As we take a close look at this particular chapter we are brought face to face on how Paul considered the ministry leadership toward the Thessalonians and the responsibility before God.
What are some keys to ministry leadership and as Pastor I take this chapter seriously and examine my own heart.
The first key is for the Pastor preaching the Word of the Lord to fully understand the call of God on his/her life.This call comes with being entrusted by God to fully preach the Bible in order to please God and not people.
The second key is relationships with those you lead. Paul says in verse 8, "we love you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well." It is crucial to love those you lead while at the same time being true to the Word of the Lord.
Oftentimes it can be difficult to preach the pure Word as the message of the Lord can cut to the quick and convict our hearts. It can upset people because they don't want to deal with their own sin. (Hebrews 4:12-13) As a Pastor the Holy Spirit holds my own feet to the fire in regard to not only what I read in the Scripture but what I preach from the pulpit and write in articles etc. Preaching the Word is to encourage, comfort, and urge you to live a life that is worthy of God.
A final key that I want to emphasize today is the responsibility the congregation has to the message of the Lord. Each person has the duty, according to verse 13 to receive the Word of the Lord and to apply it to the heart.
Together, the Pastor, leadership, and congregation strive to serve the Lord to our best ability and to honor the Word of the Lord.
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