THE PASTOR AND YOU

It is not only the work of preaching,the calling and administrative duties that weary down the pastor but the physical wearingness, the nervous exhaustion that results from strained relationship between him and his congregation.  When there is misunderstanding, lack of understanding and even opposition involving honest differences of opinion, the pastor feels the pressure. The pastor of course could never dream to satisfy everyone, that is the simple truth.  This awesome of our reactions to our pastors: If he is young-he lacks experience If he is old-he cannot identify with the youth If he has five or six children-he has too many If he has none or one-he is setting bad example If he preaches from note-he is dogmatic and his services are dry If the services are extemporaneous-he is not deep enough If he uses illustration-he is neglecting the bible If he does not involve stories-he is not clear If he condemns wrong-he is playing holier than thou attitude If he does not -he is a compromiser If he preaches truth-he is offensive If he does not-he is a hypocrite If he drive an old car - he shames the church If his car is new - his mind is on earthly things If he occupies the pulpit alone - he is selfish If he invites people - he shirks his responsibility If he receives large salary - he is a mercenary If little salary - then he is not worth much Now what do want the pastor to do or be like? What does the bible say?           John 1:6-8 Three things said about John the Baptist are true of every genuine servant of God and if kept in mind they will erode most of the frictions being experienced.  --->There was a man - he was a human being subject to the same weakness and limitations as other people. He was no angel; he was no supernatural creation; he was not a hyperphysical ambassador from heaven. He was simply a man<--- A man sent from God, a man with human limitations but set apart from other sin that he was specially chosen. He was a man sent from God. He was sent to bear witness of the light, he came to preach Christ - the Light of the world  (vs8) he was not the light, only sent to bear witness to that light. You could say the same of all pastors who are genuine in their calling. They are witness to the light they have a heavenly commission. Their primary work is to present the Lord Jesus the Living Word revealed in the written word.  They are to bear witness to the light.  Keep this in mind - your pastor should be born again, believe the bible, to be infallible in the word of God gives evidence of being ordained  of God and committed to faithful services and sound preaching of the bible. As a man, he had faults and limitations. As a man with a divine call, he should be treated as Gods servant and you owe him your co-operations and prayers to make his ministry as effective as possible. A problem of acceptance is found in Amos 3:3.  If the pastor is born again and you are not,there is hardly any  meeting point. You too must be born-again. This is important for the church and your belonging to  be fully accomplished. Pass though the church and allow the church and Christ to pass through you. Phillipians 2:6-8 - you may be more attached or better read than your pastor, you need humility Mark 10:45 - that is the pastor's focus Luke 19:10 - that is his objective Romand 5:6-8 - that is his mission Study Romand 6:23, John 1:12, Romand 10:13 and review your own relationship with God. God bless you. (This is a message was preached by the Venerable Oladosu 'Biodun)