Before I start, I will love to say a very big thank you to all my hive fans here for the huge support, and I'm using this opportunity in sending you more love, also, the message down below is my little understanding and I hope you learn something from it, without wasting much time, let's get started already!
Being a pastor is a whole lot of work, but being a pastor at this point is definitely a huge task seeing how a lot of people have huge problems and very few solutions or no solutions at all.
The world is currently facing many downturns, from natural disasters to financial crises, pandemics, sicknesses, diseases, and many more problems. People now are looking for something to hold on to, something to believe in, and something to keep hopes alive, hence helping to reduce suicidal attempts. A lot of people commit suicide because they have nothing to believe in and they have lost all sense of hope. What keeps a man going, especially in these times, is the hope for something better tomorrow. Even when he says he doesn’t believe in anything or that he doesn’t believe in God, still believes in the presence of a higher being, a being that controls all things. I mean even science has acknowledged the presence of a higher power.
As a pastor, you are seen as a shepherd the bible addresses a pastor as a shepherd and the members of the church as the sheep. The work of the shepherd is to take care of his sheep and the burden of his sheep is upon his shoulder, which is a huge task. An even more greater task, seeing all the problems around the world, fear lurking in the corners, and uncertainty in the minds of everyone. With the scare of the phrase “end time” ringing in the mouths of most believers, a lot of people are in between hoping for better days and expecting the worst because that is what is said of the end time, things going from bad to worst.
Pastors are a lot of things, but most of all, they are humans like every one of us, capable of a lot of things. As a pastor, you must acknowledge that before the calling to the role of a pastor, you are first human, with flesh, capable of getting weak at any point, capable of fear, uncertainty, and by all means not perfect at all.
Mistakes do happen, right?
Well, the same goes for any man or woman that has been ordained pastor or shepherd of a flock. I’ve noticed a lot of pressure on men and women who are pastors, not just them, but their families too and all that concerns them. It’s like there are those prying eyes waiting for your doom, those waiting lips to share gossip of your downfall. Still, there’s actually not much that can be done, being overly conscious as a person, has a way of enhancing our mistakes. And just imagine living a life where you are always watchful and not free to breathe and just be yourself. Not at all surprised why some people flee from the role of a pastor. Takes a lot of grace I must say.
My words to any pastor?
A lot to be said, A lot of things are involved.
Be yourself:
If I remember clearly what the holy book said, it said something along this line, we have not chosen ourselves but God has chosen us. This is to say we did not give ourselves the position, God did and he would definitely direct us on the way we should go. You just need to let him lead you and you follow. It shouldn’t be so hard if you are actually listening to God’s instruction. But don’t be stuck up, be free and be human with the direction of God. After all, that is what we are, humans chosen by God, but humans first.
Know your message and stick to it:
When Jesus sent his disciples into the world to preach, he gave them a message, the plan, and what they were meant to do, as God always does. When you know your message, always try to stick to it. Don’t be tossed from side to side by pressure.
A lot of pastors lose it at this point where they drift off their original message because it doesn’t go with the trend or that big church does it differently and they seem to be making it. This is where they lose it. Know this, God chose you for a reason, stick to that purpose, we all have one.
Choose your companions wisely:
When I say companions, I mean friends, people you associate with, because as the man that you are, a little push and advice by that trusted friend, might make a lot more sense than it actually should. Choose that friend that will teach you patience and perseverance and not the one that would show you the nearest juju house to speed up growth.
Patience:
Patience they say is a virtue, and truly, they didn’t lie. As a pastor, especially a new pastor with a new church, hoping for growth, more members, and believing in God for that money.
The good news is it might come fast, the bad news is it might take longer than you are comfortable with. Patience would help you wait it out and not try to speed it up.
Love:
The bible preaches love, but one amazing thing is that it teaches us to love even when the person you are giving the love to doesn’t deserve that love. You need to have a lot of love in you, love that keeps you chasing after that one sheep that keeps running away from the flock, a big heart with a lot of love is what you need.
Conclusion:
A lot to say to these great shepherds and certainly a big round of applause because it is not an easy job. Jesus didn’t find it easy and even he, said that we should prepare for persecution, he assured us that as children of God, it will definitely come. Being a shepherd isn’t an easy job but it’s a sacrifice with a lot of blessings attached and definitely worth it if you persevere.
Thank y'all for reading