What kind of a pastor do you have?

If you are a member of a sound, Bible believing church, this inquiry is addressed to you. We know without asking that modernistic pastors or cult leaders are “evil men and seducers.” (11 Tim. 3:13). We’re asking this question because in every good church there are a number of critics who feel their pastor, no matter how faithful, is a lemon and should leave soon. Why is it? Well, first of all “Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called: but God bath chosen the foolish . .. the weak . . . the base … and the despised, hath God chosen . . . ” (I Cor. 1:26-28). This passage discusses preachers and it is clear there are few supermen in God’s ministry. The critics feel their pastor is “below average.” So was Moses, who was “very meek” (no personality), Numbers 12:3; and the Apostle Paul who was “less than the least of all the saints” (no prestige), Eph. 3:8. The God of grace usually chooses humble men “that no flesh should glory in his presence” but rather “glory in the Lord”. (I Cor. 1:29-31). The root of criticism is usually PRIDE which is hindering blessing and causing trouble for “only by pride cometh contention.” (Proverbs 13:10). If your pastor exalts Christ as God and Saviour and preaches Bible-centered messages then he is definitely the kind of a pastor God wants in your church and he deserves your hearty support and cooperation. “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their works sake, And be at peace among yourselves.” (I Thes. 5:12-13). Remember that a pastor is not the church’s hired man, paid to please the members — rather an “overseer” appointed by the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28) and Christ’s “gift” to each local church, “for the perfecting of the saints to do the work of the ministry.” (Eph. 4:11,12). Concerning faithful pastors, God commands: “Obey them that have rule over you, and submit yourselves; for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” (Heb. 13:17). Don’t demand too many visible results for your pastor’s calling is to faithfully sow and water the seed of God’s Word and the Lord “gives the increase” (I Cor. 3:5-10) which may or may not be visible to your eyes. May we express appreciation to the many consecrated church members who prayerfully support and encourage their pastor in these difficult days. When the critics also develop a Scriptural attitude toward the pastor we predict that the church will enjoy many new blessings and greater progress; the pastor’s efforts will bear more fruit and everyone’s soul will be filled. What kind of a pastor do you have? You probably have the very one God wants you to have the very best man for your particular church to fulfill God’s purpose there at this time!

By L.E.A. _______________________ Tract # D-513 Order From: TABERNACLE BAPTIST CHURCH 1911 34th St., E. L. Bynum, Pastor P.O. Box 3100, Lubbock, Texas 79452