Excitement fills the air in Pasadena as the new sabbatical ministers begin arriving for a year of challenges, development, and growth! Each of them, as well as every one of us ministers worldwide, needs to recognize this is a time to rededicate ourselves to the very special calling that the Great God has given us.
We have a very great responsibility to the flock God has placed in our care. And like any good shepherd who is truly concerned about the health and condition of his sheep — truly concerned about leading them to wholesome, nourishing pastures and sufficient water — we should keep our sheep healthy, strong, and safe, thereby preventing any disaster from harming a portion of the flock.
As Jesus says in John 10:14, "I am the good shepherd and know my sheep, and am known of mine:" so we must also, as ministers of Christ, through constant vigilance, and much personal contact, know our sheep and be known of them, so that they can be prepared to withstand all spiritual predators, disease. and danger which could otherwise destroy the flock, or any portion of it. We must earnestly and enthusiastically drive ourselves through fervent prayer and fasting, to stay close to God, and by hard, selfless work assist Mr. Armstrong in making God's church ready for the imminent return of Jesus Christ.
Mr. Armstrong strongly urges the ministry to keep him informed about the trends, problems, pertinent news, needs, and any matters that may require his immediate attention.
The Ministerial Services Department is a service oriented department, designed to assist the ministry in maintaining open communication with Mr. Armstrong, as well as carrying on the day-to-day ministerial operations as it has done in the past. The function of Ministerial Services is to see to it that Mr. Armstrong is not cut off from the ministry. It serves to channel all communications from the ministry to Mr. Armstrong, and to carry out all of Mr. Armstrong's decisions and directives.
All communication to Mr. Armstrong, and all church reports should be sent directly to Ministerial Services in care of Joseph Tkach, where they will receive Mr. Armstrong's immediate attention.
Some have asked that we clarify the role of Senior Pastors. To quote Mr. Armstrong, "There will be no line authority under senior pastors." Mr. Armstrong is our only human head. The ministry answers to him. Senior pastors are responsible only for their local congregations like any other pastor. They have no authority over any other pastor, and no other pastors must report to them. Obviously, from time to time, a younger minister may desire advice or counsel from a more experienced, and mature minister. But that has nothing to do with authority.
FROM MINISTERIAL SERVICES
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