About Pastor Bill Harmon
I’ve had the privilege of serving as pastor of West Columbia First Church of the Nazarene in West Columbia, South Carolina, since 1997.
That’s a long time to pastor one congregation!
Over those years, I’ve experienced some wonderful victories, a few disappointments, and more than a handful of situations where I wasn’t quite sure what to do next.
But through it all, God has been faithful.
I’ve come to believe that some of the most meaningful ministry happens in smaller congregations. We may not have the resources, staff, or programs of larger churches, but we have something incredibly valuable: the opportunity to know our people, walk alongside them, and make a difference in their lives.
Why Pastoring from the Prayer Closet?
Over the years, I’ve developed a simple philosophy of ministry:
Prayer first. Ministry second.
Rather than beginning my week with a list of things I need to accomplish, I begin by praying through our church directory.
As I pray for families and individuals, God will often bring someone to mind who needs a phone call, a visit, an encouraging word, or some practical help.
Sometimes those prayers lead to opportunities I never could have planned.
I’ve discovered that some of the most important ministry opportunities aren’t the ones I’ve scheduled. They’re the ones God brings across my path as I pray.
That practice has shaped the way I pastor.
I still prepare sermons, attend meetings, visit hospitals, and take care of the many responsibilities that come with ministry.
But I’ve learned that the most important thing I can do for my congregation is seek God’s direction before deciding what needs to be done.
Ministry Begins at Home
One of the greatest blessings God has given me is my wife, Kristi, and our family.
I’ve learned that the prayer closet doesn’t just help me determine what needs to be done at church. It also helps me keep my priorities straight at home.
There will always be more ministry to do than there is time to do it.
Another phone call to make.
Another person to visit.
Another meeting to attend.
But my family needs me, too.
I believe that when we begin our days seeking God’s direction, He helps us recognize not only when to say yes to ministry opportunities, but also when to say no.
Sometimes the most important thing God wants me to do isn’t at the church. It’s at home with the people I love.
After all, what good is it to spend your life ministering to everyone else while neglecting the people God has placed closest to you?
The prayer closet helps me remember that being a faithful husband and father is just as much a part of my calling as being a faithful pastor.
Why This Website?
I created Pastoring from the Prayer Closet because I want to encourage pastors, especially those serving smaller congregations.
Pastoring a small church can be wonderful, but it can also be lonely.
Sometimes you’re the preacher, administrator, counselor, hospital visitor, funeral director, wedding coordinator, and occasionally the person who figures out why the church toilet won’t stop running!
I’ve been there.
My hope is that this website will become a place where pastors can find practical encouragement, sermon ideas, devotional resources, and examples of ministry materials that have helped me over the years.
I’m not suggesting that I’ve figured everything out.
Far from it.
I’m simply sharing some of the things God has taught me along the way.
Everything on this website is free.
If something here saves you a little time, helps you prepare for a difficult situation, or encourages you to keep serving the Lord faithfully, then it has accomplished its purpose.
A Final Word
I believe the local church still matters.
I believe God is doing wonderful things in small congregations.
And I believe that a pastor who faithfully prays for his or her people, loves them well, and follows the leading of the Holy Spirit can make an eternal difference.
Thanks for stopping by.
I hope you’ll find something here that helps you in your ministry.
And remember:
Prayer first. Ministry second.
Pastor Bill Harmon
West Columbia First Church of the Nazarene
West Columbia, South Carolina
