Pastoring 101

I want to share some truths about pastoring people from 1 Thessalonians. Thessalonians was written by the Apostle Paul to Christians in Thessaloniki. This was a work that he started. When you read the book, especially the first 2 chapters, you see Paul’s heart for the church that gives us examples of how to pastor a church.

My experience witnesses with his insights. I was an assistant pastor for eight years. At the time of this article, I have been a lead pastor for 30 years. Many of these years, I focused on organizing and growing the church, instead of pastoring people. Over time, God showed me he how to be a pastor to his sheep.

Here are some insights Paul gives on being a successful pastor.

Thank God and Pray for your People Constantly

1 Thessalonians 1:2 (NLT) We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly

Thank God for your people regularly. Seriously, do this out loud and to God. Even the ones you don’t like. It will help you have compassion for them because you will get insight from God about them.

Pray for your people constantly. He will often give you wisdom to share with them for their life.

Remember, they are the reason you pastor. You don’t pastor to get a big church, fame, or fortune. They are not there to make you look good or to give you a platform or to give you purpose. You pastor to take care of sheep. As simple as that.

They are your assignment to keep safe spiritually, which can even translate into physical safety some times. You have been given a precious gift that is very important to God to steward and watch over.

Being a pastor is a hard job. Sheep are stubborn. Sheep are prideful. That’s why it’s such a hard job. But we’re to love them and keep taking them to the green pastures even when they don’t appreciate it. Isn’t this really what God does for us when we look back over our life?

See them as Jesus’ most precious possession and it’ll change your perspective. He died for your sheep.

Continually, ask him for wisdom on how to lead them. He’s the great Shepherd.

Jesus prayed over and protected his disciples. We can follow this example as we pastor our disciples.

John 17:9-12 (NLT) 9 My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. 10 All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. 11 Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. 12 During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.

Thank God regularly for your job as a pastor. Thank him for letting you be one.

You’re following in the steps of Jesus as a great Shepherd

Ask God for a Heart for Your People

Ask Jesus to give you the same heart for them that He has. This is especially needful when you are mentoring, counseling, or working with someone in particular.

Encourage Your People Constantly

1 Thessalonians 1:4 (NLT) 4 We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people.

Don’t be a pastor that beats them down from the pulpit. Give them hope and a reason for living. Let them know God loves them. Remind them of their destiny and that God loves them.

Be Concerned about Their Problems

1 Thessalonians 1:5b (NLT) And you know of our concern for you from the way we lived when we were with you.

You are there for them; they are not there for you. They are not there to build up your ministry. Your ministry is to build them up.

If it’s a concern to them, it’s important. Treat it as such. Jesus cares about their problems.

Don’t Hide the Fact that There’s a Cost to being a Christian

1 Thessalonians 1:6 (NLT) 6 So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord.

Christianity is hard. It’s hard to follow God and hunger after him continually.

Sometimes there is persecution like the Thessalonians were experiencing.

Help them on this journey. Don’t lie to them it’s always easy. Help them carry the load. Help pick up their burden. Be a servant to them. Picture that you’re doing it for Jesus, which you are.

We Pastor For Jesus

Always keep this in mind or you will get worn out and burned out.

1 Thessalonians 2:4b (NLT) Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.

John 21:15-17 (NLT)

15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.

16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.

17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.

1 Thessalonians 2:6 (NLT) As for human praise, we have never sought it from you or anyone else.

Serving your People will Cost You

1 Thessalonians 2:7-9 (NLT)

7 As apostles of Christ we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children.

8 We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.

9 Don’t you remember, dear brothers and sisters, how hard we worked among you? Night and day we toiled to earn a living so that we would not be a burden to any of you as we preached God’s Good News to you.

I have been a pastor working a full-time job outside the ministry for 30 years. Being a pastor is mostly a thankless job. Despite the few cases of celebrity pastors, there is no fortune or fame. You get your approval from the chief shepherd, Jesus. He has told me several times thank you for taking care of his sheep. We are judged in the end by being a faithful servant.

Encourage Them to Live Godly Lives

1 Thessalonians 2:12 (NLT) We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory.

Be Sensitive to Holy Spirit in your Leading, Teaching and Counseling

1 Thessalonians 1:5a (NLT) 5 For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true.

No matter how skilled or experienced you are, you need the Holy Spirit to awaken, arise, and anoint the people. Be flexible in everything you do, even in teaching. Ask Holy Spirit how to clarify everything constantly. Don’t impress with knowledge, but pray for transformation in their lives.

1 Thessalonians 2:5 (NLT) Never once did we try to win you with flattery, as you well know. And God is our witness that we were not pretending to be your friends just to get your money!

Enjoy Being With Your People

1 Thessalonians 2:17 (NLT) 17 Dear brothers and sisters, after we were separated from you for a little while (though our hearts never left you), we tried very hard to come back because of our intense longing to see you again.

They are your family. Do life with them. Eat with them. Get to know their kids. Attend family events with them if invited. Don’t isolate yourself from them and only appear in the pulpit, as many preach. Your spiritual family can be as close as or even closer than your physical family.

What is your reward as a pastor?

It is people following God! This is worth the walk because you are giving Jesus His inheritance that he died on the cross for.

1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 (NLT) 19 After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! 20 Yes, you are our pride and joy.