3. I’m encouraged by the pastor who shepherds people out of a deep, contemplative relationship with God.
I alluded to this in the last post, but to look at it from the flip-side is helpful. Eugene Peterson speaks to this issue best, in my opinion.
But simply put, the pastor who is motivated in ministry by a deep abiding personal relationship with God (Acts 6:4) offers more lasting, spiritual value than the pastor who is motivated by the latest trend in church-growth books and conferences.
4. I’m encouraged by the pastor who remains humble and teachable without being moved by every wind of doctrine.
Pet doctrines and pet issues are like pet rocks. They make a big splash in the moment and are forgotten by next year.
Last generation, it may have been the theater, worship music and Sunday school. This year, it seems to be human trafficking, Calvinism and homosexuality.
Who can begin to speculate what the hot topics will be in generations to come?
The pastor who remains faithful to his call to pray, study the Scripture and equip the church for the work of the ministry will have to deal with most doctrines and issues in time. And he should.
But I’m encouraged by the one who continues to learn and grow, personally, without constantly vacillating and jumping from one hobby-horse to the next.
5. I’m encouraged by the pastor who is not defined by a denominational agenda.
Denominational agendas can become like political party-line agendas. Most of us in America are tired of Democrats and Republicans stubbornly guarding party-line agendas instead of working together for helpful legislation that serves the American people.
I imagine we weary of seeing it in the church as well. I’m encouraged by the pastor who sees the denomination as a servant to the church and its mission—and not the other way around.
6. I’m encouraged by the pastor whose chief aim is to glorify God and not please people.
Pleasing people in the congregation is like pleasing a denomination.
A pastor can strive to cooperate with people’s desires so long as they don’t derail him from his primary mission—glorifying God and equipping the church to do the work of the ministry—which is making disciples of Jesus.
I’m encouraged by the pastor who knows when and how to tell people in the church, no.
