What is like to live the life of a pastor? Joseph’s story (See Genesis 37-50) is a good example of the journey most of us (and our families) take as pastors. We travel spiritually, relationally, emotionally, mentally and physically from the pit to the palace, to the prison, back to the palace and just about every place in between.
Like Joseph, we sense the power and presence of God in profound ways one day, and feel very much alone and rejected the next. Our calling is sure, our gaze is fixed and, “I can’t believe I get paid for this!” Still, we would give just about anything to do almost anything else on some Monday mornings. Our every move can feel scrutinized as our motives are judged and our thoughts, words and actions (and teaching) are live-streamed, Facebooked, Tweeted, Instagrammed, Snapchatted and are otherwise on display for all the world to see via our church websites. These images are either far better or worse than the reality, but not often a measured, balanced view of the pastor’s heart and overall ministry.
Most pastors lead, not from a position of authority, but of influence, inspiration and a grounded sense of gratitude for all those taking the journey with them. What an amazing privilege to be called, “Pastor!” This is as it should be. Still, I imagine most secretly wish to have authority sufficient for the responsibility. We seek to give God all the glory and His people all the credit when things are going well, while often taking more than a share of the blame when momentum stalls or plans simply fail. We are shepherds who guide and guard the flocks we love while often only provided a portion of the needed “staff” and resources to do so. Still, pastors lead on, following the lead of the Good Shepherd that goes before us all.
Why Peak Pastors? Because our wayward world has never needed the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the local church more than today. Because the health and influence of our local churches and collective movements are directly linked to our well-being and ability to lead with equal parts vision, integrity, wisdom and humility as pastors.
This is why I share this PEAK Pastors series with you… to give a glimpse of the pastor’s world and to come away with a renewed commitment to live and lead well as pastors, or to come alongside them with purpose as lay-persons.
“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” – Peter (1 Peter 5:1-3, NIV)
What would you add concerning the journey of a pastor? Reply in the thread below and help me develop this series through your insights! Email me at tompelt1@gmail.com if you would like to learn more about how to bring a PEAK Pastors conference to your ministry or organization. Check out the Core Values of PEAK Pastors at https://tompelt.wordpress.com/peak-pastors/
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