A Heart for Shepherding Followers

After spending some days considering the question of fan versus follower, we return to the question of pastor. If we are called to be followers, what should we be looking for in a pastor.

Let’s begin with the understanding that we expect too much from a single person whom we call to serve as pastor. We expect him to be a teacher, preacher, administrator, counselor, judge, and pastor. That’s not fair. It’s clear from the scripture that gifts are spread among the members of the body, all to be shared for the good of all. In no place in the new testament, is one person expected to have all these gifts. For one man to believe he is to do all these things on his own, robs God of the use of the gifts He has bestowed and robs the fellowship of the sense of ownership that comes with having a real participation in the ministry of the body.

So what should we expect of a pastor. Obviously he should be a fervent follower. He should seek hard after Christ, in full realization of the difficulties associated with that following. It must be his passion to “make disciples” that means a heart for the lost and a heart for the found, that they be kept in the flock.

I believe it takes some experience in life to have the needed perspective. The more of life we have experienced, the more likely we are able to understand the struggles of another.

Vunerability is another key characteristic. A pastor must be transparent enough for his flock to understand that he too has struggles and that he will understand the stumblings of those he shepherds.

Filled with the Spirit. Even if a man is elected as pastor with an understanding that his gifts are limited, he has to be powered by the Spirit. No man can shepherd on his own. He must know his weakesses, and allow them to show, in order for Jesus’ power to operate.

Humble enough to delegate. What kills pastors is the type-A personality which makes one believe that no one can do anything as well as he can. So he takes on preaching, teaching, visitation, administration, etc. He burns out. To say nothing of what he does to his spouse. A pastor has to be a man that understands that gifts are spread in order to be shared. This requires a congregation that its job is more than sitting in pew and being “fed” or entertained. We all have ministry to do.

Most of all the pastor must be the man God calls. It may be a man like David who seemed unlikely to be called to be king. Our next pastor may be serving now across the world or sitting next to us every Sunday. Our greatest obligation is to be a people of prayer and open to what God has for us. We are not to prejudge but be ready to fully support the man He calls.

Be prayerful and expectant.

Nick