Things They Don't Tell You About Church Leadership

During my time as an intern in Bible college, I had the opportunity to assist a church with their outreach team. The community they served, mainly from the methadone clinic, received a daily breakfast of grits and sausage. This church had a special focus on helping heroin addicts, and the pastor emphasized the readiness and love required for such ministry. The pastor's words about embracing those in need of help have stayed with me ever since.

It's important to understand that Jesus' ministry is not simply a Sunday routine or a social status. Genuine love for people is essential, as without it, more harm than good can be done. This is why some people claim to believe in God but do not attend church. There is a common misconception that church is a place where everyone is inherently good and peaceful. However, in reality, it is more like a hospital filled with individuals in need of healing from the same struggles we face in the world, such as jealousy, covetousness, and competition. While these traits may be expected within the congregation, they should not be anticipated from church leaders and pastors.

It's crucial to recognize that not everyone who claims to be called by God truly is. In my experience at Patten University, I learned that one of the requirements for the Pastoral Major was a personal encounter with God, which had to be documented upon acceptance. Many fail to realize that anyone called by God has had such an encounter. Personally, I had a powerful encounter with God when I was blind and had just undergone eye surgery, during which I was healed. It is vital to understand that God exists outside of time and space, where everything is already accomplished. We live within time and space, allowing God to heal us, even if we do not perceive it until later. In reality, it was already done on Calvary when Jesus was crucified.

A church leader should have the ability to activate God's promises, and the only requirement is faith. It's important to note that leaders are not always those in fancy attire, as God can use anyone who believes. This is not a role that one volunteers for, as most who are called are reluctant due to the weight of the responsibilities involved. The implications of mistakes are significant and must be understood by those who take on this role.

Above all, love is essential, as God is love and charity. Giving and aiding others are fundamental aspects of a clergy leader's role. If one cannot comfortably conduct their daily affairs in a disadvantaged neighborhood or embrace someone who has not bathed in weeks, then this ministry may not be suitable.

Author: Nina S. Young