"As pastors, we hope that Christians can treat us in a right way while we don't dare to give teachings on this sensitive issue because of our own identity. The topic, like tithes and offerings, is a 'minefield' in church nurturing. "
Talking about the right attitude toward pastors, the message preached in a Sunday service in a house church of Zhengzhou, Henan, claimed "Teaching believers how to treat pastor properly is the duty of pastors, as well as an important part of church shepherding ministry. But this part has been neglected by us for a long time."
Then what is the right way to treat pastors?
First of all, believers should accept pastors as a gift from God for the church.
Don't determine your attitude toward pastors based on their behaviors, gifts or whether you like them or not, but according to biblical teachings.
"But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: 'When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.' " (Ephesians 4:7-8)
"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up..." (Ephesians 4:11-12)
Meanwhile, we must also remember that thanking God for giving you a pastor doesn't mean that the pastor is perfect.
Second, church members should pray for their pastors.
"As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith." (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2)
"Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." (Ephesians 6:19-20)
The message explains that the reasons to pray for pastors are because the Bible encourages us to do it and it's also a way to work with God's servants and expand God's work.
Third, believers should supply the need of pastors.
"Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor." (Galatians 6:6)
"For it is written in the Law of Moses: 'Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.'Is it about oxen that God is concerned? " (1 Corinthians 9:9)
The two verses say that not only preachers need to live by faith, but also all the people who believe in God. Called to shepherd the flock, pastors are first called to be spouses and parents. "If anyone doesn't care his own family, how can he take care of God's household?"
Fourth, believers should have great respect for pastors in love.
"Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other." (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)
"Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be." (John 12:26)
The message indicates that believers should esteem pastors very highly out of their fear of God, for pastors are called to admonish and nurture them. It also adds, "Regard shows in inner attitudes and in the mind. This refers to inward respect, rather than outward politeness."
In addition, the sermon mentions that believers should be obedient to the spiritual guidance of pastors, for "pastors will taste joy in their ministry and their burden will be relieved through the cooperation between believers and spiritual leaders, which encourages them." It also warns pastors to "be aware that their spiritual authority comes from God." What's more, a pastor is required to set up a spiritual team, avoiding fighting alone.
The message hopes that believers can try to understand that pastors have difficulties and demands, who may suffer from pressure or bad emotions. "Pastors are spiritual models", but they are not the standard and they are the ones who are saved by sinners as well.
"The attitude of a church toward its pastors reveals the church's circumstance to some degree. A church that disrespects its pastor is by no means a mature healthy one." Concludes the sermon.
Translated by Karen Luo
