Being a pastor is both honorable and dangerous.
A single pastor from Southern China, Qu Ruolin (pseudonym), who is nearly 40 years old, has been on the front line in his 10-year-long church ministry. He suffered tremendously for the needs of the church because of the hardships and trials of ministry. Throughout the process, he never expressed his weaknesses and gave the impression of a very strong and elite soldier of Christ. Sadly, he was tempted by love and was defrauded of a significant amount of money by a man he had pastored. As a result, he is now in debt and has to leave his pastoral position temporarily to work part-time to pay it off.
In his reflections, he once said, "Life was really hard during those years, but I was very keen to produce results and get the approval and testimony of the pastors. Because I was too strong-minded I ignored the fact that my ministry requires an experience of walking with the Lord."
While megachurches send single pastors to pioneer churches, their personal needs, such as marriage and spiritual counseling should be taken care of. Factors such as the pastor's assurance and application of being saved, the need to start a family, relationships, and financial conditions are all critical to the health and longevity of one's ministry path.
In Asian cultures, in family education, parents often compare their children with others' children and impose their own expectations on their children. This will distort a child's understanding of self-esteem and self-strength: It seems I am worthy and deserving of the respect of others only because I act strong. As a result, such a system of self-perception can sow the seeds of trouble on the path of faith later in life.
As saved people, we should know that our salvation, our worth, is not in our deeds, merits, contributions, or sacrifices but solely in the grace of Jesus.
A "strong heart," which is based on human self-righteousness, can lead a pastor to confusion in ministry. A strong heart can lead us to a relationship with God that is mixed with our own righteousness rather than the righteousness of Jesus. Living according to one's own righteousness leaves a void and a tear in the heart. When the three great temptations come at this time, it is easy to fall prey to the devil's tricks and end up stumbling in the path of ministry.
I hope that when large churches send out single pastors, they will be careful and do a good job of protecting them. Pastors can break out of the self-righteous and strong mindset and learn to walk the path of a lifetime of serving the Lord Jesus Christ in a world justified by faith, relying on Him, and holding on to Him.
- Translated by Nonye Nancy
