Charles Spurgeon wrote, “If I had a thousand lifetimes, I would want to be a pastor in every one of them.” I think I know what he meant. Sunday was my 44th consecutive Easter to preach the resurrection of Jesus to a congregation. What an awesome privilege! It is a great gift to get to do what we love to do.
When I read Paul’s words about spiritual leaders, I tremble. I aspired to be an overseer and I am convinced it is a noble task. That said, Paul’s requirements for pastors and deacons have so much more to do with character than charisma. What if our kingdom impact has more to do with who we are than what we can do? This list reminds me how far I still have to go and how much I still need to learn.
What is the risk if a minister’s charisma exceeds their character? They will fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap. This devalues the currency of all churches as people lose trust in the leaders who flame out. Our testimony is never safe until we get home. So we read these words again and we tremble. Take the time today to pray for your pastor, the other ministers, and the deacons in your church. We stand in the strength of your prayers. If I had a thousand lifetimes, I would want to be your pastor in every one of them.
