I’m Dennis
Finnan, host and speaker on the World, the Word & You! Broadcast and in a
moment I’ll talk about myself and my work in serving the Lord Jesus Christ.
Stay tuned…
…You’re listening
to the World, the Word & You! Broadcast and speaking is your host and
commentator Dennis Finnan. My message today is entitled: MOTIVES FOR MINISTRY.
As strange as it
may seem as I said a moment ago, today I want to talk with you about "me!"
Yes, I'm going to talk a little bit about the very ministry and work God has
called me and multitudes of men through the ages to accomplish. You see, I'm a
preacher of God's Word. We who serve in ministry are often called by various
names. As I visit people in the city where I serve, often people will address
me in quite differing ways. Some call me -- "Preacher, Reverend, and most
often just, Pastor. Although each name has a unique emphasis, they all come
with a special recognition that God has set me and others in religious
ministry apart from others, for the special work of representing Him to the
people of our churches and the communities in which we serve.
I remember when I
first entered the full-time ministry. I had my own idea of what God wanted me
to do, but how differently people envisioned my work. For some, I was to be
the man "in charge," but for others, "not in charge of anything." I was at the
same time to be an administrative executive, but also a simple and humble
handyman employee. Moreover, for some I was also to be, a sensitive shepherd,
a skillful counselor, and dynamic public speaker who’s every word was to be
profound, penetrating and persuasive.
Along with these
qualifications I was also to be the perfect spiritual guide and example of
godliness, yet a man who was worldly-minded enough and up to date on all the
present affairs and happenings of life. In addition I was to be politically
savvy, intellectually sophisticated, but also down to earth, home-spun, and
folksy. And, in the course of accomplishing all these things, I was never to
be depressed, discouraged, cynical, angry, hurt, insensitive, defensive, and
uninterested in everyone's problems and needs. In place of this, I was always
to be positive, joyous, bubbling over, strong, witty, willing, always
available, and willing to do anything, anytime and always for all who would
ask at any hour, and time of day. I quickly learned this was the expectations
and job requirements of most, all rolled up into one that many church and
community folk envisioned for the “man of God” in their midst.
In fact, in my
first ministry, I once was instructed by an older saint that God never takes a
day off, and as such I too, was never to have such a thing as a day off. He
saw this as idle time away from the active ministry of the Lord, which was at
the least something ungodly! Well with that, it was a wonder I survived and
still am in the ministry after 26 years!
Now I say that
with tongue in cheek, but none-the-less, these expectations of the minister of
the Lord, are but a few of the often impossible, and unreal expectations God's
people sometimes demand from the spiritual “shepherds” God sends to minister
to them. Do you know that pastoral drop out rates are the highest ever?
According to
estimates by the Alban Institute in Washington, D.C., at least 17 percent of
clergy suffer from stress or burnout, "The Charlotte Observer" reported. About
1,400 ministers a year call a toll-free hot line of the Southern Baptist
Convention (SBC), which counsels ministers. Estimates show that nearly 100
Southern Baptist minister pastors leave their ministry every month. Moreover,
Sunscape Ministries of Colorado, which serves clergy in crises, reported that
in all denominations nationwide, 1,600 ministers per month are terminated or
forced to resign their pulpit due to clergy burnout.
We wonder today
why pastors are burning out at a faster rate than ever. In fact, one insurance
company has determined that the health risk factor of entering the ministry is
close to that of driving a gasoline trailer-tractor, or being an acrobatic
crop-duster. Insurance actuaries seem to show that the stress factor has
increased so greatly among "men of the cloth," that the risk of serious mental
and emotional breakdown, and even death is quite high. Why is this, and what
has caused such tremendous risk factors? Well the answers are varied, but much
of it has to do with the age we live in. For instance,
#1 Today there is a growing lack of respect for the pastoral position not only
within our society but also in churches.
#2 A growing mentality has erupted in our churches that views the pastor as
EITHER A HIRED HAND; OR THE OPPOSITE, a corporate executive officer.
If the pastor
does not follow the micromanagement of a church board, or does not continually
produce new growth and happy saints abundantly, he is fired! Success is
measured in "nickels and noses," or blind obedience, budgets, baptisms and
buildings. The numbers and heads attending each Sunday must go up, along with
the offerings to satisfy many congregations, and leadership boards, who just
see the pastor as nothing more than their lead mule. This kind of pressure
upon the minister is always destructive, spiritually deadly and even crippling
to any church blessing. Now thirdly and sadly,
#3 our CHRISTIAN society today finds it difficult to take the position of
follower OR (SHEEP) AS THE BIBLE CALLS THEM.
The idea that
someone is to rule over us in spiritual authority and has the "calling" to
direct us is often resisted, resented and vehemently rejected. Many a church
has erupted into actual fights and war zones over who is going to lead. Is it
the pastor, a church boss, a leadership board, or the congregation itself?
Yet, God has given clear directives in the matter. Although God's shepherds do
not have apostolic authority, the pastor, minister, and shepherd of the Lord
does have New Testament authority to personally lead and direct God's people.
Hear what God says in His Word. We read in,
Hebrews 13:17 (NLT) "Obey your spiritual
leaders and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they
know they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this joyfully and not
with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit."
In addition, in
Revelation chapters 2-3, the resurrected and living Christ speaks to
“the angels of” the seven churches of
Asia Minor. This word angel means, “APPOINTED MESSENGER.” It is a direct
reference to a single pastor, who is placed over a local church by God
Himself. Although God wants to lead the church through the unity and advice of
a plurality of church leaders, usually called elders, this does not negate the
responsibility of all church members, including church leaders, to seriously
subordinate themselves to and heed the spiritual leadership and advice of
God’s appointed messenger or “angel,” the pastoral shepherd. He too is to
submit himself to other God equipped church leaders (elders) who work with
him. Yes, God has ordained that His shepherd-pastors preside over His (sheep)
people for the Bible also says,
1 Timothy 5:17 (NIV) "The elders who direct the
affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose
work is preaching and teaching."
Indeed
Biblically, it is not a board of deacons, nor trustees, nor even the
congregation itself who are to rule and guide the church in all its affairs.
It is to be the one or ones specifically called by God to “shepherd" His
people -- that is the pastor(s) or elders of the church. Now resistance and
refusal to allow God's servants to lead and direct, has caused more trouble
than anything else. In addition to these detrimental actions and attitudes
called "clergy killers," there is also seen in the church at times, a "general
distrust" of those who enter the ministry, due to the growing violations and
abuses seen in the news and often portrayed by Hollywood fantasies. Indeed, we
must remember that the man of God's choosing to shepherd His people, is called
out from the multitudes of frail sinners like yourself. He is vulnerable to
temptations, to sin and the like. Therefore all the more, God's man, your
pastor(s), needs the faithful prayers of the saints that he would stand firm,
strong and faithful to God and those whom he serves. In spite of the often
public failures, we thank God there are many more good godly pastors who have
surely been an example of goodness, faithfulness, and trustworthiness.
Of course, not
all pastors suffer the same intensity of attacks, nor are all churches engaged
in these "clergy killer tactics" found among the saints; but none-the-less,
the spiritual killing of pastors is a serious, growing malady which has to be
addressed.
Now what are we
in the church to do about it? Continue as things are? If so, we will certainly
run out of good, faithful pastors. Many good young men are leaving the
ministry and going into secular work to get away from the destructive forces
the ministry brought upon their lives and those of their families. And, as
these good men leave to preserve and protect themselves and their loved ones,
God's work often flounders in their absence until another man of God may be
found and installed in his place, only to usually face the same harsh, often
abusive treatment, unrealistic expectations and destructive patterns of work
and relationships.
I submit to you,
God has a better way and it all revolves around God's expectations and
qualifications given for ministry, coupled with motives that honor God. Let's
take a moment to look at some of them and then apply them to our own lives
first, before we expect them of others. Then let us work toward growing them
lovingly in those called by God to serve His wonderful people. Perhaps the
best place to start is God's Word through the apostle Paul who wrote to the
Church of Thessalonica,
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (NLT) "Dear brothers
and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work
hard among you and warn you against all that is wrong. 13 Think highly of them
and give them your wholehearted love because of their work. And remember to
live peaceably with each other [as you are doing this]."
Here I believe is
the golden key to the inner heart, work and calling of God's servants who
minister God’s Word. You see the major motive for serving and to be served, is
genuine LOVE! Pastors today need loving support more than anything else.
Scripture urges God's people to give this unreservedly and without measure to
those whom God sends to them to lead them in His way. Yes, it's time to really
appreciate your pastor, to personally and practically care for him, and hold
him in high esteem not expecting anymore from him that you would expect from
yourself. The writer of Hebrews in the New Testament says this well too,
Hebrews 13:7-8 (NLT) "Remember your leaders who
first taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from
their lives, and trust the Lord as they do. 8 Jesus Christ is the same
yesterday, today, and forever."
Yet, even before
a man considers entering the ministry, he should be aware of the right motives
for this noble work. You see, throughout the Bible if you examine those whom
God specifically called into His service -- NONE EVER VOLUNTEERED! They were
in a sense, conscripted by God to serve Him, by His own sovereign choice. Yet
all who obeyed and went, found it to be the most rewarding and blessed work
anyone could ever do. So, the first thing anyone entering the ministry of the
Lord must do is – hear the clear voice of God calling him to this work, above
all else! If that is not clear or apparent then that man who seeks to enter
ministry is not God’s chosen servant.
I remember when I
was but thirteen years old. I was sitting in the church of my youth and
strangely while the pastor was talking my mind seemed to drift far in the
distance. So far away to a place I had never been before, and there in the
absence of all else, I remember distinctly I heard a voice speak to me, not in
words exactly but in my thoughts. It was the Lord calling me to serve Him as a
minister of His word. I was frankly honored by the thought, but scared to
death too. Well I quickly drifted back to the service, as the pastor was
ending his message. Nothing happened after that, except I had a keen sense of
God's presence whenever I was in church and often not too. However, it took
another fifteen years before God finally got hold of me for as yet I was not
saved. Yes while an unsaved sinner, God sought me out, then in His timing,
saved my soul and then renewed His sure call that came long before. I can't
explain that except to say in the majesty of God's eternal dealings, He of
course chose me out for Himself and His work. This I know for sure, for it has
kept me through times of great trial, stress and spiritual warfare.
However one must
realize, it doesn't matter “how” God speaks or calls, but every man who enters
the ministry of God to serve as God's under-shepherds (pastors or elders) ,
they must hear the clear call of God! You see, without it, I believe none can
stay in the ministry for a lifetime, nor serve properly in following God’s
will and ways. For the pressures, the pain, the disappointments, the hurts and
sorrows, and the fierce wickedness that Satan and his host of demons throw at
you, will drive any and all away who have not been called by God to serve Him
in such a battleground. Myself, I include as an example. Whenever the feeling
comes to me to quit, to run and fold up camp, to say I’ve had enough… God
reminds me that it was He who called me, not myself choosing this work. In
fact, listen to this exact situation in the lives of the Lord Jesus'
disciples. We read in…
John 6:63-70 (NLT) [Jesus while instructing the
multitudes said] "It is the Spirit who gives eternal life. Human effort
accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and
life. 64 But some of you don’t believe me." (For Jesus knew from the beginning
who didn’t believe, and he knew who would betray him.) 65 Then he said, "That
is what I meant when I said that people can’t come to me unless the Father
brings them to me." 66 At this point many of his disciples turned away and
deserted him. 67 Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, "Are you going to
leave, too?" 68 Simon Peter replied, "Lord, to whom would we go? You alone
have the words that give eternal life. 69 We believe them, and we know you are
the Holy One of God." 70 Then Jesus said, "I chose the twelve of you, but one
is a devil.""
Peter, was a man
who received the Lord Jesus' personal call to ministry. At this time in the
preaching ministry of Christ, many wanted nothing more to do with Him. At that
point Jesus turned to His disciples whom He personally called and selected,
and asked if they too would desert Him? Peter's answer is profound. He said
rightly "Lord, to whom shall we go, You alone
have the words that give eternal life!" You see that's it! Once
the Lord calls a man, he has no other place to go, but to follow the Lord
regardless of circumstance and consequences. So the first important motive for
ministry must be,
#1
GOD HAS CALLED AND COMMANDED YOU TO GIVE YOUR LIFE TO SERVE HIM AS HIS
REPRESENTATIVE AND SPOKESMAN!
And following
this great motive comes another one.
#2 It is THE CALL AND desire to truly love God's people, and sincerely seek
for ALL others to enter AND RECEIVE eternal life.
How often some
men enter the ministry with the expectation that it will be just another job
with 9-5 hours and a five day work week. Hardly! Most of God's faithful
servants serve more than 70-80 hours a week in sermon preparation and other
various ministry needs of the local church. If one comes expecting anything
else, he is not the man God sent for the job. Now this doesn't of course mean
every congregation should take advantage of this, and drain their pastor’s
lives dry by expecting them to work every day and every hour for their every
benefit and pleasure. Too many churches do just that! Remember, God's men are
the same as you! They are frail human beings, and like you they have wives and
families with the same responsibilities of marriage and home. They too, need
adequate time for their personal lives. Thus, every church member should
respect the pastor's right to have at the least a full day and night off from
his labors. So by honoring this and not bothering him with the many things
that can wait for another day - he can enjoy time to himself, his loved ones
and be refreshed for the demanding week ahead.
Also, how
important it is to allow the pastor adequate time in the evening of a long
day, to spend with his wife and family, and to get a good night's sleep
without the phone ringing at all hours of the night with people wanting to
talk, be counseled, or asking him to do something for them.
However, this
second requirement of ministry, to truly love the saints and the lost is vital
here. It allows the man of God in the light of many transgressions, to always
forgive those saints who abuse them, and to love them in spite of it.
It's so easy in
ministry to become cynical, critical and unloving of such people, even the
work itself! But, if one is specifically called by God to this shepherding
work, the man of God must love the saints with the love of the Lord. That love
in the Bible is called "agape" love. It is a love not based on what one gets
in return, or even the value of the relationship, but rather of the "will" to
say I "will love you no matter what!"
Yes, one's
motives for ministry must be first centered on a sincere desire to love
people, all people, and a sincere call from God to accomplish it. Indeed,
these two invincible qualities are imperative for all who enter the dangerous
but rewarding work of shepherding God's people. I thank God He gave this work
and calling to me, for it alone has given me the power to stay, to serve, to
love, to care for and faithfully proclaim God's "Good News Gospel," for all
the world to hear. God's men are shepherds not to earn a name for themselves,
nor establish themselves as great leaders, writers or TV personalities -- but
as prophets of God who fearlessly declare God’s truth, come what may.
And on the note
friend I say to you, have you heard the “Good News," that Christ died for you?
Yes, God the Son, the Creator of the world, came to earth through our humanity
itself, lived a sinless perfect life and chose to allow Himself to die on a
cross where he paid the wages of all sin which is eternal death, for the world
of all humanity. Since Christ's death and His glorious resurrection from the
grave, which was the final act of the Father in Heaven vindicating Christ and
His work on our behalf, the Lord Jesus offers to every generation and every
person - forgiveness of all our sins, and the gift of life eternal to be with
God in a place called Heaven. So I ask you bluntly, have you received Him?
Have you ever opened your heart and cried out for the Lord Jesus to save you
from your own sins and to come take possession of your life, to lead and
forever guide and control you? The Bible's call for this is heard in,
John 10:10 [Jesus said] "…I have come that they
may have life, and have it more abundantly."
Matthew 11:28 (NIV) ""Come to me, all you who
are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
John 6:47 (NIV) "I tell you the truth, he who
believes [on Me] has everlasting life."
John 10:28 (NIV) "I give them eternal life, and
they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand."
How wonderful it
is to have the written words that lead to eternal life. But how much more
wonderful it is to share them with others, so they too can receive Jesus
Christ, the Creator, and His forgiveness of all their sins. I trust you, my
friend, are saved from your sins, that you've put your trust for this life and
eternity in Jesus Christ alone, and that you are walking in obedience to Him,
and serving the Lord in a Bible believing and teaching local assembly of God's
people. For it is there, you'll find real satisfaction, joy and peace. I know.
I've been there faithfully for 32 years, and through thick and thin, through
much joy and heartache too I would never trade God's people and God's calling
and work for anything else.
Yes my listening
friend, I praise God for saving my soul and calling me into His ministry, and
I pray night and day that you too love the Lord and are faithfully serving
Him. Lastly for all others, it is my prayer and deep desire that you will hear
the still small voice of the Lord calling you to be saved from your sins and
come to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord God and Savior.
Friend, your
pastor probably needs your love, help and support more than you know. We men
of God have the ability to hide our needs. Yet, statistics show that 70% of
all pastors do not have someone they would consider a close friend, even
associate. Moreover, 80% believe that pastoral ministry negatively and
severely affects their families. Thus 100% of them all need their
congregation's full positive support every day of their lives. The enemy of
our soul and theirs works night and day to destroy them, as front line
representatives of God, and their work by producing in them deep loneliness
and heavy fatigue. Satan tries to raise up family problems for them and
constantly provides resistance to everything they do to wear them down
emotionally and physically as well.
Along with that,
Satan works hard to bring sadness, depression, hurt feelings, and all sorts of
temptations to see that the man of God falls hard and fails deeply. O
brethren, lift God’s servant up in regular prayer, and in practical and
tangible ways honor him above all else in the work and fellowship of the
saints. Don’t put stumbling blocks in his path, making it difficult for him to
do God’s work. Remember, your pastor stands or falls due in large part to the
love, care, support, respect and following of the people to whom he was sent.
May God so bless
our churches today with dynamic faithful shepherds and leaders and may God's
people lovingly, sacrificially and seriously take these things to heart and
rightly honor the servants of the Lord. Herein they will be blessed and so too
will you!
