In the journey of spiritual leadership, pastors are called to be not only shepherds but also soldiers in the battlefield of faith. The path we tread is often fraught with challenges, trials, and unexpected hardships. However, it is through these very challenges that we are refined, strengthened, and prepared to serve Jesus faithfully, always to be mindful of the glory that awaits us in the future. Of course, this is harder to see in some times rather than others - yet it remains true. In this blog, I want to delve into the biblical principles that should inform the training of pastors, ensuring they are not surprised by hardship but equipped to face it with unwavering faith and courage. In talking to many in theological education, I think we see a reasonable effort to ground future leaders in this, but here are some ways we can enhance this...
Grounded in the Word of God
The foundation of pastoral training lies in the timeless wisdom and guidance found in the Scriptures. Just as Timothy was exhorted by Paul to "preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season" (2 Timothy 4:2, NIV), as pastors today we are called to immerse themselves deeply in God's Word. Through thorough study, meditation, and application, we are to cultivate a robust understanding of biblical truths that serve as our compass in times of trial. We must remember that alongside being shepherds, we are also sheep. Before we lead Christians we must remember that we too are reliant on God, and need to hear His voice as much as use ours.
Embracing the Fellowship of Suffering
The Apostle Peter reminds us that suffering is an inevitable part of the Christian journey, stating that, "even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened" (1 Peter 3:14, NIV). Pastors should be trained and encouraged not to fear suffering but to embrace it as a means of identifying with Christ and his sufferings. Through our own experiences of hardship, we gain empathy and compassion, enabling us to minister effectively to those in pain. I think this is one of the trends that may be unravelling (hopefully) in what I see in ministry today - more of an embracing of weakness. The CEO mega-pastor who has all the answers, and leads with charismatic vigour and constantly announced success is one which we've seen a lot of in the past 20 years. Often times those same leaders crash and burn. Yet, quiet and humble leaders, acknowledging weakness and need, lead alongside and among their sheep, allowing those same sheep to minister to us in our weakness and frailty.
Cultivating Resilience through Prayer
Jesus himself exemplified the importance of prayer in the face of adversity, seeking solace and strength from his Father in heaven. Likewise, pastors should be taught the power of prayer as we navigate the challenges of ministry. Through fervent prayer, we can find resilience, wisdom, and divine guidance to overcome obstacles and persevere in our calling. I must admit I still struggle with this. Last Sunday, our church planting resident preached on this very subject in 1 Peter 5. He preached in English, his second language, and did so with patience, weighing each of his words as he read his notes, and conveyed this message to our congregation. Do not try to press on with an "I can do it attitude" - but rely on Jesus. Seek His help. Rest in Him. I'm still personally learning to do this every day - and I believe it is a battle that many pastors and planters face.
Equipped for Spiritual Warfare
The Apostle Paul reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). I wonder how many of us in ministry are prepared to recognise the reality of spiritual warfare? Of course, we know (and can quote that) we are equipped with the armour of God to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy. With faith as our shield and the Word of God as our sword, we confront the darkness with unwavering confidence in the victory that Christ has already secured. Yet, often times we turn to pragmatism and practicality to push through. My wife and I have been in ministry long enough to know that if something good is happening, the enemy will chip at it. If we are celebrating a season of unity, prepare for some discord. If we are experiencing joy, expect a few flat tyres. Delighting in patience, watch those fiery darts start digging under your skin. In the Western world we can ignore this aspect of Christianity, rationalising and explaining away. And yet, it is real - and we need to be prepared.
Nurturing a Kingdom Perspective
In the midst of trials and tribulations, we are called to fix our eyes not on the temporary struggles of this world but on the eternal glory that awaits us in the presence of God. As the apostle Paul writes, "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all" (2 Corinthians 4:17, NIV). By keeping our focus on the future glory promised to us in Christ, we can find strength and endurance to press on with unwavering faith and hope. I often wonder at how I will look back on my life when in the presence of God in eternity. Many times I think too small, my imagination is too limited, my hope too half-hearted. Yes, this world and our lives will be messy and fraught with sorrow and pain. Yet, our future is bright. While attributed to John Lennon, this old proverb appears to be Indian in its repetition, "Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end." I've often thought about posting that somewhere I can see that each and every day!
Embodying Servant Leadership
Jesus, the ultimate example of servant leadership, taught his disciples, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant" (Matthew 20:26, NIV). Pastors are to be trained not to seek greatness or recognition for themselves but to humbly serve others with love and selflessness. In doing so, we reflect the character of Christ and inspire those under our care to do likewise. As I mentioned above, I think this is changing in global ministry as many Western 'bright-lights' have fallen spectacularly. Yet, I hope that we are not seeing a faux meekness and concern to lead because of this. Jesus never lambasted the disciples for wanting greatness, just that they were desiring it in the wrong way. It isn't an elevation, but a lowering. Not a reputational boost, but an emptying of ourselves much like Jesus did, living and serving for His glory and fame.
Walking in the Spirit
Above all, we are called as pastors to walk in step with the Holy Spirit, allowing His guidance and power to lead us through every trial and hardship. As the apostle Paul writes, "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25, NIV). By surrendering our will to the Spirit and relying on His strength, we are empowered to serve Jesus faithfully, knowing that He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). Again, I think that I've not pressed into this as much as I should have, and the older I get, the more I realise my need for keeping in step with the Spirit rather than marching to the beat of my own drum.
The training of pastors is a process that prepares them to navigate the challenges of ministry with unwavering faith and courage. I admire those who give their lives to shaping future leaders, and who have the humility and honesty to do so in a vulnerable way. Ministry is hard, and yet, Jesus gave us the small print up front. We need to encourage future leaders to be grounded in the Word of God, embracing suffering, cultivating resilience through prayer, and standing firm against the enemy. With a kingdom perspective and servant heart, they can press on towards the future glory that awaits them in Christ. As they walk in step with the Holy Spirit, they can serve Jesus faithfully, knowing that their labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
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