Sermon Central
-
Diagnosing Sheep
By Peter Mead on Apr 27, 2022
In pastoral ministry, there is a great need for the right diagnosis of sheep.
In pastoral ministry, there is a great need for the right diagnosis of sheep. Just as a medical doctor cannot ignore the person in front of them and assume the same treatment will be equally effective for all, so the pastoral worker cannot assume all need the same type of care.
In John 11 Jesus arrived at Bethany after Lazarus had died. Martha and Mary both approached Jesus with exactly the same words, “If you had been here my brother would not have died.” Jesus did not reply with identical statements. He gave Martha practical hope, but Mary emotional empathy. Jesus knew the people he was caring for and treated them as individuals.
In 1Thessalonians 5:12-14, Paul gives instructions to the church, that they should respect and esteem the leadership. And he gives instructions to the leadership. There are people who are idle – they need admonishing or exhorting. There are those who are fainthearted and discouraged – they need encouraging and comforting. There are those who are weak – they will need your devotion and help. And every one of them will need patience.
It would be profoundly ineffective to admonish the fainthearted, help the idle, or to encourage the weak. The fainthearted need care not rebuke. The idle need a change of perspective, not help to carry on as they are. The weak need practical help, not words.
This is one of the great challenges of pastoral ministry, and therefore, of preaching too. We need to grow in sensitivity to the people we care for, and we need to grow in discernment too. Some of us will tend toward a harshness with others that will bruise and harm many of the sheep. Some of us will tend toward a tenderness toward everyone that will actually be unhelpful to some.
We need to listen well, watch carefully, pray diligently, and keep in mind that in pastoral care situations there will be multiplied factors at play – the circumstances of the person, their relational dynamics, their own sinful responses, their triggered responses from previous hurts, their understanding and ability to think through life clearly, their underlying health issues or hidden fears, insecurities, etc.
The truth is that there is not one of us who can see even themselves clearly and fully, let alone others. We are severely restricted in our ability to really understand others. Make sure that pastoral ministry drives you to your knees. Any other position is too elevated.
Related Preaching Articles
-
Busting Out Of Sermon Block
By Haddon Robinson on May 28, 2020
Give your sermons new life every week with this timeless advice from Haddon Robinson.
-
The Radical Experiment: One Year To A Church Turned Upside Down
By David Platt on Mar 5, 2018
David Platt dares pastors and their congregations to take a leap of faith and test the claims contained in the gospel.
-
5 Personal Changes To Empower Your Preaching
By Rick Ezell on Apr 16, 2018
When you preach, in many respects, you are the message. If your personal life is not congruent with your words, then a mixed message is delivered.
-
Dealing With The Preacher-Eaters
By Joe Mckeever on Mar 21, 2020
Joe McKeever shares practical advice for dealing with the self-appointed church rulers who try to dominate your preaching and your ministry.
-
7 Ways To Tell If It's A God Thing
By Ron Edmondson on Apr 3, 2023
Ron Edmondson: "God calls people to seemingly impossible tasks. It gives Him glory when I can’t do something, but He can."
-
3 Tips For A More Biblical Thanksgiving
By J. John on Nov 12, 2020
"In giving thanks to God, there should be no motive other than pure gratitude."
-
Good Sermons Start With Listening
By Mary Hinkle Shore on Jan 17, 2024
Before we start writing, perhaps we should start listening. Here are three very practical suggestions.
-
Why Great Sermons Also Include Listening
By Ryan Huguley on Oct 4, 2018
Listening is a lost art in our culture, so how should we listen to a sermon?
