I did not know that there was a World Pastors Day until now. Allow me to say a thing about the pastoral ministry. Pastoral ministry is a pain. But also equally, a joy. Pastors not only suffer, but they also enjoy as well. And I think that is what makes it as sweet as LIFE.
One of the key element for all of us (pastors and people) to understand is that the one we know as a pastor is made by three factors:
1. THE GOD (CALLING)
A pastor is one called to be and do pastoral ministry. Without this calling, it will not last however passionate and supported one is. It is all about God and the God who has called the minister must be investigated first hand.
2. THE ABILITY
Professionalisation, individual ABILITY and Personality. A pastor must be trained. He must have those individual abilities in relation to his ministry.
While it is true that God calls us to minister as pastors and saves us as other sinners, God never saves us from our personalities. He uses the ‘us’ (who we are/temperaments etc).
He must be in love with the people he ministers to. If he doesn’t like the people then he cannot last with the dirt of those he doesn’t like. Love is very essential here, and by love here, I intend an ATTITUDE.
3. THE FLOCK
People the pastor ministers to, make or break a pastor. Sometimes they make him through the support they give to him.
This could manifest first in their acceptance and recognition of him. Mutual respect, defending him, branding him, correcting him and all the physical, spiritual and psychological support.
A pastor is one of us, therefore we must make sure that he is not isolated from our SOCIOLOGY.
However, the flock must also understand that they can also break the pastor’s pastoral ministry by the support (gifts and rewards). Personally, as a pastor, I have been in situations where a sheep would want to appreciate my pastoral services to her in bed.
Other sheep will hijack the pastor by their heavy financial gifts and the poor man of God will be threatened to even redirect the hand that feeds them in the right direction.
Finally, just like the pastor must have a loving attitude to the flock, the flock also must have a love affair (ATTITUDE) with their Ministers. A pastor will occasionally fight with the flock and the flock will fight him. They will agree and disagree sometimes, but the only thing that will carry them through the stormy situations is how founded their (pastor and people) RELATIONSHIP is, and on what exactly.
Serving as a pastor is the most complicated venture that a sinner like me can ever attempt. It is a heavenly business in a sinful environment. We need the Grace of God. And it is upon the Pastors and the People (flock) to make sure that this ministry is sustained and is effective.
Pr T. I. M White
The Gospel Hawker
@iTiS Well of Worship Fellowship (John 4:24)
iTiS Well of Worship Fellowship (John 4:24) 