Pastors Series

Hebrews. 13:1-9

Pastors – Honorable

By Rev. Andrew B Natarajan

Introduction:

Jn. 15:16. Chosen, appointed and expect from you. Pastoral ministry is in the third order of the ministry in I Cor.12:28, whereas in Eph.4:12-14 comments as fifth order. Talents and ministry are for what? To edify the Church, to correct the saints and to preach the gospel. However, we Methodists believe in the priesthood of all believers(Para 47:BoD).

Professional Pastors

Some are professional pastors. They always regret for becoming a minster or a pastor. They say that their parents committed them to ministry. They also always count their offertory, salary and other fringe benefits. They fight for their rights. Often they think of Egypt and its blessings(Is. 31:1). They must read Lk. 962 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

However, they are good at their work – house visits, cottage meetings, conducting weddings and burials, and doing all the work as per the requirement of the Church. but the fruit of their Labor is in vain. No real outcome, no revival, no breakthrough.

Jam 3:1 “Not many of you should become teachers…know that we who teach will be judged more strictly”

Pious Pastors

1 Tim. 3:1-7: 1 Overseer-noble task. 2 Now qualifications: Above reproach, faithful to wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach. 3 not given to drinks, non-violent, gentle, not quarrelsome, not lover of money. 4manage family well and worthy of full respect. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders.

Tit. 1:6-9 not arrogant, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, one who loves what is good, upright, holy and disciplined, hold firmly to trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

Para 320 of the BoD talks about the Rules and Code of Conduct for a Minister.

Praiseworthy Pastors

Heb. 5:4: Aaron was God’s instrument to help Moses. He was asked to assist his younger brother, respect pastors – they may be younger than you, less qualified than you and not rich like you; but they were called, chosen and ordained.

Heb.5:1-3: Pastors are responsible to pray for the sins of the congregation, he is the representative of God to men and men to God, he has to take the role of Jesus. He is also “weak”- sinful, prone to sickness, easy to be entangled. He has to offer the sacrifice for himself and for people.

Heb 13:17. Pastors must watch over the flock as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.