Valuing the Pastoral Gift: Seven Key Relationships
Summary
In this session, we explored the vital relationship between congregants and their pastors, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and valuing the pastoral gift. The pastor is not just a leader but a divine gift to the church, meant to guide, edify, and nurture the spiritual growth of the congregation. To truly benefit from this gift, we must actively engage in seven biblical ways to relate to our pastors.
Firstly, it is essential to receive your pastor as a gift from God. This means acknowledging the divine calling and anointing upon their life, which enables them to shepherd the flock effectively. Without this recognition, we may miss out on the spiritual nourishment intended for us.
Secondly, knowing the gift involves understanding your pastor as a person and a leader. This requires regular attendance and active participation in church activities, allowing you to grasp their vision and message fully. Sporadic attendance can lead to misunderstandings and a lack of connection with the pastoral message.
Thirdly, we must esteem the gift by holding our pastors in high regard, respecting and admiring them for their work. This esteem should be demonstrated through actions, as love is an action word. Supporting and defending your pastor fosters peace within the church community.
Fourthly, prayer is crucial. We are called to pray for our pastors, not just relying on intercessors but personally lifting them up in prayer. Even a brief, consistent prayer can have a significant impact, supporting them in their ministry and ensuring the word of God has free course.
Fifthly, communication is key. We should communicate positively with our pastors, sharing encouragement and appreciation rather than criticism. This builds a supportive environment where pastors feel valued and motivated.
Sixthly, imitation of the pastor's example is encouraged. Pastors are not entertainers but role models. By emulating their faith and conduct, we can experience the peace of God in our lives and become stronger witnesses in our communities.
Lastly, giving heed to the gift means listening attentively and taking the pastor's teachings seriously. Church is not just a social gathering but a place to receive spiritual instruction. By focusing on the message, we allow it to take root in our lives, preventing it from slipping away.
Key Takeaways:
- Receive Your Pastor as a Gift: Recognize your pastor as a divine gift, acknowledging their calling and anointing. This recognition opens the door to receiving the spiritual nourishment intended for you. [07:56]
- Know the Gift: Regular attendance and active participation in church activities help you understand your pastor's vision and message, preventing misunderstandings and fostering a deeper connection. [12:23]
- Esteem the Gift: Hold your pastor in high regard, demonstrating respect and admiration through actions. This esteem fosters peace within the church community and supports the pastor's ministry. [14:36]
- Pray for the Gift: Personal prayer for your pastor is crucial, supporting them in their ministry and ensuring the word of God has free course. Even brief, consistent prayers can have a significant impact. [19:44]
- Imitate the Gift: Emulate your pastor's faith and conduct, experiencing the peace of God in your life and becoming a stronger witness in your community. Pastors are role models, not entertainers. [24:27]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:21] - The Importance of Relating to Your Pastor
- [05:14] - Receiving Your Pastor as a Gift
- [07:56] - Understanding the Gift
- [12:23] - Knowing the Gift
- [13:24] - Esteeming the Gift
- [14:36] - Love as an Action Word
- [17:00] - Standing Up for Your Pastor
- [19:44] - Praying for the Gift
- [22:55] - Communicating Positively
- [24:27] - Imitating the Gift
- [25:12] - The Power of Imitation
- [27:08] - Giving Heed to the Gift
- [30:29] - Recap of the Seven Ways
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 4:8-12 - This passage discusses the gifts Christ gave to the church, including pastors, for the edification of the body of Christ.
2. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 - This passage encourages believers to know and esteem those who labor among them, including pastors.
3. Philippians 4:9 - This verse highlights the importance of imitating the example set by spiritual leaders.
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 4:8-12, what roles are mentioned as gifts to the church, and what is their purpose?
2. In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, what are believers encouraged to do regarding those who labor among them? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on esteeming pastors? [13:24]
3. How does Philippians 4:9 suggest believers should respond to the teachings and examples of their leaders? [22:55]
4. What are the seven biblical ways to relate to your pastor as discussed in the sermon? [30:29]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does recognizing a pastor as a gift from God, as mentioned in Ephesians 4, change the way one might interact with their pastor? [07:56]
2. What might be the consequences of not esteeming the pastoral gift as instructed in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13? How does this affect the peace within a church community? [14:36]
3. In what ways can imitating a pastor’s example, as suggested in Philippians 4:9, lead to experiencing the peace of God in one’s life? [24:27]
4. How does the sermon suggest that personal prayer for pastors can impact their ministry and the church as a whole? [19:44]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current relationship with your pastor. Have you acknowledged them as a gift from God? If not, what steps can you take to do so? [07:56]
2. Consider your attendance and participation in church activities. How can you become more consistent to better understand your pastor’s vision and message? [12:23]
3. Think about a recent interaction with your pastor. Did you communicate encouragement or criticism? How can you ensure your communication is positive and supportive? [22:55]
4. Identify one aspect of your pastor’s faith or conduct that you admire. How can you begin to emulate this in your own life? [24:27]
5. Set a goal to pray for your pastor daily for the next week. What specific prayers can you offer to support them in their ministry? [19:44]
6. Reflect on how you can hold your pastor in high regard through actions. What is one tangible way you can demonstrate this esteem in the coming week? [14:36]
7. How can you make a conscious effort to listen attentively to your pastor’s teachings during church services? What distractions might you need to minimize to give heed to the gift? [27:08]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing the Divine Gift of Pastoral Leadership
The role of a pastor is not merely a position of leadership within the church; it is a divine gift bestowed upon the congregation. Recognizing this gift involves acknowledging the unique calling and anointing that God has placed upon the pastor's life. This recognition is crucial because it opens the door to receiving the spiritual nourishment and guidance that God intends for the congregation through the pastor. When congregants view their pastor as a divine gift, they are more likely to be receptive to the teachings and leadership provided, allowing for a deeper spiritual growth and connection within the church community. [07:56]
"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." (Hebrews 13:7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively acknowledge your pastor as a divine gift in your life today, and what steps can you take to be more receptive to their spiritual guidance?
Day 2: Engaging Actively with Pastoral Vision
Understanding your pastor's vision and message requires more than just attending church services sporadically. It involves regular attendance and active participation in church activities, which helps prevent misunderstandings and fosters a deeper connection with the pastoral message. By engaging actively, congregants can better grasp the direction and purpose of the church's mission, aligning themselves with the collective goals of the community. This active engagement not only strengthens the individual's faith but also contributes to the unity and growth of the church as a whole. [12:23]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: What specific church activity or ministry can you commit to participating in regularly to better understand and support your pastor's vision?
Day 3: Esteeming Pastoral Leadership Through Action
Esteeming your pastor involves holding them in high regard and demonstrating respect and admiration through tangible actions. This esteem is not just about verbal acknowledgment but is shown through supportive actions that foster peace and unity within the church community. By actively supporting and defending your pastor, you contribute to a positive environment where the pastor can lead effectively, and the congregation can thrive spiritually. Esteem is a form of love in action, and it plays a vital role in maintaining harmony and growth within the church. [14:36]
"Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching." (1 Timothy 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate your esteem for your pastor this week, and how can these actions contribute to the peace and unity of your church community?
Day 4: The Power of Prayer for Pastoral Support
Prayer is a powerful tool that supports pastors in their ministry, ensuring that the word of God has free course. Congregants are encouraged to personally lift their pastors up in prayer, rather than solely relying on intercessors. Even brief, consistent prayers can have a significant impact, providing spiritual strength and encouragement to pastors as they lead their congregations. By committing to pray for your pastor, you become an active participant in their ministry, helping to create an environment where God's word can flourish. [19:44]
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." (1 Timothy 2:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate a specific prayer for your pastor into your daily routine, and what impact do you hope this will have on their ministry and your church community?
Day 5: Emulating Pastoral Faith and Conduct
Pastors serve as role models for their congregations, and emulating their faith and conduct can lead to experiencing the peace of God in one's life. By observing and imitating the positive examples set by pastors, congregants can strengthen their own faith and become more effective witnesses in their communities. This imitation is not about copying every action but about adopting the principles and values that align with a Christ-centered life. Through this process, individuals can grow spiritually and contribute to the overall mission of the church. [24:27]
"Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one aspect of your pastor's faith or conduct that you admire. How can you begin to incorporate this into your own life to strengthen your witness in your community?
Quotes
"Do you realize that your pastor is a gift from God? Now, you know, some people say, well, now, brother, buddy, are you going to tell us old brother Bob sitting down there on the front row that he is a gift from God? Now, I can tell you some things about old brother Bob you don't know. And, you know, you haven't been here very often. And I've been here for a long. Long time. Well, now, let me help you out. I'm not talking about brother Bob. I'm talking about pastor Bob. I'm talking about the gift that God has placed on the inside of him. Do you know there's a gift on the inside of your pastor that's called a pastor?" [00:06:56] (42 seconds)
"The second Bible way on how to relate to the ministry gift the pastor is you must know the gift. Now that word no there means to understand as truth or fact now the only way you can understand someone as truth or fact you must be around them coming to church once a month you won't know the gift coming to church every other week you won't know the gift coming in late you won't know the gift leaving early you won't know the gift and that's why some people struggle with the gift and the message from the gift." [00:11:23] (33 seconds)
"The third Bible way on how to relate to the ministry gift the pastor is you must esteem the gift. Now, that word esteem means to hold in high regard, to respect, and to admire. The Bible tells us how. Very highly in love. It does not say in love. The Bible doesn't say highly in love. It says very highly in love. Love is an action word. Do you hear me? Love is an action word." [00:14:36] (32 seconds)
"The seventh Bible way on how to relate to the ministry gift. The pastor is we must give heed to the gift. Now that word heed there means to listen with care, to pay attention to the gift. Now that word heed there means to listen with care, to take notice of. Cannot we make a decision that when we walk into church that for the next 60 the next 90 minutes that we're going to give heed to the gift that we're going to listen with care that we're going to pay attention to that we're going to take notice of" [00:27:08] (26 seconds)
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