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A pastor is a servant-leader. He is an under-shepherd, serving the Great Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ. Leaders serve other people as they go ahead of them and show them the way. So, often, they are deserted and left alone during tough times.
The Lord Jesus was left alone when He was arrested and sent to suffer the ordeal of the Cross. Paul was also left alone when he was arrested.
“At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but ALL DESERTED ME. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me…” (2 Timothy 4:16-17).
Paul was alone even at the time he was about to die. All his assistants had left him.
I served as a deacon under many pastors for years so I know what I am talking about. There comes a time when your pastor is left alone. He has no one to share his problems, frustrations or difficulties with.
Many a time, he keeps problems of his finances, marriage, children and ministry to himself. He finds it difficult to share them with his church members.
But as Paul said, the Lord is always with His true servants. Remember the promise of the Lord: “I will not abandon nor forsake you” and “…I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20).
God is faithful. As He was with Paul so shall He be with all His faithful ministers including your pastor. You must know this and remember your pastors in your prayers.
One night, during meditation on the Word of God, a question dropped into my spirit: “who pastors a pastor?” I asked myself this question. You see, pastors always preach and teach the Word of God. They counsel, pray and fast mostly for the sheep they shepherd.
But the question is: who pastors them? Later, I got the answer. The Lord Jesus, who is their Great Shepherd, pastors them by His Spirit. The important thing is how the pastor maintains an intimate relationship with the Lord.
It is true that pastors have friends and fathers in the Lord they may seek counsel from, but their greatest Pastor is the Spirit of Christ. The Holy Spirit comforts, teaches, counsels and helps them in their difficult moments.
This does not mean men of God do not need the support of other people. Christians must learn to support their pastors in tough times. You should always support your pastors in prayers and with gifts. And you will be blessed!
But the question is: who pastors them? Later, I got the answer. The Lord Jesus, who is their Great Shepherd, pastors them by His Spirit. The important thing is how the pastor maintains an intimate relationship with the Lord.
It is true that pastors have friends and fathers in the Lord they may seek counsel from, but their greatest Pastor is the Spirit of Christ. The Holy Spirit comforts, teaches, counsels and helps them in their difficult moments.
This does not mean men of God do not need the support of other people. Christians must learn to support their pastors in tough times. You should always support your pastors in prayers and with gifts. And you will be blessed!
By James Quansah
