PASTOR APPRECIATION: PART TWO (REACHER AND TEACHER)
With the goal of highlighting some of the many tasks and responsibilities carried out by pastors for which these servants of God are admired and appreciated, allow me to offer two additional ministry areas that align closely with the pastor who Exposits (preaches) and Exhorts (beseeches). The first of these two ministry areas is the role of the pastor as Evangelist and the second is the role of the pastor as Equipper.
An evangelist is a preacher of the Gospel... “a bringer of good news.” The Gospel is Jesus and the message of this good news is the authoritative, life-changing and transformative power of God made available through God’s only begotten son…the Word become flesh (John 11:25-26; John 14:6; 1 Corinthians 15:1-6; 1 Peter 2:24, Colossians 1:13-14; Romans 10:9-10, 13, etc.).
The prophet Isaiah asserted “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation…” (52:7). Every Christian is called to share the Gospel. The challenge and charge of the Great Commission to “make disciples” includes everyone who is a follower of Jesus Christ. Pastors, however, have a unique opportunity to be evangelists and to lead others to do likewise. How? Through explaining the nature of sin (Romans 3:23; 6:23) and proclaiming Jesus as Savior (John 1:29; Romans 6:23; 5:8, etc.) regularly in a corporate setting at church, through exhibiting an attitude of concern for those who are unsaved and then by demonstrating such concern through actions focused on sharing Jesus with others. The adage “actions speak louder than words” certainly applies to the pastor as evangelist… or reacher of others with the good news of God’s redeeming love (John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-18).
Even as a pastor reaches out to others with the good news of the gospel through actions, attitudes, words, and deeds, the pastor also carries the responsibility to educate and equip believers to love Christ, live for Christ, and lead others to Christ. Jesus instructed his disciples to “teach them to observe/obey everything I have commanded…” (Matthew 28:20). Thus, the pastor must also be a teacher. A teacher not only instructs someone what to do, but a teacher also informs them how to carry out the instructions. In other words, a teacher both educates and equips by preparing others for a particular situation or task by providing them with the skills and personal qualities necessary to be successful. Through exposition, exhortation and by example, a pastor is an equipper...a teacher.
The apostle Paul presented God’s desire for His people to be prepared and positioned for works of service through the tutelage and training of apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors, and teachers. The underlying goal of this training is that the body of Christ may be built up, that unity in the faith and knowledge of the Son of God may be achieved, and that Christlikeness would result (Ephesians 4:11-13). Pastors, as reachers and teachers, are responsible for and play a significant role in edifying, equipping, and elevating Christian brothers and sisters.
Pastors “wear a lot of hats” while ministering to their flock, reaching out to unbelievers with the Gospel, and equipping believers to walk with the Lord in obedience. While October is “Pastor Appreciation Month,” you should affirm and appreciate your pastor throughout the year by praying for him and his family, by participating with him in his reaching and teaching efforts, and by planting your heart, head and hands squarely and firmly in the authority of the Gospel. In this way, you will be well-postured to fulfill the Great Commandments and the Great Commission while leading others to do the same.
Dear Heavenly Father, may I affirm and appreciate your servants. May they not grow weary in well-doing. May my actions and attitude encourage them in their ministry of evangelizing and equipping. May my example lead others to become reachers and teachers also. Amen.
Daniel