Excerpt:
The Facts of Pastoral Ministry
Pastors help the people of God to grow/prosper through their ministry. They do this through their ministry of the Word. Their congregants should be able to feed and mature.
And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord. (Jeremiah 23:4)
Pastors lead by instruction and example. We must follow. Along with the ministry of the Word, pastors must be examples.
A natural shepherd does more leading than talking. Even if the pastor has not said one word, the people of God should see the Word demonstrated in his lifestyle.
Remember them, which have the rule over you, who have spoken the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of the conversation. (Hebrews 13:7)
Pastors are to represent the heart of God and care for the Church. Pastors should take on the nature of the Good Shepherd. They are protectors over the flock of God as watchmen.
And I will give you pastors after mine own heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. (Jeremiah 3:15)
Pastors must guard against the Pharisaic spirit: preaching and teaching only for the praise of men. They have to remember they are privileged to lead.
They must not look upon the people of God as their servants, but rather be ready to serve. In doing so, they and the people of God will grow into the fullness of the stature of Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment