This past Sunday Pastor Michael preached on what it means for a pastors/elders to be spiritual fathers to us, the Church. Pastor Michael said that within our culture we have many pastors who are mere entertainers instead of shepherds. In todays culture many pastors think about numbers in seats instead of disciples. The role of a pastor is much more than a professional or an entertainer. He is a spiritual father who oversees, leads, cares for and shepherds the body of Christ. Consider this passage from 1 Peter 5:1-5, So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” As we see in this letter from Peter, elders are called to willingly oversee and shepherd those of the church. So, how do we support them? Here are some pointers: 1. Be subject to your pastor and elders (1 Peter 5:5). Humbly accept their encouragement and correction. They care for you greatly and they take their calling seriously. They have a responsibility before God and men to father the church and to guide the flock. 2. Be in prayer for them regularly. Taking on the role of pastor or elder is a noble, yet hard task. Not only do they care for our church, but they also have their own families to care for. Some even have careers outside of the church. 3. Verbally encouragement them. Let them know youre praying for them, you love them and thank them for their work. Our pastor and elders need encouragement throughout their weeks. They need to know they are being prayed for, they are loved and their work is not in vain. Take time on Sunday to thank pastors Michael Clary, Doug Shell, Dustin Nimmo, Ben Reynolds and Brady Faust for the work they are doing and let them know that you love them. Be thankful that you are in the community of Christ and with people who want to genuinely love you and serve you! Just as our pastor and elders are serving us in humility, let us also do the same for one another throughout this week. We all are following Jesus and fighting the good fight so let us encourage and love one another!
Posted on: Thu, 28 Aug 2014 14:07:59 +0000
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