Trial
Part 15: Humble Pastors
1 Pt. 5:1-5
Pride is one of the most dangerous traits for a pastor to have. Pastors who are proud, and not humble, don’t image Jesus the way they need to to lead the people the way Jesus would have them to. In this sermon, Pastor Mark Driscoll preaches about the necessity for all pastors to be filled with humility.
TEXT: 1 Peter 5:1 – 5
PREACHER: Pastor Mark Driscoll
DATE: May 3, 2009
h3. Introduction
Key roles related to church leadership, as described in 1 Peter 5:1 – 5 and elsewhere in Scripture:
Chief Shepherd: Jesus is the Senior Pastor of every Bible-believing church.
First among equals: Elders/pastors should work within teams of peers, but a first among equals must take leadership responsibility for each team. Peter was a primary leader in the early church, but also a “fellow elder.”
Shepherds: Overseers (pastors/elders) of the flock that is the church.
Sheep: The congregation (including the pastors).
Wolves: False teachers and divisive members of the congregation.
More on church leadership roles and structure: Acts 20:28 – 35; 1 Timothy 3:1 – 7; Titus 1:5 – 9. Pastor Mark’s books Church Leadership and Vintage Church are a helpful resource.
h3. What Does a Pastor Do?
Pastors are called to lead like Jesus, the Senior Pastor, as prophets, priests, and kings. Different pastors are better suited for each of these roles:
Prophets are gifted communicators (preaching and writing) and “shepherd the flock” as a large group.
Priests are gifted counselors and “shepherd the flock” on a more personal basis, working with individuals and small groups.
Kings are gifted administrators who “exercise oversight” over the flock by ensuring good stewardship and sound leadership overall.
Threats to Pastoral Leadership
Peter identifies the most significant threats to pastoral leadership and, consequentially, the church.
Pastoral Duty (1 Peter 5:2)
The office of pastor should be a calling of the Holy Spirit, not a duty imposed by man (1 Tim. 3:1).
Ministry is a lifestyle, not an occupation.
Pastoral Greed (1 Peter 5:2)
Ministry should not serve as a side business or an excuse to get a tax break.
A church should compensate their pastor (1 Tim. 5:17 – 18), but the pastor must work for Jesus—not money.
Pastoral Power (1 Pet. 5:3)
Pastors are to be under not just _in _authority.
Pastors are to exercise influence (out of love) not control (out of fear).
Pastors are to acknowledge that they are not in charge; Jesus is in charge.
Pastors are to lead like Jesus: by selfless serving.
Pastoral Applause (1 Pet. 5:4)
If a Pastor desires to be popular with all people and have peace at all costs then he is fearing man and ultimately will not be fearing God. Glory, reward, and satisfaction come from Jesus—not from men.
Pastoral Pride (1 Pet. 5:5)
All sin originates from pride.
Pride is satanic (Isaiah 14; Ezekiel 28).
Pride is repackaged as self-esteem, self-improvement, self-actualization, etc.
God hates the proud, opposes the proud, and punishes the proud (Proverbs 8:13; 16:5, 18).
Turn their critics into coaches.
Preach and practice repentance.
Submit to godly authority.
Learn as well as teach.
Accept their place in the church, especially when it changes.
Earnestly desire the growth and good of all churches.
Rejoice in (rather than covet) evidences of God’s grace in other churches and pastors.
Care more about Jesus’ name than their own name or their church’s name.
Humble Pastors
No one is humble except for God (Mark 10:45; Phil. 2:5 – 11). All we can say is, “I am a proud person pursuing humility by the grace of God.” Pastors pursuing humility…
h3. Recommended Reading: Humility, by C.J. Mahaney
1 Peter 5:1-5
5:1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Quotation information.