I'm writing short articles for our church newsletter. I started a series about the things we should look for in a pastor. I'll share these articles with you as I write them and hope you will provide some valuable input. Also, feel free to share the "essentials" of what a church should look for in a pastor.
The Kind of Pastor We Need
by Justin Childers
As we move into the summer months, we must begin to think and pray about the kind of pastor FBC needs. Ultimately, we know that God has a man already set aside for us. It will be our responsibility to discover what things are non-negotiable in choosing a pastor. I am going to be writing short articles highlighting various aspects of faithful pastors in order to get us thinking and praying for the man God has for us.
#1 - A Man Who is Bible-Saturated
Explanation
Most pastors say they are committed to the Bible, but few actually are saturated with it. The Bible is God’s Word. If a pastor is ever going to be successful, it will be because he is intimately familiar with God’s direction for his ministry and his church. In today’s busy and pragmatic culture, we must seek a man who is Word-driven. We need a man who delights in the Word of God more than in all riches (Psalm 119:72).
Practically, what does this mean?
A Bible-saturated pastor is one who reads, studies, memorizes, preaches, and applies the Word of God. He appeals to the Bible in all of his decisions. When you ask him about what to do in this or that situation, he usually begins his answer with, “The Bible says…” He is a man who agrees that he has nothing meaningful to offer or say. He is committed to what God has already said. We don’t need an innovative or clever pastor. We need a Bible-saturated pastor who will not compromise God’s Word even if his life depended on it. Church, pray for a pastor who is Bible-saturated.
6 comments:
Is it too much to begin with "he must be born-again?" Is that an offensive assumption? No pastors in mind here. Just that a pastor must know God. He must know Him and have His heart stirred by His presence and long for nothing else but Him (Ps. 42).
Rob, forgive me for assuming. In fact, that is how Spurgeon started the lectures to his students.
Rob, after being born again, what are "musts" for pastors?
Then, I will say I agree with being Bible-saturated. He must be "able to teach." This assumes a desire for the Word he teaches.
Justin,
If I woke up in your shoes, I might just use the articles as an excuse to do some exposition of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. It is not so much the question of what we should look for in a pastor as what "a true Shepherd" (Jeremiah 3) under God is.
May God give you and your church His man.
Justin,
I would look for a man who is less concerned with programs, boosting FBC's prominence in the community, or attendence. I would want a man whose main focus is equipping the saints and discipleship within the church body. "And he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more." John 15:2b
I think FBC has undergone some pruning and I am Fervently Expectant of what great things God has in store for FBC in the future. I look forward to one day being a part of it when I move back.
Shannon
You wrote my number one better than me...I ditto Redfern- able to teach.
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