THE PASTOR AND PREACHING

Today’s church is in need of preachers that have the desire to preach the whole counsel of God’s word. He must be one that desires to preach expositional through a bible text, living out what he preaches through conviction and repentance, and preach what he believes to be the true word of God with passion and authority. In order that God’s name will be lifted high with praise and glory given to God alone.

The man of God who is a faithful expositor of the text he is preaching will be one who rightly divides the word of truth, but this will be impossible if he does not believe that all of scripture in infallible, inerrant, and sufficient. In other words, he must have a high view of scripture in order to be faithful to preaching the whole counsel of God. But this is not all; he must also believe the scripture is potent, that is, it can penetrate the soul, and is alive. He must believe that the word of God has the power to transform anything (Armstrong, 2001, 83).

Next, the expositor of God’s holy writ must understand that apostolic preaching itself was expositional. In fact, Paul’s charge to Timothy was, “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching” (1 Tim. 4:13 ESV). This is an example that the early church took part in the public reading of scripture as well as expositing the scripture. This means that any other kind of preaching is an abnormality. Also, anyone who has done any church history at all, and looks at the way the reformers from the past preached, knows that the only form they used was biblical expository preaching (Armstrong, 2001, 84).

Lastly, the preacher who uses the expository method will have the following advantages: (1.) He will preach texts that he would never preach or normally avoid. (2.) He will never have to fret about what to preach on Sunday. (3.) Systematic biblical exposition helps to grow you in theology. (4.) It keeps you subject to the text. (5.) Gives you the confidence to preach with conviction. (6.) Gives you the confidence that when the word is given the Holy Spirit speaks (Armstrong, 2001, 85).

First, as the man of God is preparing to preach the word of God he must consider his character. He must consider the person he is before the flock of God and how he is handling the word of God. His inner life must be affected by the Holy Spirit. In other words, he must be applying the texts of God’s word to his life before he can deliver it faithfully to the hearers and sincerely expects them to respond. Armstrong writes it this way, “Biblical exposition is enhanced when the preacher invites the Holy Spirit to apply the text to his own soul and ethical conduct so that the preacher is sympathetic to and humbly pursues the application of the text to his own life” (Armstrong, 2001, 86).

Second, the preaching of God’s word must come from the expositors soul. The reason is because there is nothing greater or more powerful than when the word of God is preached from a man whose heart is molded and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Armstrong says, “This is what I believe needs to routinely happen to the preacher as he prepares God’s word, so that the message comes through his whole intellectual and moral being. When this happens he is ready to preach” (Armstrong, 2001, 88).

Last, the man of God must be himself. One of the greatest dangers is trying to be someone you are not. It is fine to have preachers that you have come to trust and enjoy their preaching, but you must refrain from emulating them in the pulpit at all cost. The preacher must realize that God has given him his own personality which he is to use effectively for communicating the truths of God. Moreover, is because people can see through a fake. This is not to say that a preacher can have bad mannerisms that need to be fleshed out. This can be helped by constructive criticism by someone that you trust, but never under any circumstances should you try to thwart your personality to be someone else (Derek Prime and Alistair Begg, 2004, 146).

If there is a missing ingredient in most preachers today it would be Scriptural passion. Most of the passion exemplified in the pulpit is bogus. Most preachers define passion as jumping up and down, flailing their arms, or running around the pulpit. Some think that the louder you preach even to the point of being out of breath and yelping is passion. However, this is not the passion that we should have.

The passion the preacher should have is a passion that is driven from the deep conviction that the truth he is proclaiming is from the throne of God. For instance, note the words of Paul, “because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake” (1 Thess. 1:5 ESV). Paul was not talking about the conviction of the hearers, but his own. The preacher that does not have this kind of passion is not preaching. Thus, the preacher must preach the word of God with deep conviction, but not trying to go outside the confines of his personality. He must preach the truth as the Holy Spirit has gifted him with the utmost blood earnestness for God’s name to be lifted high and His glory alone (Armstrong, 2001, 90).

THE PASTOR AND PROFESSIONALISM

Introduction

Today’s church is in great need of men of God that do not seek professionalism. That is in the since of careers, career enhancements, and trying to plan out the will of God. What we need is pastor’s that are professional in their behavior and seek to stand for the truth of God. So, his gospel may be proclaimed, and his sheep be taken care of all for the glory of God alone. Therefore, this article seeks to warn those in the pastorate of the codes, and the professional career mindset to be professionals of behavior, and a model of the truth for the sake of the church, not worldly gain.

The Code

First, there is nothing wrong with having codes for ministers in the name of professionalism if it is with the purpose of having godly behavior; consequentially, holding them to a high standard of righteousness before God and others. For instance, make sufficient time to study, manage family life well, exhort the truth well, and pay bills. There is nothing wrong with these kinds of codes. However, much of the codes that ministers set for themselves are conspicuous and omit such things like church discipline. Also, they are self serving because some members write them for themselves.

Therefore, the pastor of God’s flock must exercise professional behavior, but he must not be muzzled in the name of cordiality. If so, he will not fulfill the mandate set forth by the apostle Paul, “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” (2 Tim. 4:2 ESV) If he does he may have popularity with those that have itching ears, but he will not be the man of God. (Armstrong, 2001, 43-48)

The Professional Career

Secondly, the pastor of God’s church must guard himself with the temptation to be career minded. Because there is no place in the bible that one can find out how to plan a career, and how to have career enhancement, so he would do well to abstain from trying to plan out the will of God. Paul did say that he had finished the race; however, the fact remains he did not know what the race entailed when he began running. The problem with career planning in ministry is that as Armstrong puts it, “you anticipate a long progression through assignments.” He goes on to say that the problem with this is that it may “interfere with the call to die.”(Armstrong, 2001, 52)

Another problem is that if you stand on the truth of God’s word at all cost then you may be faced with the loss of your job. This will not look well for the minister who is only concerned about career enhancement. Therefore, the man of God should be faithful, and trust God to protect him and let that be the motto for his career. Armstrong agrees, and puts it all in perspective this way:

When you take your eyes off the high calling and the pleasure of God and turn it into the professional affairs of men, however nobly expressed, you run the danger of substituting earthly agendas for heavenly things. When you set your heart on pleasing God, good professional things will follow. You will want to avoid, in Baxter’s words, “an undervaluing of unity and peace,” “want of serious, industrious, unreserved laying out of ourselves in the work of God: discovered by negligent studies, e.g., church discipline,” and “giving into the power of worldly, carnal interest, manifested by temporizing, worldly business, and bareness in works of charity.” Of course, it does not follow that by doing hard work, framing interesting sermons, and stirring ourselves to acts of charity, we will either please God or insulate ourselves from self-regarding professional pride. But first things first, and professionalism is not first. (Armstrong, 2001, 50-51)

Therefore, the fact remains that we cannot plan the will of God. Sure, we can prepare by going and getting a biblical education or mentorship somewhere, but we must be willing to follow the Lord where he leads and be ready when he may change the direction. We can’t plan out God’s will but we can “discover it rather than chart it.” We must remember that God is much better at planning our career than we are, and if we do not submit to his will then the kingdom is robbed and we will injure ourselves. (Armstrong, 2001, 53-54)

The Model

Lastly, the pastor of God’s flock will seek to be a model of standing for the glory of God. We would do well to remember the giants before us who have died for the gospel. People like the prophets in the Old Testament, apostles, missionaries, and preachers from centuries past. They gave their lives for the glory of God and the advancement of God’s kingdom here on earth, not for climbing up the latter like a CEO of a major corporation. Sadly, there are to many pastor’s more worried about where to join and play golf, 401k, and retirement. Rather than giving their life for the gospel.

Therefore, the bible is clear that Jesus taught he came to give his life as a ransom for the sheep. (John 10:11) If Jesus loves the sheep so much that he is willing to give his life for them. How much more should the shepherd of God be willing? This will be impossible if all he is worried about is a career. It is the shepherd’s duty to guard, watch, protect, and feed the sheep, not impress others for worldly gain. We must not get professional behavior mixed up with professionalizing a career because not only is the witness of the Christian life to the world at stake, but also the gospel for the glory of God. What we need are men of God who are more concerned for the truth of God’s word than professional careers in the pulpit! (Armstrong, 2001, 54-56)

THE PASTOR AND CHARACTER

Introduction

Today’s church is in great need of pastor’s that has godly character. He should be one that is not in it for the professionalism, but is in it to be an example of Christ. Fortunately, God inspired the Holy Scriptures that define the character the man of God is supposed to have. Furthermore, there is no greater standard to hold a man to than the word of God; therefore, this article seeks to show that the shepherd of God must not only be an example to the flock of God, but also he is to be an example to everyone in all manner of life set forth by the apostle Paul as he urged young Timothy, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12 ESV)

A Living Example to the Flock of God

First of all, a shepherd may be theologically inclined, but still be ineffective. Especially, if he is not living what he is teaching. God’s people deserve and require an example to follow. In fact, it is God’s provision to help his people follow the gospel. In the New Testament Paul writes, “Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you,” (2 Thess. 3:6-7 ESV). Therefore, the man of God must lead the flock as an example to follow. (Prime and Begg, 2004, 36)

Secondly, the Shepherd of God should also desire to not be disqualified for his character. Naturally, as God’s man he should want to live what he preaches because this is what God desires. Consider what Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified” (1 Cor. 9:26-27 ESV). Therefore, the life of the shepherd should be characterized by being a good teacher, but also living it out as an example through the fruit of the spirit. The two go hand and hand they cannot be done separately in order for there to be right living. In other words, the shepherd’s gifts prove its worth to the flock of God as his character is the example of the truth he proclaims. (Prime and Begg, 2004, 36)

Thirdly, all Christian are to follow the example of Christ. He is the supreme or main example to follow. However, the shepherd of God has a greater responsibility to carry this out in daily living. In fact, Paul urged the Philippians to follow whatever they had learned from him because he knew that it was the example Christ had lived and inspired in him. (Phil 4:9) Also, all Christians have the responsibility of encouraging others on to do good works. However, the leaders of God’s flock have a greater responsibility to carry this out among the flock of God. (Hebrew 10:24) (Prime and Begg, 2004, 38)

Therefore, a shepherd must realize he is held to a stricter judgment. The New Testament writer in the book of James writes it this way, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” (James 3:1 ESV) Peter taught that the essential task of the Elder is to be “examples to the flock.”(1 Peter 5:3) Furthermore, if the man of God wants to attain “the crown of glory that will never fade away,” he must go above and beyond to be the example Christ’ church needs in order to effectively lead them down a path of righteousness. (Prime and Begg, 2004, 39)

A Living Example to All

First of all, the shepherd of God is required to communicate either by teaching, preaching, or leading in discussions. He has the responsibility live out what Paul urged Timothy, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12 ESV) Therefore, shepherds and teachers must be on guard at all times because he is still a sinner capable of sinning with his tongue. So, he must not be quick tempered, quarrelsome, and frivolous. Moreover, he must think before he speaks making sure that what he says is thoughtful and considerate no matter what situation he is required to address. (Prime and Begg, 2004, 39-40)

Secondly, the shepherd of God must be holy and upright in all manner of life. (Titus 1:8) This is not to be done only in public, but also in private life as well. He must not neglect his neighbors, he must be positive about life, his lifestyle should exemplify that his treasure is on heavenly things and not on earthly things by having a good work ethic, not for worldly gain, his home should be well managed, (1 Timothy 3:15) worthy of respect, (1 Timothy 3:8) and have a good reputation with outsiders. (Prime and Begg, 2004, 40-41)

Thirdly, the shepherd of God must be an example of love. He is to love God and people, and be willing to open his home to them. (1 Timothy 3:2) He is to have a good reputation with all by showing love toward them to gain their respect. (1 Timothy 3:7-8) He display’s this love through gentleness and self control. (1 Timothy 3:2-3) He is to love the difficult and unattractive as well because love is the most powerful weapon as well as the answer to most relational problems in the church. Therefore, the shepherd of God must love everyone equally, so that he may be found blameless. Moreover, that the church would experience the love of God from the example the shepherd models. (Prime and Begg, 2004, 42)

Fourthly, the shepherd of God must model the principle that “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrew 11:6) because it is fundamental to do effective ministry. He must realize love and faith are inseparable, (1 Timothy 2:15) and is at the forefront of leading the community of people he belongs to grow in love. He must be knowledgeable in his faith to not only teach it, but also refute those who oppose it. (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8) The shepherd of God must excel in bible study, devotions, and reading other literature that nurtures his faith, so that he will be able to set the example of living out the faith. (Prime and Begg, 2004, 43-44)

Lastly, the shepherd of God must live a life of purity. Why? Because our Lord is pure, (1 John 3:3) and those who follow him should be pure. He should be an example by dealing honestly with himself and with others. Those that are married should be committed to their wives. (Titus 1:6) Our behavior with the opposite sex must be above reproach. (1 Timothy 3:2) These must be essential priorities because God has entrusted “His work” to Pastor’s, (Titus 1:7) and the flock is paid for by His blood. (John 21:15-17; Acts 20:28) Therefore, pastors should set a high standard for them to live a life of purity so that those following can imitate them, and in turn find themselves imitating Christ. (1 Thess. 1:6) (Prime and Begg, 2004, 44-45)

THE PASTOR AND LEADERSHIP

Today’s church deserves and needs great leaders. It needs leaders whose focus is not on just good theology. However, do not misunderstand it is very important to have correct theology, but there is more to being a leader than this aren’t they? Surely, the church of Jesus Christ will not grow spiritually any more than its leaders have. Therefore, what this paper argues for is that godly pastors must be godly leaders, and the only way this can be accomplished is by following the greatest example ever the Lord Jesus Christ.

First of all, the church must have a godly leader or leaders. In football every team has to have captains to lead. Although all of the team members are equally important, someone has to step up and be a leader. The purpose for this is because without a leader the team could lose its focus, and with all of the pressure that comes with wanting to win sometimes players will point blame when the team is not successful. So, it takes leaders to keep down the chaos and keep everyone focused on the task at hand. In the church it is no different.

Since the beginning Christ led his disciples then the apostles led; eventually, planting churches and training other leaders to lead them. In fact, Paul told Timothy that a church could not be an established church without proper leadership established (Titus 1:5). If you watch most organizations like a sports team when there is chaos in the camp, and the team seems to be falling apart most of the time it is because of poor leadership. It is no different in the church. Most of the problems that arise and cause divisions are because the leadership failed to discipline and lead to stomp out the fires before they got out of control (Derek Prime and Alistair Begg, 2004, 217-218).

Secondly, one must realize that leadership is both a gift and a calling. God has chosen to gift his children with spiritual gifts and they are to be used for the body of Christ. Leadership is one of those gifts, and if used effectively it can be very edifying for the body of Christ. The authors Derek Prime and Alistair Begg authors of “On Being a Pastor” have it right by putting it this way:

It is not presumptuous, therefore, to feel the desire to lead if we feel called to it. The two words that sum up our function in the body – shepherds and teachers – both imply the leadership function. A shepherd’s task is to lead his sheep, whether into green pastures or to safety when danger threatens. At every moment he is to be ready to take initiative for the sheep’s good. A teacher’s responsibility is to lead by the instruction he provides. Christian teachers are directive in their approach because their task is not to put forward their own ideas but the “very words of God” (Derek Prime and Alistair Begg, 2004, 218).

Therefore, a godly leader in the church of Jesus Christ is called to lead the people by example according to the word of God. The word of God is the blueprint or the manual for how to lead God’s people. The providence of God has allowed himself to be revealed through the word of God, and there is no other method to lead his people than by following what he has ordained.

Thirdly, leadership should be shared. There is absolutely no way a football program can be ran with just one leader. There are so many responsibilities that have to be taken care of throughout the week that one man could not do it all. Consequentially, it is no different in the church. Although it is debated by many in the church as to having a plurality of elders or having one single pastor known as the (Senior Pastor) who has others under him, the fact of the matter is that you need more than one person to do all of the work that is required to lead God’s people effectively for the purpose of kingdom work here on the earth. Begg and Prime put it best this way, “In some situations there may be one elder or spiritual leader who is actually called the “pastor,” who will be expected to lead his fellow leaders; and in others there will be a team ministry. But in every team there has to be a leader” (Derek Prime and Alistair Begg, 2004, 218).

Lastly, we must not be afraid of leadership as if it is not Christian to desire to do so. As Christian’s desire leadership one must realize that it is to be modeled after the example that Christ set forth. Although he was a great leader he was a servant as well; for example, when he washed his disciple’s feet (John 13). A Christian leader will never be above “our master” the one who has left the example to follow. In this case it is the sovereign Lord of the universe Jesus Christ. Once again, the authors Begg and Prime from their book “On being A Pastor” sum it up best this way:

Genuine Christian leadership is not status oriented. It is helpful to think of shepherding and teaching as function rather than offices. While Paul knew Timothy to be a shepherd and teacher, he deliberately referred to him as a servant of whom a particular pattern of conduct was required: “The Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful” (2 Timothy 2:24). Christian leadership, modeled upon Christ’s leadership, is by example. “Being examples to the flock” is where Peter lays the stress in writing to the church leaders of Asia Minor (1 Peter 5:3). This is the opposite of lording it over people, and of telling them what they should do, without first leading the way by personal example (Derek Prime and Alistair Begg, 2004, 219-220).

Therefore, what makes one a good pastor is not so much how great a communicator he is although that is important, but it will be based on character. He will have to be one who is willing to lead with humility, patience, kindness, and gentleness. Because it really does not matter to most people in the church how much a pastor knows until they know how much he cares. He can start leading by example in his own home with his own family. Hopefully, one day he can say with the apostle Paul, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice” (Philippians 4:9). There is no greater accomplishment as leaders in God’s church than for the people of God to one day look back on our legacy and say “that man loved us like Jesus” (Derek Prime and Alistair Begg, 2004, 220).