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What
Kind Of A Pastor Do You Have? If you are a
member of a sound, Bible believing church, this inquiry is addressed to
you. We know without asking that modernistic pastors or cult leaders are
"evil men and seducers." (11 Tim. 3:13). We're asking
this question because in every good church there are a number of critics
who feel their pastor, no matter how faithful, is a lemon and should
leave soon. Why is it? Well, first of
all "Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many
noble are called: but God bath chosen the foolish . .. the weak . . .
the base ... and the despised, hath God chosen . . . " (I Cor.
1:26-28). This passage discusses preachers and it is clear there are few
supermen in God's ministry. The critics feel
their pastor is "below average." So was Moses, who was
"very meek" (no personality), Numbers 12:3; and the Apostle
Paul who was "less than the least of all the saints" (no
prestige), Eph. 3:8. The God of grace
usually chooses humble men "that no flesh should glory in his
presence" but rather "glory in the Lord". (I Cor.
1:29-31). The root of
criticism is usually PRIDE which is hindering blessing and causing
trouble for "only by pride cometh contention." (Proverbs
13:10). If your pastor
exalts Christ as God and Saviour and preaches Bible-centered messages
then he is definitely the kind of a pastor God wants in your church and
he deserves your hearty support and cooperation. "And we beseech
you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in
the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for
their works sake, And be at peace among yourselves." (I Thes.
5:12-13). Remember that a
pastor is not the church's hired man, paid to please the members --
rather an "overseer" appointed by the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28)
and Christ's "gift" to each local church, "for the
perfecting of the saints to do the work of the ministry." (Eph.
4:11,12). Concerning
faithful pastors, God commands: "Obey them that have rule over you,
and submit yourselves; for they watch for your souls, as they that must
give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that
is unprofitable for you." (Heb. 13:17). Don't demand too
many visible results for your pastor's calling is to faithfully sow and
water the seed of God's Word and the Lord "gives the increase"
(I Cor. 3:5-10) which may or may not be visible to your eyes. May we express
appreciation to the many consecrated church members who prayerfully
support and encourage their pastor in these difficult days. When the
critics also develop a Scriptural attitude toward the pastor we predict
that the church will enjoy many new blessings and greater progress; the
pastor's efforts will bear more fruit and everyone's soul will be
filled. What kind of a
pastor do you have? You probably have the very one God wants you to have
the very best man for your particular church to fulfill God's purpose
there at this time! By L.E.A. |