I am so thankful for the role modeling we received under Pastors Rudet and Betty Atkinson, Mike and Sue Wright, Whit and Jan Sasser. Will never forget my favorite 2 youth pastors growing up Keith Jones and Scott Smith. They poured countless hours into Nicole and I. They modeled what it means to be a Christ follower. I served under some great men of God but was also exposed to every different type of attitude and styles from those in ministry. One of my professors at Southeastern Univ. in Lakeland, FL.(a/g), said 90% of pastors are good as gold and the other 10% are bologna. I recently heard Pastor Chris Hodges of the fast growing church in America and one of the founders of ARC say in his opinion @ 50% of those in ministry should not be ( due to sin or not really being a real leader). Well here's Pastors Matt's blog. Boy it sounds like he's been exposed to the same stuff we all have been. enjoy!
The Church – The role of a Pastor/Church Leader18 02 2010
Over some time I want to attempt to post about how I feel a healthy church should look like. Hopefully you will find these posts helpful and give you an idea of how Refuge Point Church will look. Before we get into the role of the church I think it’s fitting to get an idea of what the Bible says the role of a pastor and/or church leader should be.
Let’s look at 1 Timothy 3: if anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, good! But there are preconditions: A leader (pastor, elder…) must be well thought of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, (I LOVE that part) accessible, and hospitable. He must know what he’s talking about, not be over fond of wine, not pushy but gentle, not thin-skinned, not money-hungry. He must handle his own affairs well, attentive to his own children and having their respect. For if someone is unable to handle his own affairs, how can he take care of God’s church? He must not be a new believer, lest the position go to his head and the Devil trip him up. Outsiders must think well of him, or else the Devil will figure out a way to lure him into his trap…No exceptions are to be made for women—same qualifications: serious, dependable, not sharp-tongued…
Here’s the deal: Churches don’t need kings…(Absolute power always goes bad.) I’ve seen this ‘pastor King model’ and it’s not biblical or healthy. You know…the men who wear the super hero capes, have the guards surrounding them, bla bla…? We just read that a church leader/pastor is accessible and hospitable. Pastor, stop hiding in your office with your door shut all of the time. You are not a god.
What churches need are pastors who will lead by example and who are servants. By the way…isn’t that what Jesus came to do…serve? In fact it seems like he came with a towel in his hand to wash peoples feet, not sit behind a title.
The Pastor’s wife: Same applies bro… and I love what the writer also included on the list: NOT SHARP-TONGUED! Dear Beloved Pastor-if you can’t handle the affairs of your family and can’t keep your wife from gossiping and being slanderous…then you are not fit to lead a church. Apply for something in the corporate world.
Here’s what you should expect from any church leader:
1. That they are continuously growing in their walk with Christ.
2. That they pastor their family – bathe them in the word and bathe them with their love and support.
3. To Pastors – Instead of being a CEO Pastor, try being a spiritual director. Care for the spiritual life of your staff. Support your staff at any cost, because it will cost you.
4. Serve.
5. Lead.
It’s not about advancing a “pastor’s” kingdom…it’s about advancing HIS Kingdom. “let Your kingdom come, Lord.”
Love You, mean it-
Matthew
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