Not everyone can do your pastor’s job …

Yes, the Bible really does teach the concept of the “ministry of all believers,” that all Christians are “ministers.”

Because of that fact, it can be too easy to forget the Bible also teaches that, by God’s design, His church also has some specific offices from which the position and authority of leadership is given.

Along with the establishment of these offices, we read this about our church leaders:

“The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching,” 1 Timothy 5:17 (NASB).

In today’s culture, we find it more interesting to snipe at the many problems in the church and the all too common poor leadership we witness from too many churches. While the church needs to get its act together in a significant way, it’s important for us to remember that scripture teaches us our leaders shouldn’t just be respected, but they’re worthy of “double honor.” The truth is, while every member of the church is a “minister,” not everyone can do your pastor’s job. This story by Mitchell Dillon shows how not everyone can be a pastor …

Early on in my pastoral career, I sat down to counsel with a couple, Elmer and Mel. They had been married for nearly forty years and had lived most of that time together in utter frustration. Elmer felt strongly that anything short of serving God in full-time ministry would be to give God “less” of himself, so he devised a plan, set some goals, and doggedly pursued them.

Mel worked long hours to finance her husband’s Bible College and Seminary studies. Elmer struggled with the academics, but was determined to continue his studies. The debt began to accrue and would prove to be a burden for many years.

Even as he pursued studies, Elmer pursued leadership in local churches, yet he was met with continual frustration. He would attempt to teach adult Sunday School classes, only to find attendance quickly waned. He was not invited to serve on church leadership boards. People did not seek out his counsel. The fact is, Elmer was not a very good student, he was not very articulate, nor was he a “people” person.

When he failed to secure any ministerial positions after completing seminary, Elmer took a job in a local supermarket and quickly rose to supervisory status in the meat cutting department. Turns out, Elmer was an excellent butcher. Each week he brought home a good paycheck. In his annual reviews he was continually praised. But each night Elmer laid his head down in frustration that he had not been able to achieve his goal of full-time pastoral ministry. He grew bitter and resentful. Even as he reached his retirement years, Elmer was no closer to his goal than when he started decades before.

Elmer was miserable because, while like every other Christian he is a “minister” for Christ, he was not called to an office of leadership in the body of Christ.

A friend I met some years ago through Facebook recently was ordained as a minister of the Gospel. When he posted about this on social media, I commented that we often understate the significance of ordination. The act of ordination follows a realization and acceptance of the fact that God has called a specific person to a position of leadership in His church. The laying on of hands and praying over those who are called isn’t some cheap symbolic act; it recognizes that God has set aside this specific person to shepherd His flock.

What a huge act that is!

What a massive responsibility to be saddled with!

And how worthy of double honor are those who “rule well.”

“Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith,” Hebrews 13:7.

To help us remember these leaders, and the need to honor them, October has been designated as Pastor Appreciation Month. This is a good time to remember that not everyone can do their jobs, and few would want to try! It’s a good time to remember all the good that has come from their lives, and heap honor upon them for it. It’s a good time to remember that God personally set aside your pastor for the work of watching over your souls. It’s a good time to show how much you appreciate their faithful service to this great calling.

Scotty