Small church or large church, new or existing one of the greatest tension points is how much freedom does the pastor have in making decisions and leading the church. Is it an autocracy? Is it more of a democracy? The way I see it the real issue is how the pastor leads and more specifically to Whom he sees himself accountable. Though I do not theologically connect the role of a pastor to the role that the Apostle Paul played in the early days of Christianity there is great value hidden in his personal introduction to the church in Galatia. As he was preparing to lead them by his writings he laid out for them under whose authority he spoke.
"Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead) and all the brethren who are with me" (1:1-2)
There were certainly special circumstances in Paul's calling to which very few of us, if any, could relate (Acts 9:1-19). However, one irreducible truth is that everyone of us called into the ministry has responded to a call that is derived from the same location as Paul's, "Jesus Christ and God the Father". So why is this so important? How does this simple parenthetical phrase impact how we lead as pastors today in the twenty-first century? Whoever establishes you is to whom you are accountable! This understanding fleshes itself out in several levels.
One: when you are not appointed by man, you do not ultimately answer to man. This is a liberating truth when it seeps deep into our hearts because I no longer have to seek after man's approval.
Two: when you are appointed by God, you are fully accountable to Him. This is a refining truth because I am answering to the One who sees all and knows all! If I were answering to man I could attempt to manipulate, persuade, or mislead but now I report to the One whose knowledge is perfect.
As pastors (and Christ-followers), we have the high calling to represent God before man and having the knowledge of the standards and expectations of the One that we report to will change the manner in which we lead. The churches challenge is not how much power to give or not give to a pastor but rather to whom does he really see himself reporting? This is not a license to be reckless and disconnected from the people but rather a mandate to lead in Jesus' example and as Peter lays out for us...
"Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:1-3).
2 comments:
Nice post Chip!
I'll pass this along to some guys I have spoken for and that are facing tough times!
Great Matt! I hope this is helpful. My prayers are with them; its way easier to type it than to flesh it out...
Post a Comment