WHAT GOD EXPECTS OF PASTORS
It is a great privilege and a special honor to be a pastor or church leader (1 Timothy 3:1). God says we are blessed, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:15; Isaiah 52:7). Helping people know Jesus and grow spiritually is a wonderful experience. We are commanded to “shepherd” God’s sheep (John 21:15-17).
If we do, one day we will hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:23). These are words I desire to hear when my life on earth is over and I stand before the Lord. Along with Paul, I want to be able to say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
Some people have wrong expectations of what a pastor should do. Often, we have wrong ideas too. We look at other pastors and feel we should be doing what they are doing. What are the Biblical duties of a pastor? What does God expect of us?
When someone is hired to work, he is told exactly what is expected of him. He knows what he should be doing and not doing. In order to please his boss, the workman does what is expected. The same is true of pastors and leaders. God tells us in the Bible what He expects so we know exactly what we should be doing and not doing. Yet many pastors do not know what the Bible says.
God does not expect us to be perfect, or to have a large church or make a lot of money. He does not expect us to be liked by everyone or do everything by our self. But He does expect us to use the special spiritual gifts and talents He has given us as individuals. He doesn’t expect us to copy someone else or try to be like another church.
He expects us to continue to grow spiritually. Sometimes we spend so much time doing other things that we neglect our own daily, personal Bible study and prayer. As a result, we don’t grow. Spending time alone with God is so important .We should not neglect it.
God also expects us to lead His sheep. Sheep need a shepherd to take care of them and the same is true of God’s sheep. A shepherd leas by protecting his sheep from false teachings, sin and Satan’s deceptions.
God expects pastor/leaders to feed the sheep by teaching them the Bible. Pastor/leaders are commanded to learn His Word so we can know more about Him and feed on His Word. Then we teach the Bible to the people your church.
God doesn’t expect us to do everything ourselves, but to train others to use their gifts to minister. We must be discipling and training others to serve God. Train people in your church to do what you do so they can help. Take someone along when you minister so they can see how you pastor
We serve God by serving the sheep. Sheep don’t serve the shepherd. The shepherd serves the sheep. We are to serve our sheep by doing what is best for their growth and maturity. We can’t try to do everything they want us to do but must do what helps them grow.
The most important people for us to serve is our wife and children. They come before serving the church. Being a good husband and father is more important than being a good pastor.
This is what God expects us to do if we desire to hear “Well done.” God is the one we serve and please..
1 Corinthians 4:2 “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”
1 Peter 5:2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve;
How are you doing with what God expects? Are there any things you need to start or stop doing? Write them down and make plans so you will be doing just what God expects.
PRAY: “Dear Jesus, we thank you for the great honor and privilege of serving you by taking care of some of Your sheep. We want to minister as You would have us, but we need Your help in order to do that. I pray you would instruct each of us to understand, practice and apply what the Bible says You expect from us. Use us for your glory and the growth of Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen”
(For free copies of this book go to India.ChristianTrainingOrganization.org and click on “Download Books.” To listen to an audio recording, watch a video recording or read the manuscript of the session click on “Conference Sessions.”)
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
Copyright © 2020
I am writing a weakly blog just for pastors and church leaders in India. I want to help train, encourage and support you in your work. Please pass this blog on to others who may benefit. If anyone wants to receive this each week write me at jerry@schmoyer.net and I’ll put you on my email list.