When we assumed our first pastoral assignment in Lagos that year, a young man also came to Church for the first time that day. According to him; “The moment I heard you speak that day, I knew this is my pastor.” He remained a committed follower all through our pastoring that Church. He understood his need of a pastor.
Friend, the pastoral ministry is an integral part of the operations of God on the earth. When God gives you a pastor, He has solved most of your problems in life (Jeremiah 3:15). Your responsibility now is to know how to relate correctly with such pastor.
Everybody needs a Church and a pastor (Acts 13:1). You cannot outgrow pastoring. You are either a pastor functionally or under a pastor somewhere. It is not first about status but about kingdom structure. You must not allow your gifts, status or age to rob you of the blessings of Church and pastoring.
Whereas, there are more positional pastors than called pastors today, we need to realize that pastoring is a calling. It is a grace. It comes with special burden that can only be caught, not taught. There is a way that God wires a pastor. He carries the sheep in his heart (Luke 15:4-6). He can locate them in the spirit and provide timely counsels and covering.
Perhaps, the least recognised and celebrated of the five-fold ministry offices is the pastor. Yet, he is the most important. You may not always need a prophet, an apostle, an evangelist or a teacher. But you will always need a pastor (Psalms 23:1-6). He is the primary channel through which God reaches the sheep (Matthew 9:36, John 10:1-5).
You need to pray for the gift of a pastor (Jeremiah 3:15). Don’t confuse having many preachers with having a God-ordained pastor (1 Corinthians 4:15). Just like having many canteens in town cannot replace having a home where you are rightly and systematically fed. You can have the right pastor but have a wrong posture around him (Hebrews 13:7, 17). Be wise.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria