–– Malamulo Chindongo
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I’ve spoken to some pastors over the years, who have come close to quitting their ministry. They have felt this way due to the stresses and pain of betrayal in ministry, financial trouble, slander, gossip, and challenges in leadership. Other experiences in ministry that cause anguish may be a lack of growth, discontentment with our own preaching and dealing with our own besetting sins.
The work of pastoral ministry is not for the faint-hearted. We read in Philippians 1:29 that “it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ, you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake.”
As pastors, we have such a glorious calling, Hebrews 13:17 says; “Obey those who [a]rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” As we labour, we must remember this glorious calling, knowing that it is not without troubles.
In 2 Corinthians 5:18–21 we are reminded of our ambassadorship on behalf of Christ and our duty to plead with the lost to be reconciled to Him. As undershepherds, we are to implore God’s people, through the word of God, to put their trust in the finished work of our saviour. All of this should be accomplished in the context of 2 Corinthians 6:3-10:
“We give no offence in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. 4 But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, 5 in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in sleeplessness, in fastings; 6 by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, 7 by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8 by honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; 9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.”
Most of our letters in the New Testament are written either to Christians under great distress or like Timothy, a pastor who was facing great trials. But there is good news. As pastors, we can still rest.
A pastor can model the joy of suffering before His people. Pastors are not victims in God’s plan of building a kingdom for His Son! We are partakers!
Here are 4 things pastors can do to be able to rest while ministering:
1. Remember you are a Christian first before you are a pastor
Let Jesus shepherd your soul. Rest in Christ as a Christian, in 1 Cor, 9:27, we read “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” You are still loved by God even when you are not preaching. God does not love us because of our sermons.
2. Remember 1 Peter 5:1-4 and Rest in Christ. You are an undershepherd, Jesus is the Chief Shepherd
God has a mission, He is building His church, and only the Father knows how long it will be until the number is completed. As pastors, we participate in God’s plan for the years He has given us. The work will continue long after we are gone. We can let our minds rest and be at peace, resting in God’s promises. He loves His church more than we do.
3. You cannot help everyone
In Jesus’ ministry, Judas is a good example. He walked with Christ, yet is not counted in His eternal kingdom. Not everyone we minister to will make it.
4. God is with you
In Matthew 28:20, Jesus says “Behold I Am with you” All faithful ministry enjoys the spiritual presence of King Jesus. He will strengthen you as you serve.
Pastor, God is in control of your ministry. Love your people with all your heart and rest knowing that He takes care of His church.