We live in uncertain times. We need to pray for our Pastors.
Pastors can experience deep valleys of loneliness. Of pressures from those whom they counsel. Of thoughts, “Did I do enough?”
I have heard from many Pastors as of late. One theme? Pastors hear from people (even from within their own congregation) on opposite sides of all kinds of subjects; the subject which is having the greatest impact right now is Covid.
Let me get straight to the point: Whatever decision a Pastor makes, he is being confronted for his “wrong”, “poor,” or “bad” decision.
These decisions are not sin issues. These decisions are in the areas in which we hope and pray will make a bad situation (at least) somewhat better.
Yet Pastors are confronted as if these are sin issues.
My mind is brought to 1 Corinthians 8 where the Apostle Paul discusses food being offered to idols. Idols are nothing. So it doesn’t matter that food was offered to idols. We know the truth. “We know that an idol has no real existence, and that ‘there is no God but one.’ Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist.”
Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, no better if we do. But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. Please read this passage (1 Corinthians 8).
There is not a one-for-one parallel between “food offered to idols” and Covid.
What remains, though, is: Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
Are we building up in love? Are we sacrificing our energy in love? Are we acting in selfless love for others?
Your Pastor is striving to build up everyone for whom he will give an account to God.
Worship of God (corporately) is a preeminent privilege and responsibility of God’s people. The goal is to establish a situation in which the vast majority of members (if not every member) will feel confident in their conscience to physically join the corporate worship.
This is a weighty responsibility Pastors take seriously.
Your Pastor needs even more prayer. We need to pray for our Pastors.
If at the very least, pray for your Pastor and text him that you have just prayed for him. Let him know he is not alone. Let him know you will support him in his decisions because when it comes down to it, he is not making them to make everyone happy–Nor are his decisions a matter of sin. He’s making these decisions so that the people for whom he will give an account will be able to join in one accord as many of the others who desire to worship God in Spirit and Truth.
Pray even more for your Pastors.
