If you want to get unstuck and grow, you need to put yourself in a position where you can benefit from people who can help you the most. In the church, these people are pastors. God gives pastors to the church to protect her, lead her, and provide for her. But if you are stuck in your life and want to grow spiritually, you’ve got to put yourself in a position where you can benefit from your pastor’s ministry.
Below is a text that was written by one of the earliest followers of Jesus, Peter. Peter gives instructions about church leadership for elders, or leaders in the early church, also called overseers. The work elders do is called shepherding. [In Latin the word shepherd is pastor. Which is why we call our elders shepherds, or pastors.]
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 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; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
- 1 Peter 5:1-4 (NIV)
A few things to point our from this text:
1. Pastors protect the flock.
The word translated “watching over them” in the text means to “to look carefully, or beware.” It doesn’t mean just stand back and admire. It includes the meaning of protection. Pastors have a responsibility to protect their people from false teachers, heresies, gossip and divisive people.
I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock… So be on your guard!
- Acts 20:29-31 (NIV)
A good pastor is looking out for wolves at all times. A good pastor has some teeth. He should be meek and humble like Jesus. Gentle with the sheep, but deadly with the wolves.
Pastors also protect their church from the attacks of Satan by covering you in prayer.
Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
- 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
Satan wants to destroy your life, your witness, and your joy. He is actively looking for an opportunity to ruin you. When you aren’t a member of a church, you lack the spiritual covering and protection of godly elders. When you come under the covering of a pastor or a group of elders you have godly people praying for you by name.
2. Pastors provide for the flock.
The text also says that God’s flock is “under your care,” and the word translated “be shepherds” literally means to feed a flock. Pastors provide the Word of God for their people, carefully interpreted and applied to their lives.
People need pastors who are faithful to and careful with the Word of God. And here is Paul’s final charge to a young minister just before Paul’s death.
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
- 2 Timothy 4:1-2 (NIV)
Faithful pastors provide the Word for the flock. On Sundays, from house to house, in coffeeshops and Bible studies, in staff meetings and casual conversations.
3. Pastors lead the flock.
The pastors are “watching over.” The people are “under” their care. Just as a shepherd leads the sheep out to a green pasture each morning, then leads them to a stream to drink, then leads them back home to safety in the evening, so faithful pastors lead their flock. Pastors are not caretakers of buildings, or even employees of the church. Faithful pastors have a vision for the future. And the flock follows the shepherd.
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
– Hebrews 13:17 (NIV)
Hebrews instructs us to have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority. For me personally, this is our elder board. I don’t submit to their spiritual authority because I have to. I do it because I need their covering, their support, and their leadership in my life. Whose lead do you follow spiritually?
Now you might think this opens the way for abuse, and the Lord knows that many pastors have abused their position. This is why, even in our text today, healthy boundaries are given for leadership.
Peter warns that pastors must be:
Willing servants, not begrudging
Not in it for the money
Not domineering
Leading by their personal example
Aware of the appearing of Christ and their own judgement
When you’ve found a pastor like that, you’ve found a treasure.
4. Jesus is the shepherd of the church. The sheep belong to him.
Peter ends by reminding all of us that there is a chief-shepherd and his name is Jesus.
(Jesus) “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
- John 10:11 (NIV)
Both pastors and their people are under the authority of Jesus. And what a beautiful place to be, because Jesus loved you so much that he left the comforts of heaven to find you. The Scriptures say that:
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him (Jesus) the iniquity of us all.
- Isaiah 53:6 (NIV)
When you went astray, Jesus’ heart ached for you. In order to get his runaway kids back, Jesus died on a cross bearing the shame of our iniquities, then he rose from the dead so he could lead you through life.
While pastors should be respected because of their position, they are not Jesus Junior. We all need Jesus. If Jesus is the head of the church, then everything else is just body. We all need spiritual authority in our lives. We all need God’s grace so we don’t blow up our lives. And if you want to get unstuck and grow spiritually, having a pastor is a major way God is going to work in your life.
How to Apply this to Your Life Today:
Consider this: It doesn’t do any good to know that a pastor exists. You’ve got to put yourself in a position to benefit from your pastor’s ministry.
Here are some practical ways you can start to benefit from your pastor’s ministry.
1. Have a relationship with the Good Shepherd.
Ultimately a good pastor is going to point you to Jesus, but Jesus is the one who is going to change your life. To be in a position to benefit from my pastor’s ministry, you first need a relationship with Jesus. [To learn more about starting a relationship with Jesus, click here.]
2. Attend Church Services consistently.
It’s important to make the gathering of believers a top priority in life. When you attend weekly services, you will start to grow. Have you ever been to a church service and thought, “I wish so and so were here to hear this!”? Let me let you in on a secret - pastors think that about you all the time. We think, “Oh, I wish he were here this week. This is exactly what he needs to hear from the Lord.” But you can only receive your pastor’s ministry when you attend church services consistently.
3. Step out of anonymity.
To benefit from your pastor you need to take a step. You’ve got to reach out and let us know what to pray about for you. If there is a major decision or if you get seriously stuck in life, send an email, text the church, or send a carrier pigeon. We want to pray for you. And if you get stuck, maybe we can help point you in the right direction.
4. Pray for your pastor.
Pastors need your prayers for protection, and effectiveness, and healing, and guidance, just like you need your pastor’s prayers. Praying for our pastors is something we can all growing and helps us love people well.
How can grow to benefit from your pastor’s ministry this week?
[Thank you for reading! If you are looking for a church in Boston or churches in Boston please consider giving Renewal Church a try!]