Pastoral Views On Various Subjects
1. Evangelism: My philosophy and approach to evangelism is to follow the scriptures as much as possible. I believe we are all to be witnesses for Christ (Acts 1:8), and we are to endeavor to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19). Evangelism is something we can all do at home, work and among friends. We are to live a life that is a witness for Christ as well as share the gospel in many forums. The Church can provide various avenues for this during special events and services with the emphasis on reaching the lost. Also, I believe it is important for the church to follow Christ’s example and the apostles by going out in the community two by two. The pattern again is set in Acts 1:8, reach your Jerusalem (home area) Judaea, (surrounding neighborhoods) Samaria (outer reaches) and the uttermost parts of the world.
2. Church Government: My preference regarding church government is to set it up according to the scriptures. Paul writes to Timothy in detail about this. There are only two offices that of Elders and deacons. This should be the spiritual ruling body of the church. (Some churches have trustees boards that help to take care of the temporal duties of the church; I can work with this as long as it is not considered a Biblical office) I believe the Pastor is the Shepherd to guide the sheep and should work in harmony with his deacons who are his and the churches super servants. I like to work together with the church deacons to solicit their help, advice and input in church matters. I believe together we are to rely on the Holy Spirit and trust Him to authenticate and substantiate decisions according to God’s Word.
3. Church Growth: My view on church growth is first: Church growth is more than just the number of people packed into the pews. It is measure by the people in that church ministering to one another (John 13:35). My view is to see the church grow in maturity and you will see growth in the numbers. As people are growing in Christ they become more aware of their responsibility to witness and to edify one another.
4. Music In the Church: My view on music in the services of the church is that it should be God honoring and praise worthy. I am cautious in the use of some contemporary Christian music. Our music should be different from the world’s music and set a high standard in praising God. I think the quantity of music in a general worship service should be around 3-4 hymns. I don’t like turning the service into a hymn sing with only a 20-minute message. Sunday evening and Wednesday nights might have a few more. Yes, music has its place to prepare the heart but I don’t believe we go into the entertainment business to reach the lost. The Word states, (I Corinthians 1:21) “for after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”
5. Worship: I believe that Worship is to give expression of love and praise to God. This is the purpose for which we were created and we’d do well to bless God in it. (Revelation 4:11) “Thou art worthy, 0 Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”
I believe every aspect of the service is so designed as to give worship and praise to God. In all we do in worship I believe the pastor must teach and demonstrate that it is done for that purpose. Often before taking up the offering I will share a verse or thought how proper giving glorifies God as well as singing, fellowship and a proper spirit and attitude in listening to the Word of God preached.
6. Pastor’s Relationship with Individuals: My view of the pastor’s relationship with individuals is that the pastor is the shepherd of the sheep. I am here to be a teacher, pastor, mentor, Bible counselor and friend. I do not believe a pastor can be everybody’s best friend. That is not possible, he needs to be able to distribute his time in fair proportions. I believe the best way to implement that is through teaching, visitation and to demonstrate this in church outings and in fellowship. I always try to spend a few minutes with everybody at functions. Also, I believe in being accessible to people and at the door after services to greet all the people.
7. Ecclesiastical Seperation: I believe the Bible teaches separation from the world and sin. (II Corinthians 6:17) “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you…”, James declared, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”
Ecclesiastical separation is to separate from those assemblies that are in scriptural error and who have worldly association such as The World Council of Churches and those in or moving into an ecumenical camp. I believe it is best for a local church to fellowship with those churches of “like precious faith”. I believe in following the words of Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ.
8. Church Purpose: The purpose of the Church is to produce mature believers in Jesus Christ using the two processes Jesus taught us, that of evangelism and edification. (Ephesians 4:12-15)
9. Pastor’s Roll on Church Boards: I believe the pastor functions, as an overseer on all church boards to give direction and guidance to accomplish the task needed in an amicable and productive way. My relationship is the same as it is for the whole flock except this is just a smaller unit. I do not believe the pastor is to be a dictator of the group or to lord it over the flock. Again Peter said it best, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; [3] Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.”
10. Roll of Pastor’s Wife: I believe the role of the pastor’s wife is to be completely supportive of her husband. For her to be a help meet to him so he can perform the work of the ministry. I believe the pastor’s wife is his greatest prayer partner in the work. I believe my wife also has the role of being the best Christian example she can be to the ladies of the church. I don’t believe she is to do whatever no one else wants to do. She should be free to exercise her gifts of the Holy Spirit within the body of Christ.
11. Pastor’s Roll in Leadership: The pastor’s role in leadership is to be an example of the believer and first to lead the way in spiritual matters. The pastor must be willing to lead and exercise leadership qualities.
12. Pastor’s Roll in Sunday School: I believe the role of pastor in Sunday School, Missions and Youth ministries is to be an overseer and to provide good training, leadership, materials and to provide his advice, teaching and preaching on these subjects and to these departments.
13. Baptism: My prerequisite to baptizing believers is that they have truly been born again and can give an unequivocal profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. Also, I believe it is a good idea to be sure of this by providing a baptism class when there are new believers. I believe this is vitally important when they are children.
14. The Word of God: As a pastor I most want to accomplish a true spirit of worship and praise to God and to effect change in the lives of unbelievers and believers by Spirit fill preaching of the Word of God. I believe pastors are in the business of helping people lives to change for the better as they learn to apply biblical teaching to their lives.
15. Funerals: As for funerals the only requirement I have is that the person really be dead. Just a joke (I believe the bible teaches we need a sense of humor too) but I believe funerals are an opportunity to witness to the unsaved and to help people experience the love and care of Christ through the ministry of the funeral service and the care and prayers of the church. I of course give preeminence to the funerals of member and their families.
16. Top Priorities: As a believer my first five priorities are:
1. My relationship with the Lord.
2. My relationship and care of my family.
3. My relationship and care of my ministry.
4. My relationships to friends and influence to unbelievers.
5. My physical well being.
17. Prayer: The most important factor in the spiritual and physical growth of the church is PRAYER! I wish folks would not just believe this but do it and do it together. As we pray for the lost, the sick and spiritual problem God responds to the heartfelt prayers of godly men and women. James said it best, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much”. Next, the teaching and preaching of Gods Word, we are to be students of the Bible and to take the gospel to a lost and dying world. If we follow the Bible truths and make efforts to reach others the Church will grow!
18. Church Vision: My vision for the Church can be no different than the Lord’s-that we are producing believers in Jesus Christ and loving one another as he (Jesus Christ) has loved us. My vision is that any Church can be a great church blessed by God if we whole heartily follow His mandate. As a pastor my vision includes that every believer be a soul winner and brethren helping within the body with their spiritual gifts.