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“…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. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”  (1 Peter 5:2-4, ESV)

Pastor Abel’s sermon on this chapter is titled, “When to Fire the Pastor”.

In the sermon this morning, we were reminded that pastors, and all church leaders, are sinful humans like the rest of us. God has given us pastors and elders to lead the church and care for our souls. And while there may be times for church discipline, when a leader should be removed from office due to disqualification, our responsibility as a church body is to lift up our leaders in prayer before such issues arise. Consider the following passages (from the ESV) where Paul asks for prayer from the churches he wrote to:

  • Romans 15:30-32: I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.
  • Ephesians 6:18-20: …praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
  • Philippians 1:19: …for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance.
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2: Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith.
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:25: Brothers, pray for us.

These passages reveal that prayer is a key duty we hold as a church, to lift up our pastor and the elders in prayer before God. Some key themes are: 1) pray for boldness to preach the truth of the gospel, 2) pray for deliverance from obstacles to ministry, 3) pray for spiritual joy and refreshment, 4) pray for words to be given in trying circumstances, 5) pray that their ministry would result in God being glorified, and 6) pray in general for physical and spiritual needs. Let’s spend some time praying for our leaders this week.

 

Small Group Questions

  • How have you been impacted by the pastors or church leaders that God had placed in your life?
  • Have you ever had a personal experience of a moral failing of a pastor or elder?
  • What should our response be when we see anyone in the church falling into sin (including our leaders)?
  • Is there ever a time when a pastor should step down from leadership?
  • How can we pray for our leaders this week and going forward?