1 Peter 5:2 KJV
[2] “feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;”
In this verse, the pastor is admonished to take the oversight. Peter states that it must be done with the right motive and perspective. The pastor is not to be a dictator, but he is to be the leader of the church. Many people today want a preacher but not a pastor. They want someone who will deliver a sermon but not someone who will govern the church.
Some might misinterpret my thoughts in this devotional, so I want to state them clearly. The man of God is to have checks and balances. He must have accountability to God, others in leadership, and the congregation. This means he is not to spend money for his gratification. He should not be allowed to make decisions that would be unscriptural or out of the realm of reason. However, the man of God is to be the leader in the church. He is to pray and seek God’s will and direction for spiritual matters.
I think some of the problems in churches today are the fault of both the pastors and the congregations. Some pastors want unchecked authority, and others are too weak to take the oversight. They want to take a vote to allow the people to make decisions, and this causes discontent and division. Other situations include someone with deep pockets wanting to run the church or smaller family-owned and operated churches.
In reality, a church that follows the teaching of the Scriptures will give the pastor the room he needs to lead, with certain checks and balances. God will bless the church if the pastor realizes it is not his church or congregation but the Lord’s house and His people. If the pastor focuses on feeding the flock by preaching, governing the church prayerfully, and working with the congregation, God will bless him as he leads. If the people will support the pastor as the Lord leads him in spiritual and financial matters, then the Lord will bless them. A true man of God will be focused and fair, understanding that the ministry is not about him getting his way but following God’s will.
The church must have strong leadership in this present time. We must have men who are filled with the Spirit and know the mind of God when it comes to leading a congregation. It requires both humility and strength to run the church. A pastor will find both support and resistance in leading the congregation. He must handle each situation by the leading of the Holy Spirit.