Pastor, Do You Love Your Flock

I know there are many pastors who are little more than preachers. They love to stand on the stage and proclaim truth but have little regard for the people they are preaching to. They are unapproachable and do not want to be bothered by the people. There are other professional clergy who use people to accomplish their personal goals. They blow into churches and blow out when they can advance themselves.

It is a true blessing when a pastor loves a church and the congregation also loves the pastor. The true pastor nurtures the sheep, protects them, prays for them, thanks God for them, and serves them with a whole heart. Philippians 1:3-4 (NASB) 
³  I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 

 1 Thessalonians 2:5-8 (NASB)
⁵  For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness—
⁶  nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority.
⁷  But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children.
⁸  Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.  

Notice how Paul wrote that he did come with flattering speech, greed, or seek glory from men. He  came with a heart of love for the people He compared his love to that of a nurturing mother. He had fond affection for his flock. He did not just preach truth to them but gave his life in service also. 

I had lunch with such a retired pastor this week. He spent the majority of his ministry in two different churches. He gave fourteen years to one and over twenty to the other. Now eighty years old he seldom preaches anymore but his love for people is infectious. We went out to eat and he knew the name of a waitress he befriended and invited to church over the years. He loves people. 

Being around that man humbled me. Reading God's word convicted me to make loving people the high priority of life and ministry. Thank you Apostle Paul and Brother Bob for this wonderful reminder. These were pastors who truly loved the people they served.