Brother Wang, a pastor with over 20 years of experience serving a rural northern community, recently shared a profound insight drawn from his extensive pastoral experience and reflections on the contemporary church. He noted that when pastors find themselves unable to lead their congregations effectively, God Himself assumes the responsibility of guiding His people.
In today's challenging environment, many churches have splintered into smaller groups, and among different churches, there is a sense of isolation as each goes its own way. While some see this trend as a sign of disunity, Brother Wang finds a silver lining in the situation.
He pointed out that the more believers a pastor tries to lead, the more passive these believers may become. When a pastor is unable to take care of a large congregation, he is compelled to empower his congregation to navigate their own journeys, much like a father teaching his children how to live when he cannot be present.
"The congregants must learn to pastor and lead themselves. This is the essence of faith: coming to God on your own." In the past, many pastors acted as mediators, stepping in to solve their congregants' problems instead of taking on the role of "coaches" who empower believers to tackle their own challenges.
"Children grow the fastest when they believe they must leave their parents." Once a son becomes a father, he suddenly feels the weight of responsibility. Similarly, when believers stop relying solely on their pastors, they begin to mature in their faith. They find themselves stepping up to pastor others, confronting challenges, engaging with the Bible, and committing to prayer. It is in these moments that one can truly see that "God is, in fact, in the lead."
Brother Wang shared a story about an elderly woman from his village. In her 70s, she had been blind for years, her back hunched, and she relied on crutches to get around. She had no one to care for her. While many in the community felt sorry for her, Brother Wang viewed her as an "immortal." In the harsh winter months, temperatures dropped and snow covered the ground, but at the old lady's home, the windows were without glass, the door stood wide open, and there was no heat to be found. Yet, despite these tough conditions, the old lady would sing hymns from her bed, wearing a summer jacket over a thin, long-sleeved shirt. People often assumed she must be freezing, but when they held her hand, they were surprised to find it warm to the touch. Every time Brother Wang visited her, she would always tell him she was praying for him as he preached far from home.
"Even in the mountains and in those impoverished, desolate areas where no pastor is available to guide them, you can see how unwavering the faith of these individuals is. They can even experience God in profound ways," Brother Wang remarked.
Originally published by the Christian Times
- Edited by Karen Luo and translated by Joyce Leung
