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Monday, April 25, 2011

What is a Pastor who Loves Jesus Supposed to Do?

John 21:17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”
And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. (NKJV)

Talk is cheap and distractions from the important things are everywhere. Jesus wanted more from Peter than mere words. He wanted Peter to understand that true love for Him was to be shown by feeding His sheep/church with His word. How is Peter or a present day Pastor/Elder expected to care for the children of God? Not that the job descriptions listed below are bad things in themselves, but to what extent do they become the main thing expected of Pastor/Elders or keep the focus off the main thing?

If you love Me be an Activities Director for my sheep?

If you love Me be a Home Health Worker for my sheep?

If you love Me be a Facilities Manager for my sheep?

If you love Me be a Master of Ceremonies for my sheep?

If you love Me be a Public Relations Coordinator for my sheep?

If you love Me be a Customer Service Specialist for my sheep?

If you love Me be an Evangelist for my sheep?

Are any of these things unreasonable for a Pastor/Elder to have some involvement in? No! There is even some aspect of the Pastor/Elders' role that may look like any of these things at times, but lets not forget that the main job of the Pastor/Elder is to teach and apply the word of God in the church. The main job of the individual believer in the church as it relates to the Pastor/Elder is to learn and submit to the teaching of scripture.

I think many churches have an unspoken agreement between the Pastor and the congregation that goes something like this: We are already saved (we think) and we don't want to learn (never liked school) so please focus on these other areas. On Sunday mornings or at events you (Pastor) can be our evangelist so those unsaved people who show up can get saved, while we (the allegedly saved) can tune out.

I don’t want to paint with too broad a brush, but if the things Jesus said to emphasize aren't purposefully emphasized, then the easy, natural and more flesh pleasing things will win the day and the church will remain undernourished, immature and will not be obeying the directions of our Lord.

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