I have struggled with this note for many years and have word-smithed it to death hoping that the nudge to publish would go away but it all came to a head after listening to an excerpt from a video spot that was shared on Facebook. The pastor was sharing his final thoughts before leaving the ministry after just ten years. I did take a few notes but wanted to expand on just a couple points as an encouragement to my peers in ministerial leadership. This is not only for those veterans but also those who are looking to enter the fray as a servant leader for Christ.
The minister on the broadcast shared almost a dozen points
during the video but the one that truly struck me was this:
“I could never satisfy everyone’s
tastes, there was always someone the next week who wanted something different or
was not satisfied with the delivery”.
Now, before anyone starts to think “is he talking about his
church family” I want you to know this is not a personal confession but rather
an opportunity to lift up others who may be caught up in this dilemma. If a
minister starts a sermon prep with a piece of scripture and sticks closely to
the intention and foundation of the passage, there should not be a problem. A
Christ-centered message will always be relevant in the lives of our yesterday,
today and tomorrow so never change the message to tickle the ears of those who
would push the leadership down a self-serving path (read Rev. 2 and 3 for
examples of churches that stumble).
2 Corinthians 6:7-9
7 We
faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us. We use the weapons
of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for
defense. 8 We serve God whether people honor us or
despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call
us impostors. 9 We are ignored, even though we are
well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been
beaten, but we have not been killed. NLT
When I go to another church, I don’t look for fault in the
message or in the style or quality of the music, I open my heart and celebrate
the message, participate in the worship with others to our Creator. We should
be there to honour Him, not to find ways to critique the “performance”. Yes,
there are those who should have a theology check but that should be done face
to face through constructive criticism in a manner of building up the body.
And now, friends, we ask you
to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the
responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm
them with appreciation and love!
Get along among yourselves,
each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to
get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the
exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive
to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves
you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do
your best to bring it out.
Be cheerful no matter what;
pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants
you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. 1 Thess. 5:12-19 Msg
Leaders, remember this, the responsibility is yours to live
the life of the servant leaders and be true to the Word; it is an awesome
responsibility.
This weekend, we welcome Chaplain Tim Kirby as he shares His
message. We invite you to join us online Sunday at 10:30 AM MST. Click on
either link below to join us live:
Facebook Live - https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31
YouTube Live –
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA
See you all Sunday.
Blessings
Pastor Todd
www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca
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