The Pastor Must Be Humble (1 Peter 5:2-3)

When I first became a Christian in college in Southern California, I attended a church where many of my classmates attended. By the time I reached my senior year, I knew I would be leaving California and returning home to Hawaii. I was a bit apprehensive since I did not have many Christian contacts in Hawaii and did not know how to find a new home church. One day before I graduated, I turned to a brother in Christ and asked him, “What should I look for in a church?”

Without hesitating he answered, “First and foremost, I always try to discern if the pastor is humble before God.”

“How do you do this?” I wondered out loud.

He nodded, “Does the pastor pray before his sermon? Does he ask God’s Holy Spirit to speak through Him. Does everything he speaks point to God?”

Good advice. The pastor’s calling is to preach the Word of God. He may be adept at church administration, a good musician and worship leader, or an expert in finances. But his calling is to shepherd the local church, the family of God. He is to preach God’s Word to encourage, exhort, and instruct.

...shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
1 Peter 5:2-3 (ESV)

Humility before God. It is essential for a pastor and it is essential for us, who are laypeople. The Church of Christ is part of His Body and works together to glorify God. There are no egos or selfish ambitions; each member works together to serve God. The pastor guides his flock and the flock dedicate themselves to glorifying God through their lives.

Seek a pastor that is humble before God.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.