DUTIES OF PASTORS TO OTHER PASTORS (2 Timothy – 26)
We have been looking at the duties and responsibilities of a pastor as seen in 2 Timothy. We have seen the obligations pastors have to their people and those which the people have to their pastors. One final area of consideration is the duties pastors have to other pastors.
We are on the same team, working for the same Great Shepherd. There can be no competition, jealousy or criticism of other pastors or churches (1 Corinthians 3:9). We are to evaluate and pass judgment on false teachers, but not fellow pastors and their ministries (1 Timothy 5:19-25; Romans 14:4). We must support each other, not compete with each other (1 Corinthians 3:8-9). We are one Body working together (1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Romans 12:4). When body parts work against each other the body becomes weak and unhealthy. That happens to the church as well when pastors and churches are jealous or compete with each other. Everyone suffers.
We need to pray for each other, help each other, encourage each other and together work against our common enemy. Fellowship and cooperation with other pastors is very important. We can share concerns, provide insight and wisdom, encourage during difficulties and hold each other accountable when necessary. We can share our gifts and strengths to help others when needed. We need each other. I think one of the reasons so many pastors struggle today is because they do not have other pastors who can encourage or help them when needed. Timothy had fellow pastors like Titus to share the work. He also had Paul as a mentor. Paul had Barnabas as a mentor and Luke as a friend who traveled and ministered with him. Jesus had His disciples, and especially James, John and Peter. You need other pastors and they need you. You should never be too busy to develop relationships with other pastors. They are very, very important. (July 24, 2023 Doylestown, PA)
PAUL’S ADVICE: Pastors must support and help each other in any way they can.
Hebrews 12:14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
Are there any pastors or church leaders with whom you are not getting along? What can you do to heal the relationship?
Which pastors are you jealous of? Why? Confess your jealousy and ask God to forgive you.
Who can you go to when in need? Who can you share struggles and difficulties with?
Who will seek you out if you struggle? Who holds you accountable if you slip?
Who is your mentor? Who are you mentoring?
What young pastors are you training and helping? What are you doing for them?
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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