Recently I was invited to give a charge to the church at the ordination service for a young Kentucky Baptist pastor. It was an inspiring worship service, and many attended to encourage him and his family and to celebrate God’s call on his life.
My text was Hebrews 13:7 where the author wrote to the believers, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.”
My sermon encouraged the church to remember that their pastor is called by God and is uniquely placed to provide leadership to the church. I took a little liberty and asked that they remember other things about their pastor as well. Here are five things we could remember about those who shepherd the flocks.
1. Remember he is human: Your pastor will make leadership mistakes. It is not “if” he will make a mistake, but “when” he makes a mistake. He will have visions and plans to lead the church in a faithful God-honoring mission-focused direction, and he will not always execute all those plans exactly right. If he is a humble leader, then he will admit his mistakes and take responsibility for them. Our role is to be merciful and help him lead well.
2. Remember he has a family: Your pastor, especially if he has young children, has responsibilities apart from the church. His children need him to be present at key points in their lives. He needs to be able to enjoy meals at home with his family. He needs to be free to participate in his children’s Saturday sports. He needs vacation time away with his wife and family. Healthy church members will honor his family by being careful not to ask him to be away from his home more than necessary.
3. Remember he has needs: The Kentucky Baptist Convention was organized in 1837 around four priorities: distribute Bibles, advocate for the education of ministers and laity, fund foreign missions and advocate for pastors pay. Over 180 years later we are still connected to those priorities, including advocating for pastors pay. 1 Corinthians 9:14 is instructive for churches as Paul wrote, “In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.” Church members can serve their pastors by encouraging their church to pay their pastor well.
4. Remember he needs encouragement: In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul exhorted the believers in Thessalonica, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” Encouragement seems like a soft skill and its importance is easily overlooked. But to encourage someone is to give them courage. Leadership is often lonely and encouragement from one or two key church members can help a pastor lead faithfully. I can remember specific words of encouragement that came to me at pivotal times over a period of many years. One great thing to do for your pastor is to be in the habit of encouraging him, especially when the church is going through a challenging season.
5. Remember he is called by God: Pastors serve churches at the calling of God. While most church members may pray about their job, promotions or relocations, faithful pastors have surrendered themselves to Jesus and are prepared to uproot their family, relocate to a place of God’s calling and plant themselves until He moves them again. Remembering this fact about your pastor will help you appreciate his unique role in your congregation.
Local church pastors are a gift from God (Ephesians 4:11-12). If God has given your church a faithful pastor, be sure and do your part to honor his calling and be a blessing to him and his family.
Dr. Todd Gray 