Recently, a few shepherds within this region have stirred up issues in the public eye being unprofessional and borderline non-Christian. While it is good for pastors to stand against unbiblical issues and address such activities taking place within the community from in and out of their pulpit, these issues should be handled as biblically as possible. When there are problems Jesus said to go to that person and address the issue (Matthew 18:15-18). Issues that are handled with a desire for public recognition, stirring up strife, or helping the community with hidden motives do not benefit the people. Shepherds, also known as local pastors, are called by God to feed and lead God’s sheep (Jeremiah 3:15; Jeremiah 23:4; 1 Peter 5:2). Pastors who have been established by God have the authority of the Spirit of God to address issues within the region while false shepherds do not have the authority or the anointing creating a stirring of issues rather than a solution. A good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep while a hireling only comes to have the look but runs when danger arises or when the attention leaves (John 10:11-13). A true shepherd leads sheep beside still waters, helps them find rest in green pastures, restores their soul by leading them in paths of righteousness, protects them from evil, and brings comfort (Psalm 23:1-4). This passage reflects the Lord Jesus Christ as the Shepherd but sets the precedent for His under-shepherds, the local pastors (Ephesians 4:11). Those who attempt to be shepherds who do not feed and lead or obtain their role of a pastor unbiblically enter into this position not by the door God has established and are thieves and robbers (John 10:1). Those who have been sent out from another pastor or biblically as the book of Acts enters into this role as a true shepherd of the sheep (John 10:2). Not everyone that is called a shepherd has been established by God and have His heart (Jeremiah 3:15). Pastors have been anointed to address issues and make sure wolves do not come in to attack the sheep of God (2 Timothy 4:1-4; Acts 20:28-31). Another aspect of the local pastor is to make his ministry free from the appearance of evil or misconduct (2 Timothy 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:22). When a Christian, especially a pastor, displays a lack of self-control and other means of aggression toward members of the community this does not paint an accurate picture of a biblical pastor who is called to love, feed, and lead God’s sheep. Do pastors have emotions and things they deal with? Yes, because they are still human but lacking the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) in the majority of situations addressing a community is not the proper use of a pastoral title. May the pastors of this region begin to join together to address the issues that need to be handled but conducted with a biblical resolution and behavior. I can only speak for myself as a pastor, but one person waving a religious title within the community does not represent every pastor who is doing their job of feeding and leading God’s people biblically. May conviction and repentance come for those who hold this title but are out of line biblically or who have made a public spectacle of the office of pastor. May God lead each person to the biblical pastor they are called to be under as their shepherd to be fed and led in the things of God. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
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AuthorCaleb Andrews Archives
September 2024
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