As a pastor, I am continually confronted with the temptation to do a thousand things that would keep me from doing that which I should do. As a pastor of a small church, I am tempted to function as church administrator, church secretary, church custodian, and as a host of other good and necessary roles that do not fulfill the role to which I am charged. While there are church members who may expect me to tackle some tasks that would fall into these various functional positions, that is not my biggest problem. My biggest problem is that I sometimes really like to do all of this other work. There is some great satisfaction in shuffling papers, completely hands-on tasks, and having something to show for your labor at the end of the day. Therefore, I am in constant need of reminders to keep me focused upon my real "job".
I was recently reading through a book by William Blaikie for that very purpose. Blaikie (1820-1899) was very influential in the founding of the Free Church of Scotland and was heavily influenced by Thomas Chalmers. Blaikie was a pastor for 25 years and his words about the pastoral ministry carry great weight in light of that experience. In his book, For the Work of the Ministry, he draws on some of the Scriptural images that highlight the function of a pastor. One of those images is that of a nursing mother (1 Thess. 2:7-8). Calvin put it this way,
What is there to show for such a ministry? I pray that I like John can say, “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth” (3 John 4). Like a father, much of a pastor’s joy, comes years later when he can see the fruit of his care of the household of God. It is great charge that is given to the pastor but there is even greater reward. “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory” (1 Peter 5:4). When all is said and done, it really just doesn’t get any better than that!
I was recently reading through a book by William Blaikie for that very purpose. Blaikie (1820-1899) was very influential in the founding of the Free Church of Scotland and was heavily influenced by Thomas Chalmers. Blaikie was a pastor for 25 years and his words about the pastoral ministry carry great weight in light of that experience. In his book, For the Work of the Ministry, he draws on some of the Scriptural images that highlight the function of a pastor. One of those images is that of a nursing mother (1 Thess. 2:7-8). Calvin put it this way,
a mother nursing her children manifests a certain rare and wonderful affection, inasmuch as she spares no labor and trouble, shuns no anxiety, is worn out by no labor, and even with cheerfulness of spirit gives herself to her child.Another image which portrays pastoral ministry is the image of a shepherd (1 Peter 5:1-3). While much more could be said, this is a sufficient reminder of the ministry to which I am called as a pastor.
What is there to show for such a ministry? I pray that I like John can say, “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth” (3 John 4). Like a father, much of a pastor’s joy, comes years later when he can see the fruit of his care of the household of God. It is great charge that is given to the pastor but there is even greater reward. “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory” (1 Peter 5:4). When all is said and done, it really just doesn’t get any better than that!
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