Reclaiming the Heart of Ministry
As pastors, we are constantly tempted to conform to the patterns of the world. We are pressured to be entrepreneurs, to grow our churches, and to measure success by numbers. But is this truly what God has called us to?
The Danger of Conformity
We are surrounded by the schemes of the devil and the passions of the flesh. The world endeavors to appeal to our sensualities, drawing us in with promises of success and validation. But as pastors, we must resist this temptation. Our message is not a product to be packaged and sold, but a message to be carefully stewarded.
The Call to Pastor
In John 21:15-17, Jesus gives Peter a clear command: “Feed my lambs.” “Tend my sheep.” This is the heart of ministry. We are not called to be entrepreneurs or CEOs, but to love and care for the flock of God. Our aim is not profits or growth, but to love Christ and feed his sheep.
The Difference Between Pastors and Entrepreneurs
While entrepreneurs focus on strategy and charisma, pastors focus on love and care. We are not called to be successful in the eyes of the world, but to be faithful to the call of God. Our validation comes not from numbers or accolades, but from the quiet confidence of a pure heart and a good conscience.
The Fruit of Faithfulness
When we focus on loving and caring for the flock of God, we will see fruit. We will see lives transformed, hearts healed, and souls saved. This is the true measure of success in ministry, not the size of our church or the number of our programs.
A Call to Return
So let us return to the heart of ministry. Let us reject the temptation to conform to the patterns of the world and instead focus on loving and caring for the flock of God. Let us be pastors, not entrepreneurs. Let us seek validation not from the world, but from the quiet confidence of a pure heart and a good conscience.
The World’s Need
The world needs more pastors, not entrepreneurs. The world needs men and women who will love and care for the flock of God, who will feed the hungry and tend the sheep. Let us answer this call. Let us be the pastors God has called us to be.
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