How Should a Pastor Abide?

As it pertains to leadership, many times as a pastor, we place our dependency on the organization in which we are a part. But as the BTI organization grows, so does the responsibility of the ministry. In fact, the ministry’s responsibilities to its internal and expanded entities have become quite vast. Therefore, it is quite possible that during some periods of time, focus on individual locations might become difficult. When this is so, a pastor must be equipped with the mindset to abide. However, let us not make abiding an abstract saying, for God has given specific instructions on how to abide. We must solely depend on the leading of Spirit.

The foundation of any pastorate is based on the following scripture.

John 15:1-8

1. I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

2. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

3. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

4. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

5. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

6. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

7. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

8. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

Abide- 1: to wait for : await 2 a: to endure without yielding : withstand b: to bear patiently : tolerate 3: to accept without objection 4: to remain stable or fixed in a state 5: to continue in a place : sojourn Online Merriam-Webster Dictionary

The Word Must Be the Focal Point

The first principle of abiding is to allow the Word of God to be the focal point in the church. We see this throughout the whole New Testament in that in many churches, the pastor’s only source of information was a letter written by the apostle. This sets a precedent that should not be altered. When a pastor deviates from the teaching of the Word, he abandons the method God uses to bring His people to maturity. When this is true, the pastor has chosen a route that is foreign to the Holy Spirit, for He is the one who is charged with initiating ministry in the lives of God’s people. This unapproved route usually leads pastors to be either dogmatic in the delivery of their message or very judgmental and assuming. When a pastor deviates from the teaching of the Word, he abandons the method God uses to bring His people to maturity.

Congregational Affect

But the affect this has on the congregation is far worse. Why is this so? The congregation is now subjected to hearing the agenda of the pastor rather than the Word itself. This is one of many reasons why some stop coming to church. If you were to ask these people why they do not come to church some of them would say they do not get anything from it and they are not growing spiritually. But if we would stick with the Word which is the method that God has given to effect growth, we would see the fruits of our obedience. As a result, the people we lead will not be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine. So the first principle of abiding is establishing the Word as the focal point of your church.

Things To Do Until Help Comes

There are certain things that are already in place and established; for example, your week night and Sunday Morning Services. If you are consistent with the Word and place veteran ministry on these platforms, you will be able to move the congregation to new spiritual locations simply with the preaching and teaching of the Word. These services are not the place for novices. As pastors you or those you know to be seasoned, wise ministers, must be as consistent as possible on the platforms that are already in place before you create new ones. Remember, we are leaders not by titles alone but by example.

1Corinthians 4:1-2

1. Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

2. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

1. Outreach Bible Studies

Another platform God has given is outreach bible studies, wherein we take the Word out of the four walls of the church and place it into the homes of those who live in the community. Bible study is a very effective tool of evangelism and church building. Many times as pastor we will attend our regular services and see the diminishing number of participants and still neglect to take the Word into the homes of the membership. Friends and even family members are more likely to show up at a home bible study than at a local church. What makes bible study so effective is that it disarms traditional thinking as it pertains to church by allowing the bread of life to be broken on a neutral platform. It does not allow denomination to be the focal point. It also allows individuals to experience the Word in an informal setting.

2. Staffing Your Bible Studies

The pastorate is charged with ensuring that all bible studies are fully operational in their area. It is good to utilize members of the MBM Global Teaching Staff to minister in home bible studies if such staffing is available in your location. If not, don’t hesitate to solicit help from a nearby location. The pastorate is also charged with maintaining the standard of the Word in each study. There are certain basic guidelines that we all can follow and have a successful bible study.

3. Messages from the Global Training Center

Oftentimes, pastors search for things to teach, disregarding the existence of a Faith Library open to the whole ministry. We have unlimited resources of teaching materials documented in the Faith Library. The material contained in the Faith Library will meet your individual learning preferences. The individual who learns better visually can watch DVD’s, those desiring to learn by listening can obtain CD’s, and the individual who prefers to read – study guides are available as well.

4. Outreach & Street Ministry

Another thing you can do as a pastor is charitable outreach such as feeding and providing shelter for the homeless; food and clothing ministries, and various forms of street ministry which can consist of traditional street meetings, canvassing an area door to door, or a simple outside bible study session.

5. Internet - another resource is the Internet

Make sure your church is online for a variety of instructions coming from Headquarters or from whatever location the apostles minister. This method keeps your church up to speed with the rest of the organization. When this is neglected, it is immediately seen in the growth of the pastor and the congregation. Things offered through the online ministry are discipleship, prayer, bible study, online courses, direct streaming from the apostle, online worship services, online radio and online television. The Internet is a tool used by God to keep us all connected.

6. Youth Advance

The youth advance is a platform for the youth of your church to interact with young people from all locations. It is also broadcasted online for those who cannot attend. It offers intensive discipleship for the youth and ministerial training for the youth leaders. It will also be a major part of the evangelistic strategy for the year. In conclusion of this section, with so much to do in between leadership visits there is no room for idleness or despair, knowing the grace in you is sufficient.