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.