Dear pastor,
I have a concern for my own ministry and I wonder if it might be true in yours as well.
Eph 4:12 tells us that God has appointed us in our roles so that we might “equip the saints” for works of service.
And yet I am concerned that far too often I do for the saints what they need to be doing for themselves.
I think you know what I mean. Pastors often do many things that the people ought to be doing:
- Mow the yard
- Clean the building
- Print the bulletin
- Purchase the supplies
- Handle the IT and tech of the church
And that list goes on and on!
The reality is that even when it comes to spiritual matters such as preaching, teaching, praying and leading in worship (and other corporate spiritual disciplines) pastors shouldn’t be the only ones doing these things.
What if you and I got sick? Or were injured in an accident? Or suddenly called away for some reason?
Would the ministry of the church fall apart? Would people know where to find things? Would people know what to do?
We are called to equip the saints, but sometimes it seems easier to just do it ourselves. Less complaining, more efficient, done more to our liking.
But then we leave them ill-equipped and worse yet we enable them to be takers and not givers and we set up the church and the next pastor to perpetuate a culture of “hired-hands” rather than givers and servants.
So please, sit down and make a list of jobs you shouldn’t be doing. (Make sure to do it in prayer and perhaps even with consultation from another church leader.) And then make a list of potential volunteers in the church who would excel in filling those roles.
You will create a healthier church, more fulfilled volunteers, a more robust ministry and above all you will find that you are being obedient to God and bringing Him glory as you equip the saints.
Pastor Encouragement 