The Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, “It would not be right for us to give up preaching the word of God to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we can appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:2–4 (CSB)
The demands on a pastor’s time and competing interests for his priorities can be at times overwhelming. Even if we assume a proper work/life balance that allows time with family and for rest and relaxation, prioritizing our time will always be challenging.
Without a clear vision for ministry, we will be pulled in so many different directions that will result in a feeling of inadequacy and discouragement. Everyone’s priorities will not be exactly the same as mine, but here are some observations with the hope that each one will take the time to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to you as you establish your vision and priorities for your ministry.
- A pastor’s priorities:
- Prayer and study
- Ministry of the Word—equipping the saints for the work of ministry.
- Investing time in the discipling of leaders.
- Everything else
The poet, Robert Burns, stated it succinctly, ‘The best laid plans of mice and men can still go wrong.’ We start out with every intention of giving priority to praying, to studying, ministering the word, and developing new leaders, but life gets in the way. Interruptions and emergencies inevitably arise, and some responsibilities cannot be delegated. We cannot allow “Everything Else” to consistently become our top priority.
A Few Thoughts
There is a principle of first priorities and unless we established the things that are most important, there is a high probability that all of the other “urgent matters” will occupy so much of our time that these priorities will be neglected.
With regard to vision, a church can and should reflect the diversity of its community. People of all ages and ethnicities should be fully included. Not only do we need everyone, but each of us need to see the body of Christ functioning with unity and love for each other across all cultures and ages.
The church body must learn to minister to each other. There is not enough time in the day if the pastor is expected to be the primary source of visitation, counseling and caring for the church. Additionally, as each one is trained to minister to others in the body, they will be equipped as leaders who will then, in turn, be able to train others.
Sin should be addressed with both compassion and resolve. If there is unforgiveness and bitterness in a congregation, particularly if it has gone unchallenged for a long time, it will remain a hindrance that will impede a breakthrough.
Holy Spirit, You Are Welcome Here
Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you. John 16:7 (CSB)
The greatest benefit that we have is the assistance of the Holy Spirit. He is our counselor, and literally, “one who is called alongside to help.” Sometimes the task can seem overwhelming, but: Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 (CSB)
When there is liberty for the Holy Spirit’s gifts to operate within a church body there must also be the willingness to discipline with love and gentleness. It can be expected that novices (and the more mature as well) will make mistakes and how they are taught and corrected will make a difference in the effectiveness of the gifts in the church and therefore the overall ministry of the church.
As you seek a greater presence of the Holy Spirit in your church it should be expected that there will be increased opposition from the enemy. It is vital that everything that we do be beyond reproach. You must increase your awareness and keep a careful watch in all ethical, financial, moral, and spiritual matters.
Our vision and mission statement should not be too narrowly focused. It is the Lord who adds to the Church. “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:47 He knows better than we do what is required to sustain, nurture and provide growth for the body.
It’s All for His Glory
He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30 (CSB)
We must be careful to remember why we are serving. The burdens of pastoral leadership can be overwhelming at times. We must do what we are able to do and be willing to leave the rest in God’s hands.
It might be a cliché to say, “Let go, and let God,” but trying to do everything on our own does not work. The task is too great for us to do in our own strength. Besides, it’s his church, or his ministry, we are only stewards.
He will not share His glory with another. “So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’” Luke 17:10 (NKJV)
Someone once said, “It is amazing how much can be accomplished when no one cares who gets credit for it.”
These thoughts can serve as a template as we seek God’s direction for the ministry that he gave us. It is important that each one fine tune their priorities and vision to best serve in the place and to the people to which you serve. Without a vision and priorities that are adhered to, there is a high probability that we will drift along without achieving the maximum potential for ourselves and others.
The conclusion is this: as pastors and leaders, we must remember God’s priorities must always be greater that our priorities. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:4 (CSB)
Steve Ekeroth