What do you do when you get a new pastor?
I recommend that you play it SAFE.
Now let me explain what I mean by safe
I want you to write this down.
Support him
Affirm him
Follow him
Engage him
Eph 4:11
I. Support him.
A. 1Tim. 5:17-18 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”
1. The word honor means lit. to set the price.
a) Respect shown to another based upon the value placed by the other.
b) The Bible exhorts us to honor one another. Ro. 12:10
(1) Notice it says to give preference to one another in honor?
(2) I think that this is a forgotten practice in our society and our churches today.
c) Notice the context in which Paul says this vs. 17b-18
(1) There is a direct correlation between time spent in God’s Word and the effectiveness of one’s ministry 2 Tim. 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.
(2) I think the most important aspect of a Pastor/teacher is the time he spends in the Word.
(a) It isn’t time spent making sure the work of the ministry gets done
(b) It isn’t time making sure the bulletin gets done on time
(c) It isn’t making sure that the church gets cleaned or the lawn gets mowed.
B. Let him be effective.
1. It is hard for a man to concentrate on the ministry if he is concerned about meeting the needs of his family
2. It is hard to serve both God and man.
3. So you are responsible to make sure his and his family’s needs are met.
4. This means that periodically the leadership needs to sit down with him and ask him how it’s going.
II. Affirm him.
A. You need to let him know that his ministry is having an impact.
B. The word as defined in the dictionary means to declare firmly, to state positively, to maintain to be true or to confirm
C. Paul knew how to affirm some one
1. Philemon 4,ff
2. Ro. 1:8
D. If God is working in your life in a particular way as a result of your pastor’s ministry then let him know.
E. I am not just talking about the back of the church on Sunday afternoon when you shake hands as you go out.
F. Feedback is so important.
1. It helps him to know if he is getting his message across.
2. It lets him know that God is at work.
III. Follow him.
A. God and you have called Ken to this church.
B. You have by your call obligated yourself to submit yourselves to his leadership.
C. This does not mean a blind loyalty to the man or to the office.
1. 1Cor. 11:1 BE imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.
2. 1 Cor. 4:16-17
3. Phil. 3:17 Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.
4. 2Thess. 3:6ff
D. Follow him he is God’s man.
IV. Engage him.
A. One of my favorite verses in the Bible is found in the Book of Acts.
1. Acts 17:11
B. This will accomplish two things
1. It will confirm his ministry to you
2. It will keep him sharp
