they began to come.
The key verse the Lord gave the Pastor's Network is found in Psalm
133:1-5
"Behold, how good and
how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like
the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even
Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew
that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded
the blessing, even life forevermore."
1. We do not proselyte. We believe strongly in
commitment and dedication to the local church. Pastors do not
proselyte members from fellow pastors. Evangelists and
missionaries do not proselyte members from the churches they
visit. The Evangelist and the missionary regards the pastor as God's
servant for that particular congregation and they respect him/her. Their
purpose is to encourage, uplift and edify the church and likewise the
pastors recognize the contribution that the evangelist and missionary
play in the growth of the church and honor them as special gifts to the
body of Christ. It is truly a five-fold ministry that is needed in
the church today... working together as a team.
2. We pray for one another. As fellow clergy,
there are times of difficulty in ministry, personally and
professionally. The Pastor's Network believes in praying for one
another, and preferring one another in the most holy faith.
3. We support one another. Whenever possible,
pastors help pastors. They work together on ministry projects,
answering questions, sharing advice and recommendations, and at times
the network even shares financially with assist in missionary and/or
charity project.
4. We love one another. We believe that ministers
are all servants of God. Jesus Christ is the chief shepherd and
therefore we are co-laborers one with another. The sheep and the
ministry belongs to the Lord. Therefore, we are not in
competition. Our goal is to see our brother succeed in the calling
and ministry he/she has been called too. When good things happen
and blessings come
to our brothers and sisters we rejoice; when difficulties occur we weep
-- but we do it together
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