A minister is called unto administration. Having seen pastors being more engrossed with upholding the Ecclesiastical structure/system of the church, I am aware that I have recoiled in the other direction and am probably inclined to spurning or neglecting administrative duties. Clowney's call is a somber reminder not to be caught up in the study, proclamation and application of the Word (which is our primary and most important duty), but to take on a towel and be willing to wish the feet of our peers and sheep. Preaching without personal action would not account for any authenticity to our post-modern hearers. But how can we serve others unless we have come face to face with the transcendent God who humbled himself to the cross? If we have encountered him and surrendered this life for him, then how can we but give our all, our everything for his bride, the church?
From Page 57 of Called to the Ministry
No pastor should despise administrative duties. They are included in his calling. A recent survey reported that most ministers resented the demands of administration upon their time. They felt they had been prepared to minister the Word and the sacraments but were delivered up to the administration of building campaigns and fellowship suppers. No doubt a corrective is needed. Sometimes the church is just too big; sometimes it is busy with the wrong programs. A pastor is not likely to be irked with the administration of a program of evangelistic calling by the members of the congregation. Sometimes the pastor is at fault for seizing leadership himself instead of cultivating it in others. But the minister who supposes that his calling is to the pulpit and the study had better dedicate an office desk to the service of the Lord.
No comments:
Post a Comment