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Some people, particularly those unfamiliar with the nature of Christian ministry, mistakenly accuse pastors of being lazy.
In their opinion, the multi-dimensional task of ministry including preaching, teaching, praying, providing emotional and spiritual counsel, performing church administration, mentoring individuals, visiting the sick, mediating conflict resolutions and leading community outreach initiatives towards development do not constitute work.
This accusation of Christian ministry is not only unfortunate and absurd but also unfair, considering the significant roles pastors play in societies.
Critics regard work as any activity people do to earn money. This may include manufacturing and repairing automobiles, educating students, seeing and curing patients of diseases and sicknesses, building and painting houses or planting and harvesting food for sale.
However, the Bible describes teaching and preaching the Word of the Kingdom of God for people to believe in Jesus Christ for the salvation of their souls as acts of work (Matthew 28:18120; John 6:28-29).
The apostle Paul understood this so he wrote: “This is a faithful saying, if a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work” (1 Timothy 3:1).
A bishop is simply a pastor, an overseer, a pastor or shepherd of Christians. His main work is to teach and preach the word of truth which is the gospel of salvation for people to believe and grow in Jesus Christ. It is work God has instructed His servants to do in the world.
And Paul describes this work as labour and toil (1 Thessalonians 5:12–13; Colossians 1:28–29). However, he also describes it as good, noble, fine, excellent or worthwhile. In fact, it is an honourable work. Yes, it is an honour to be involved in the work of the King of kings and Lord of lords.
It is not surprising, therefore, that Paul instructs Christians to give double honour to ministers of the gospel who do their work very well (1 Timothy 5:17).
It is important that people, especially unbelievers understand the word “work.” According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, work is an “activity in which one exerts strength or faculties to do or perform something.”
It is also defined as “something produced or accomplished by effort, exertion, or exercise of skill.”
And we know that the activity of teaching and preaching the gospel, leading to the transformation of lives and influence of society through Christ Jesus mirror the definitions of work above.
Moreover, it is a known fact that most pastors today engage in business, professional or other income-generating activities for their socio-economic wellbeing.
Now, Christians who study the Bible know that the world hates and criticizes Jesus Christ and His servants for no reason (John 15:25).
We must, therefore, learn to ignore the attacks unbelievers launch against pastors regarding the work God has called them to do.
By James Quansah
