Over the last couple of months two pastors who have played a role in my life passed away. Ps Joe Griffiths was my first pastor when I first came to faith in Armadale AOG in 1975 and was the pastor of our church until late 1980 (I know, pre-history for some of you!) Ps Aeron Morgan was my Bible College Principal for two years, and, in fact, served as the Principal of the college on two separate occasions in the 70s and the 90s. Both were godly men, both could be a little intimidating, both exhibited great integrity and faithfulness, and both were pastors.You see, in a time when we seek to develop leadership skills amongst those who feel their vocation is the of the 'ministry,' it seems to me that the value of a pastoral calling is neglected. I am thankful for the attention paid to leadership, but the New Testament only mentions leader to identify the leader of a synagogue in the gospel narratives, and the call or gift to lead is only noted in Romans 12 along with generosity, serving and encouragement. I'm not trying to diminish the need for solid leadership - goodness knows I need to strengthen that area of my calling - but I am suggesting we are missing the more necessary call to pastor.
The word pastor is only mentioned once in the New Testament, in Ephesians 4:11, however the concept of being a shepherd (or of caring for the sheep/people of God) is a major New Testament theme. Jesus called himself the Good Shepherd in John 10; in Hebrews he is called the Great Shepherd (the only Great Leader seems to reside in North Korea); 1 Peter 2 refers to Jesus as the 'Shepherd and Overseer of our souls', and in chapter 5 as the Chief Shepherd; and in Revelation 7 the Lamb (Jesus) is the one who will shepherd the martyred believers. Certainly a shepherd must lead, but a shepherd is one who leads by virtue of close relationship with the sheep (implied in Jn. 10:4-5 since the sheep know his voice) and 'lays down his life' for the sheep.
There were differences as well as similarities between Ps Griffiths and Ps Morgan, and they had different relationships with me, but one thing is true of both men as pastors, they loved the people God had called them to care for. As a boy I was a little scared of Ps Griffiths. He was a big man, an ex-sergeant major in the British army with the voice and personal aura of authority that position implies. Yet he and his wife would call in to take my Mum - who didn't drive - shopping each week and assist whenever and wherever they could. He was compassionate and his eyes could carry a softness and warmth that would make anyone feel welcome and important.
Ps Morgan was the same as a Principal and, from what I have been told, as a local church pastor as well. For both of these men people were important as individuals who were loved by a God who gave all to redeem them.
Often leaders, preachers and teachers are remembered because of their level of influence, their writing or the recording of their talks. Not so much pastors. To be a pastor is a humble vocation where prayer, encouragement, shared sorrow and joy, and a deep care for those God connects you with is remembered only by those who journey with you. Pastors aren't always up-front leaders, on a platform, or recognised as such. Often they are people in any congregation or group who give care and support to those around them. Without these people our churches, our communities, our social groups and our world would be a far more damaged, hurting and fragmented place.
For some reason pastor has become more of a title than a vocation. If anyone has known me for any length of time you will be acquainted with my attitude to titles. As another of the pastors in my life would say, "My name's John and I'm a pastor. It's my calling not my title. I don't refer to Plumber Fred or Brickie Bill; so I'm John the pastor, not Pastor John." It's one of my quirks, and I am smart enough to understand how titles can be helpful even if I don't feel they are necessary, and certainly prefer to be just Jeremy to anyone in my church or classroom.
One of the really sad aspects of the contemporary age is a comment I read recently where someone noted it was easier to get an appointment with their local Federal Member of Parliament than it was with the pastor of their church. There are reasons, valid ones at times, for such a situation, but there is one observation to make - a pastor knows his followers and connects with them. A leader can lead by setting a direction and encouraging, cajoling and compelling his followers to join him; a pastor walks with his followers and lovingly and carefully (and sometimes sternly) leads them by giving his life to them and the journey they travel together.
Whatever you think of my observations and comments can I ask you to consider two questions? Who are the pastors in your life? They don't have to be in a church or have a title, but they are the people you trust for help, support and wise counsel. And, how can you thank, honour, and give some appreciation to them?
I remember Ps Griffiths and Ps Morgan. I honour them for the lives they gave to the people they felt called to because they loved Jesus. They taught me that loving God means loving his people as well, even when it is difficult and inconvenient and costly. They taught me that people are valuable because they are loved and valued by God.
And isn't that the Christian message?
