Logos Hour 16 May 2021 – The Care of Your Pastors (1)
REDEMPTION MINISTRIES WORLDWIDE
Church of The FirstBorn
THE CARE FOR YOUR PASTORS (1)
Texts: 1 Samuel 9:6-8; 1 Kings 14:1-3; 2 Kings 5:5,15; Matthew 10:40-42
Memorise: “He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.” Matt 10:41.
Outline: The Church today is rich in almost every sector of spiritual endeavour ( i.e. prayers, singing, casting out demons, organizing programs, holding concerts etc) exercising her rights appropriately. However, it is really doubtful if this subject has been given a fair approach as many of God’s servants are under fire orchestrated by the untold hardship they go through. Sadly, The word CARE and its application in the church has been grossly misappropriated as it is often viewed from a single directional perspective i.e. From Pastors to memebrs.
Very often, the Pastor spends, burns out and sometimes faints in the process of executing his duties ( Jere 3:15) while the members simply enjoy the dividends of theocracy without blinking an eye of consideration on the welfare of Pastors. Worst still, is this other category too in the church that feels the Pastor is always fasting or at best gets his provision ( manna) and supply directly from heaven and hence does not need care.
Brethren, we do err when we embark on this senseless assumptions.
The Holy Bible is emphatic, thorough and indeed spares no one who does not hold it as a responsibility to care for their pastors not only in Prayers but also in physical / material provisions.
Very often, the Pastor herein referred to as the Chief Shepherd and rightly so, goes through pains. It is important we spend time to analyze some of the energy sapping exercises Pastors go through
Praying for members and besides his personal fasting also fast with some members on specific issues.
Spends time studying to ensure that you are rightly fed with the word. Jer 3:15; John 21:15-17; 2 Tim 2:15 .
Standing by members in their villages to conduct family deliverance. hold crusades, bury loved ones and sometimes weeps with the member on the death of one he only saw in a cascade.
Counseling which has rescued many families from the canker of divorce, released many children from the net of cultism etc
Teaching even on godly principles of success which many pay money to hear such lectures at seminars
Visiting you even when you are not sick. etc.
Despite all these, we rather see some members accusing the Pastor of
- Dressing expensively.
- Feeding fat on church money.
- Not paying their house rent, children’s school fees.
- Not giving them a fat envelope when their distant family member died.
- Not restocking their shops.
Some of these complains are reasons for which they stop coming to church or even change to another. Have you ever carried out a survey study on why Pentecostal Christians exhibit the highest level of mobility ( i.e. Frequently Changing church) compared with their counterparts in the orthodox churches?.
We will explore this study extensively under God’s guidance trusting Him for positive changes. Don’t miss out!
Read; Great Lessons From Christ’s Leadership And Lifestyle – Stephen Akinola