FATHERING THE FLOCK

As you know, like a father with his own children, we encouraged, comforted, and implored each one of you to walk worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12)

Paul has likened himself in his gentle dealing with the new converts of Thessalonica to a nurturing mother (v.7-8).  In verses 11-12, the Apostle comes to another dimension of spiritual parenting, as he assumes the role of a father to the flock.  The discerning church leader knows when someone needs a mother's tenderness, and when they need a father's firmness.

Fathering the flock involves encouragement.  This was to stimulate their advancement in the faith.  The pastor who successfully leads the people forward communicates to them, "By the grace of God, you can do this!"

It also means comforting them.  Our members may trudge into the sanctuary on Sunday, beaten down, weary of the burdens they carry.  Sometimes they stumble and need someone to say, "By the promises of God, I want to assure you that you will be alright!"  That's the pastor's job to say.

Fathering the flock, furthermore, causes us to implore the people.  This is a strong urging.  We must have persistence in our insistence.  We set the bar high and communicate biblical expectations.  No excuses are permitted.  The pastor says, "By the authority of God's Word, obey it now!"

Paul's aim was to bring the believers in Thessalonica into a worthy walk with God.  This is one that befits our status as children of the King who will come into the full inheritance in glory someday.  This is who we are as sons and daughters of God.  This demands the pastor's model and message.

It is our task, brothers, to encourage the saints to walk through these discouraging times with their heads held high, to comfort the people to walk through the valleys of life with confidence in Christ, and to implore the members to walk toward glory with a sense of urgency.

IN THE TRENCHES

“For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.”  (1 Thessalonians 2:9-10 ESV)

Meaningful ministry happens in the trenches.  The pastor is willing to roll up his sleeves and plunge into the midst of the messes his people find themselves in--to lift them and lead them out.  It is as much perspiration as inspiration.  Those who are after a life of ease, filled with perks and privileges, understand nothing of the call of God, and need to get right or get out.  Ministry as God intends it involves labor and toil.  A lazy preacher is a contradiction to his calling.

Paul describes what we call today, "bi-vocational ministry."  Though he had the right to expect the congregation to support him, he refused and chose instead to provide his own financial support.  The bi-vocational minister is not a "part-time" preacher, but has two full-time jobs.  I have done this and can testify to the exhausting responsibility.  Still, God never calls us to a task without providing the grace to accomplish it.

Whether we work in a secular field or depend on the church to meet our needs, sloth has no place in a pastor's life.  None could accuse Paul of that vice--nor of any other.  His behavior was "holy"--that is, he recognized himself as set apart for God and His purposes, and behaved accordingly.  His conduct was "righteous"--in doing the right thing in his dealings with his fellowmen.  His character was "blameless"--with no glaring moral deficiency that could be found.  It is a lofty standard, but one we must incessantly strive to attain.

ARE YOU A FLATTERER?

For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness.   Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.  (1 Thessalonians 2:5-6)

Encouraging people for their blessing is a commendable thing for a pastor to do.  Flattering folks for the pastor’s benefit is an evil.  Scripture warns about the flattering tongue.  For example, we read this: “A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”  (Prov.26:28) and this: “A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.”  (Prov.29:5)  The flatterer is in peril of judgment (Ps.12:3).

Paul never told people what he thought they wanted to hear, but spoke what they needed to hear.  Sometimes those are the same, but often not. 

The flatterer has greed for his motive.  His preaching is a pretext for exalting his own ego rather than edifying the saints.  Such a pastor wants to go places and gain riches, so he primes the pump of the movers and shakers with flattery, that he may profit from their deep pockets.

Giving people a cheerful word when they are downcast is ministry.  Puffing people up with flattery is manipulation.  The congregation may not be able to judge the motive, but be sure God can—and does.

The way to avoid being a flatterer is to be consumed with the glory of God and the good of others.  The flatterer in the pulpit is the one who seeks his own glory and gain.  Brothers, let us search our hearts and allow the Holy Spirit’s fire to refine our motives.