When You Lose a Pastor

I was reading online about a Georgia pastor who committed suicide, and I felt a heavy burden for the congregation that he left behind. Recently we lost our Pastor by natural causes. I have lost pastors before, when they had moved on or the organization ceases to operate. But that loss cannot compare to a pastor passing away. It seems it would be like a sheep missing his or her Shepherd.

First, there is a loss of fellowship. The shepherd is no longer where you expect to see him. You look in the office. He is not there. You look in the pulpit, but he is no longer there. You see his number in your contact list and you know he will not answer if you call. Fellowship is gone. The sheep no longer see him in the fold, the pastures, and the mountains of their life.

 Second, there is a loss of leadership. The sheep have to shake of a sense of confusion. They seek the pastor for guidance, but he is not there. The sheep used to hear the shepherd’s voice, but now it is quiet.

 Third and final, there is a loss of example. As Paul took his disciples to follow him as he followed Jesus (see reference below), the pastor was always an example of how the sheep were to follow the Lord. Now the sheep are at a loss to see any other example outside of scripture to pattern their lives for the Lord’s service.

 But the sheep can be of good cheer. If the pastor did his job right, the sheep will be able to draw even closer to the “Head Shepherd” and gain an even deeper sense of fellowship with the Lord. The sheep would have been taught how to hear the “Head Shepherd’s” voice for comfort and trust He will send another trustworthy shepherd to take the pastor’s place. The sheep will look back at the passing pastor’s example and give glory to God for sending them such a shepherd.

1 Corinthians 4:16 , 2 Thessalonians 2:7 & 9

Blue Collar Commentary on Romans 1:1

Romans 1:1 Paul uses the titles Bondservant (NCV) and Apostle. He only used this combination once more in the book of Titus. In Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians and Timothy he uses Apostle and in Philippians he uses Bondservant. In Philemon he uses prisoner. And he uses neither in Thessalonians. There may be nothing special about these usages but we can see a principal here that illustrates a concept we can use. Note that in the KJV bondservant is translated as just “servant”. A bondservant is a slave that is bought totally and owns nothing and has no rights except what his or her master allows. In verse one of Romans Bondservant or servant is used before the title “Apostle”. This illustrates how we should be found faithful as a servant before our calling wether Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher (Eph. 4:11) can be proved. Some receive their calling at an early time but do not move into it until they are trained by God in that calling. Whether schooling of just hard knocks. The whole experience of being a servant can be all the training we need. Moses and David’s life as a Shepherd helped in their calling as leaders of God’s Chosen. So we must be found faithful as a servant before the Lord uses us elsewhere. Joseph would never had risen as head of Potipher’s household if he had never been faithful as a servant. He would never had became lead trustee in the prison if he had not submitted and become the model prisoner. Some may yell, “I am not a slave but a friend of Jesus.” Quoting from John 15:11-15. Even so we must be found faithful even to be a friend. At one company I had worked at years ago after working as hard as I could I became good friends with the owner. Then after some time I became lax in my work as I became comfortable in my position. Just as many long timers in some companies. Soon my friendship with the owner became strained and I lost my job and my friend. Even being a friend of Jesus according to the Bible means that you obey His commands. So this relationship is a joyous servant/friend relationship. Some may not because they don’t feel they are called to anything. I believe that all of us are called to a ministry. And when we are ready the Lord will move us into it. For the benefit of the Church and His Kingdom.