Being a leader isn’t a popularity contest. Oftentimes, the leader has to make tough decisions by basing on the big picture and personal convictions that this decision will best benefit everyone. And a real leader can’t please everyone.
A leader without respect from those under him/her isn’t really a leader at all (by title, yes, but that’s about it).
Respect is not given; respect has to be earned. Respect is earned by living with integrity and caring for others.
Being a leader doesn’t mean we can bulldoze others’ opinions to follow our agenda. Being a leader means seeing the potential in others and help them to develop their potential while setting an example how we live our lives.
What does a pastor do?
Pastors are people called by God to lead His people with knowledge and understanding (Jeremiah 3:15). The pastor is responsible to keep watch over their lives so that their life examples and teachings are according to God’s Word (Acts 20:17-28).
The pastors are not to work for money. Money should not be the motivator. We are to serve God’s people willingly and eagerly because we have been appointed by God. Shepherding God’s people under our care can be hard work but if we remain faithful, someday when we see Jesus face to face, we will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away (1 Peter 5:4).
Let us pray for our pastors so that we will serve God with joy until the end.
The most important thing as a Christian leader.
There is a saying that goes, “God does not call the equipped; God equips the called”. Equipping of God’s servant comes from God Himself. He will give what is needed to the people He has called. Our past experiences, our present life circumstances, our education, talents and personalities, all these are given by God to mould and shape us so that He can use us for His purpose as He sees fit.
Though being equipped is necessary, we too need to have an intimate relationship with the Lord. Christians have been battling false teachings and persecutions since the first century. When Jesus is in the centre of our life, we are able to discern false teachings and to teach others the truth. When we are walking with Jesus, persecutions will lead us to the joy and hope which is eternal.
In our ministry, nothing is as important as walking closely with the Lord and hearing His voice.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” (John 10:27-28, KJV)