“Jesus, full of joy, takes joy in loving his people and desires his joy to fill his people.” But joy-filled and eager shepherding results in the joy of those on the receiving end of such care. Begrudging shepherding doesn’t serve the shepherd or the sheep. The apostle Peter writes that the task of shepherding and oversight is to be done willingly, eagerly, and by setting an example for others (1 Peter 5:1–4). Instead, pastor-elders labor for the joy of those they serve. Wanted: Eager and Happy PastorsĪ foundational text for leaders is 2 Corinthians 1:24: “Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith.” Christian leadership ought not to feel like oppression or the rule of a dictator. Patterns of leadership affect those on the receiving end, for good or for ill. Leaders can lead in a way that makes obedience and submission easy and happy, or difficult and frustrating.

A church’s willingness to obey and submit affects the joy and the care they receive from their leaders.īut the reverse is true as well. You don’t want to antagonize the surgeon moments before he cuts open your heart for your quadruple-bypass surgery. It is more beneficial for believers to make this a joy-filled job since they will be on the receiving end of their pastors’ care. The basic idea of this verse is that believers ought to obey and submit to their leaders - that is, the pastors and elders of their local church - who are tasked with caring for their souls. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Consider Hebrews 13:17: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. The patterns, rhythms, and habits that a mom and dad establish for their family will shape the behavior of their children. My leadership and oversight can set my children up for success or failure. Through my permissiveness of sugary junk food before bed, I have failed him.

Yes, my child would still be responsible for his willful disobedience, but I have set him up for failure. If I let my 5-year-old have a can of Coke, a bag of Skittles, and half a dozen Oreos right before bed, I shouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t listen when I say it is time to sleep.

Mornings in the Light by Timothy King