THE PASTOR AND THE PEOPLE:
GOD’S TEAM FOR KINGDOM MINISTRY
A. GOD has called our Pastor to lead us in Kingdom Ministry.
The work of our pastor has been outlined by God. He is under divine orders to equip us for
the work of service, to guide us in life-changing worship, and to lead us in Christian life and
discipline so that we can function as the body of Christ.
1. We are privileged to assist our pastor in worship. Our attitude creates the atmosphere for
worship. When we greet our pastor and fellow believers we should do so with the spirit
of the psalmist who said, “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of
the Lord” (122:1).
2. When I come to church I have my burdens to bear; when you come, you have your
burdens to bear; when the pastor comes, he has all of our burdens to bear. And yet he
must lead us in positive worship. This is why you and I must assist him by entering “into
His (God’s) gates with bless(ing) his name” (Psalm 100:4).
B. God has called us to Follow Our Pastor as He Follows Christ.
He is not released from his responsibility simply by preaching about what we should do.
We must engage in service projects, we must be consistent in church attendance, and we
should always practice stewardship commitment in order to be the team that God wants us
to be. The bible says that “generous sowing brings generous reaping”!
1. We must share our pastor’s burdens. The pastor carries all of out burdens. From a
human perspective, this is impossible. The load is too heavy for one person to bear. We
can assist our pastor in visiting the sick, caring for the needy, and taking care of church
property and business. Our pastor is here to lead us and feed us. Jeremiah 3:15 says
“And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with
knowledge and understanding.” Remember, the pastor plus we the people equals
“God’s Ministry Team.”
2. We must be considerate of our pastor’s time so that he can give the time needed to
those matters which are of most importance—prayer and the preaching and teaching of
the Word of God. Be considerate of his family time, of his private time, so that his
family life can be a quality time.
C. We honor Our Pastor by providing for him and praying for him.
When a team leader is hurt or mistreated, the entire team is crippled and thwarted from
reaching the goal. We can honor our pastor by showing sincere appreciation for his
ministry, by praying for his effectiveness, health, and family, and by serving with him as a
team to reach the goals and vision that God has given us. It pleases the lord to honor our
pastor and his family. Paul said, in 1 Timothy 4:17-18, “Let the elders who rule well be
counted worthy of double honor especially those who labor in the Word and doctrine. For
the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox it treads out the grain” and “The laborer is
worthy of his wages!”
1. We should share good news with our Pastor. Share your praise reports with him. Call
him and express appreciation for his commitment, leadership, and love. Make sure that
his financial needs are met. Let us convey a spirit of appreciation for his ministry. We
cannot just appreciate our pastor, we need to tell him that we appreciate him.
2. Include the pastor and his family in your social life every so often. Invite them over for
fellowship. If your home is small or inconvenient for fellowship, take them out. Fulfill
his ministry by showing appreciation for him and his family. Let them know they are
in your prayers.
Conclusion
Pastor, on behalf of the church, we want to say that we are grateful for you. You and your
family are a blessing to us and we love you and appreciate you! In conclusion, I want to ask
the entire church to do two things with me:
1. Please join me around the altar for a time of dedication, first of all to the Lord who called
our pastor, and then a time of dedication to being partners in ministry with our pastor.
2. When we have finished praying, I want our pastor’s family to meet here in the center of
the altar area, and we are all going to gather around and lay hands on them and pray for
God’s blessings upon our beloved pastor and his family.
