Pastor, Do You Trust Your Leaders?

Pastors MUST be able to TRUST their leaders. Leaders, in the church, MUST be able to TRUST their pastor. This relationship between the pastor and others in church leadership must grow, and it must remain intact if the ministry is to perpetuate in a Christ-like way!

Without a doubt, being a pastor of any size of congregation is difficult. A man who would take this responsibility on should be commended! With this commendation in mind, it is also universally understood that many of the problems of ministry that lead to catastrophic failure stem from issues in the church leadership team. Though, many of these issues can be examined in later posts, it is the intent of this post to expound on ONE of the root causes of success or of failure in the leadership of a local church.

Introspection: TRUST or LOVE

George MacDonald said, “To be trusted is a greater compliment than to be loved.” Could it be that the Achilles Heel of a pastor’s heart is this very thing? A pastor usually desires to be loved in the same measure, if not more than, in which he loves. After all, he pours his heart out to them in every public speaking engagement! This can be perceived as being a selfish love, but it is true and also reasonable to think in this manner.

Imploring of SCRIPTURE

The Bible teaches us in numerous places that we should, without reservation, place our trust, confidence, love, etc. in God alone. We cannot stake our existence in the promises of politicians, government entities or any other human being. We can, however, stake our lives upon God and His promises! Consider just a few of the many verses on this subject…

(Psalms 118:8-9) “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.”  (KJV)

(Proverbs 3:5-6) “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”  (KJV)
(Matthew 22:37)  “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”  (KJV)

Implication of DELEGATION

Nobody is disputing the aforementioned verses, but their is a “trust issue” involved in the arena of discipleship, and in stewardship. The famed Apostle Paul understood that he was given the responsibility ministry because he could be trusted. Consider 1 Timothy 1:12. When Jesus gave the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-10), as we term it, He implied through His command that He was entrusting this “commission” to His disciples. This is seen in the fact that He reminded them of His abiding presence to enable them to perform the command. Think about it! If He did not trust them, then He would not have commanded them nor would He encouraged them by His perpetual watch-care as they performed the task. 

Institution of TRUST in CHURCH LEADERSHIP

Though we cannot stake our existence solely upon the word of man, we must extend a measure of trust to individuals every day. When it comes to working with anybody, you have to trust them. We see this in Law Enforcement, Military, Hospital and churches alike. As a pastor, you have to be one who people can trust and respect, and you have to be able to develop this in people whom you disciple and entrust with leadership responsibility.

Trust is an issue that few really understand. For most of us, we have no problem trusting “Christian” people, whom we do not know, until they compromise our trust. As a pastor, this is amplified many times over. You have to be able to trust people OVER and OVER again… even though you are disappointed many times. This was the issue the Apostle Paul had with John Mark. Paul did not trust him while Barnabas did.

In conclusion, remember:

  1. You have to TRUST people if you are going to be an effective pastor. 
  2. Yes, you will be disappointed numerous times by the same offenders. (If this bothers you, just reflect upon what God received when He saved you!)
  3. You have to be someone whom people can TRUST. Do not presume that people do and will keep on trusting you. 
  4. You have to earn this respect not demand it.
  5. Create an environment for people that you are entrusting responsibility to rise and fall on their own merits. TRUST THEM!
  6. If your church is to be effective over many generations, then those in leadership must be people the congregation can TRUST and those in leadership must TRUST each other.
  7. Do nothing that would violate the TRUST of others!

Would you consider purchasing this book?

    18450: Spiritual Leadership: Moving People On to God"s Agenda Spiritual Leadership: Moving People On to God’s Agenda
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    Henry and Richard Blackaby are “concerned that many Christian leaders are reading secular books and are applying their teachings uncritically, “so they wrote Spiritual Leadership to help Christian leaders in business, politics and the pastorate develop the qualities of spiritual leadership. Spiritual Leadership will help you understand God’s design for leadership and will enable you to lead God’s people towards the fulfillment of His purposes. Let the Blackaby’s teach you the biblically based principles that will enable you to lead in the 21st century.

    Let Down Your Nets! – Pastor Andrew Schank

    Pastor Andrew SchankOn April 28, 2006 at the Mandan Baptist Church of Mandan, North Dakota I had the awesome privilege to preach this sermon to the Preacher’s Fellowship. It was a great day of preaching, singing, worshiping God and praying! Listening to this message brings back some memories of when I pastored the Cornerstone Baptist Church of Beulah, North Dakota. Feel free to share this message with your friends on facebook or twitter!

    [sermons id=20]

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    73102: Complete Word Study Dictionary, New Testament Complete Word Study Dictionary, New Testament

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    Explore the idioms and nuances of the original text of the New Testament without learning Greek! This detailed study tool arranges every word by Strong’s numbering system. Each entry gives the word’s derivation; history and etymology; an exegetical commentary; and synonyms and antonyms. Includes an English word index. 1505 pages, hardcover from AMG.

    Are You In God’s Will?

    Are you in God’s will? Time is running out!

    Nobody can put a price tag on the peace that comes from knowing you are in the midst of God’s perfect will! Every saved person should know God’s will for their life. It is not that difficult to find and is usually rather obvious to you.

    Pastor’s Struggle With The Will Of God…

    Pastors sometimes struggle with God’s will over very specific matters. If a man is worth his salt, then he will be very sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit in every facet of his life and of the God-given ministry which he is carrying out. Though struggling may occur, it will clear up as one submits to the Lord! Also, never mock or ridicule someone for taking their time in search of the divine will of God for their life. The added time spent can mean all the difference in the world.

    David’s Epitaph…

    I am reminded of David’s testimony as referred to in Acts 13:36. He is said to have served his generation by the will of God and then died. How powerful an epitaph that is! What David did is God’s purpose for all born again believers.

    (Acts 13:36) “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:”  (KJV)

    Checklist For Finding God’s Will…

    1. Do what you know to be the will of God already.
    2. Search the Scriptures for verses dealing with God’s will and measure your life against it. The phrase “will of God” is mentioned in 23 verses specifically! (KJV)
    3. Seek God’s will through prayer.
    4. Seek the advice of your pastor.
    5. Seek the advice of a Godly parent.
    6. Wait on an answer before moving forward.

    Bottom Line…

    (1 John 2:17) “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”  (KJV)

    Can you answer this post’s title question? Are you in God’s will? Whether you are a pastor or laymen, church member or not, if you are saved, then you need to be in the center of God’s will for your life!

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