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
    By Henry & Richard Blackaby / B & H Publishing Group

    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.

    The Life Of Faith

    This outline is borrowed from the thoughts expressed on the back of the cover of a video I watched on the life of Evan Roberts, the Welsh Revivalist. Dr. Ken Connolly shared his thoughts on the life of faith. WOW! is all that I can say. I trust the outline and sub points (which I added) will serve to help you walk with God by FAITH!


    Title: “The Life Of Faith!”

    Text: Mark 4:35-41

    (Mark 4:35-41) “And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”  (KJV)

    Introduction:

    •    Much can be said about faith.
    •    Though much of what is propagated about faith is nothing more than fanciful formulas to promote ourselves, faith is needed in our lives!
    •    I want to define faith for us tonight in a way that will help us!
    •    I want you to examine your life and see if you are living a life characterized by faith!

    Proposition: There are six things I want us to learn about the life of faith that should serve to strengthen us this evening!

    Outline taken from Dr. Ken Connolly.

    I.    Faith Is A Life Committed Beyond Its Means!

    A.    These men were committed to go to the other side as Jesus spake!

    B.    They come to the point in their journey that they realized their ship, humanly speaking, was not going to make it.

    C.    They went to Jesus and were worried, but they should have understood that everything was going to be fine!

    D.    The tendency to worry and wonder comes into play when we see that we are committed beyond our means!

    E.    When we find ourselves in this position, pray and tell Jesus about it, but keep on going; many turned back!

    II.    Faith Is A Life Expecting What Sense Cannot Certify!

    A. If these men had the faith they should have had, they would have taken the position, that as long as Jesus is in the boat everything is going to be all right!

    B. Instead they were worried and woke Jesus up and accused Him of not caring for them!

    C. They were expecting to drown instead of getting to the other side!

    D. Many times we will find ourselves in a position that we simply cannot explain why we are doing what we are doing!

    E. We should keep on sailing for the other side!

    III. Faith Is A Life Based Upon God’s Promise!

    A. Commands are not viewed as promises many times, but we can certainly find that when God commands, He puts His omnipotence behind it!

    B. Jesus was going to the other side and he went to sleep while on the journey!

    C. This should serve as an example to us! We can rest in God’s commands and promises!

    D. God promises, and we can trust Him!

    IV. Faith Is A Life That Depends On God Supply!

    A. The disciples were depending upon their supply while in the storm, not God!

    B. Our lives as Christians should be characterized as ones who depend upon God for everything!

    C. They had made it as far as they had because God helped them to get that far!

    D. The storm comes and they quit depending upon God!

    E. Faith teaches us to trust God no matter the circumstance!

    V. Faith Is A Life Motivated For God’s Glory!

    A. The disciples may not have realized it, but they were selfish that evening! They were concerned about themselves!

    B. “Carest not that we perish” – What if God wanted them to die in the storm? Faith trusts that God knows what is best!

    C. Faith does not exalt itself, but God!

    D. Faith sees God as the One who deserves all the glory!

    E. Faith depends upon God and we just bask in the God of Glory!

    VI. Faith Is A Life Confident In God’s Integrity!

    A. Faith believes that God will do what needs to be done in a perfect way!

    B. It will be done in a way that God will get all of the glory!

    C. Faith resides in the fact that we can trust God to perform what He states!

    D. God has never lied and will not start now!

    E. Jesus said they were going to the other side! They should have trusted!

    Conclusion:

    To The Sinner:

    • Be saved!
    • Repent and believe the gospel!

    To The Christian:

    • Is your life characterized by faith?

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    543369: The John Phillips New Testament Commentary, 19 Volumes The John Phillips New Testament Commentary, 19 Volumes

    By Kregel Publications

    Explore the entire New Testament in greater depth. This complete set of New Testament commentaries from the pen of expositor John Phillips will provide pastors, Sunday school teachers, and students of the Bible with doctrinally sound interpretation that emphasizes the practical application of Bible truth. Preachers especially will appreciate these commentaries as they provide a model and resource for sermons and lessons. Working from the familiar King James Version, Dr. Phillips not only provides helpful commentary on the text, but also includes detailed outlines and numerous illustrations and quotations. Anyone wanting to explore the meaning of God’s word in greater detail for personal spiritual growth or as a resource for preaching and teaching will welcome the guidance and insights of this respected series.A frequent speaker at churches, conferences, and workshops across North America, John Phillips served as assistant director of the Moody Correspondence School as well as director of the Emmaus Correspondence School, one of the world’s largest Bible correspondence ministries. He also taught in the Moody Evening School and on the Moody Broadcasting radio network. He and his wife, Betty, live in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

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