“A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and in his own house.” Matthew 13:57
There is a distinct difference between respect and honor. Respect is earned, but honor is freely given. I honor the leadership of our country, though many of those in government make choices I oppose. I respect the ones who stand for morality over popularity. Regardless, their position demands my honor. I want to show honor to every man and woman in ministry. Many of them I know well, and they’ve earned my respect. Many of them I know well and they have not earned my respect. But I still must show them honor so long as they hold that anointed position. I find that the more I freely show honor to those in authority over me, the more I find to respect them for.
Our church is lead by 8 pastoral staff members. Have you ever tried getting 8 preachers/church leaders to agree on how something should be done?!? We can’t even agree on where to go out to eat together after staff meetings some days! It’s been said, “In essentials – unity. In non-essentials – forbearance. In everything – love.” Sometimes opinions are very strong. But as we maintain a posture of honor toward the calling that God has placed on each of us, we realize that God leads each of us differently. And the more we choose to honor one another above ourselves, the more clear God seems to direct us. The church works more effectively when the whole body of Christ is moving in the same direction.
If your church seems dysfunctional, try cultivating a culture of honor in your church. Decide that you won’t trash-talk the pastor’s decisions to others in the church. And confront those who do, to deal with the pastor honorably if they have a problem. Listen to the preaching and open yourself up to the possibility that God wants to speak to you through the message of your pastor. Act on that message as you open yourself up to what God wants to do.
If you are an associate pastor and don’t see eye-to-eye with the lead pastor, honor him anyway. This is not the same as agreeing with him when you don’t. Don’t be fake! Just remember that when you disagree with your senior pastor that God put him there – flaws and all. One day, it will come back to you. You’ll be in that position and some young, headstrong, 25 year old pastor who thinks he’s figured it all out will be working for you. How would you like him to follow your leadership even when he disagrees? Maybe that would be a good place to start seeing your pastor now.
And know that, for my part, regardless of whether you are the senior pastor of your church, youth pastor, worship pastor, associate pastor, lay pastor, full time, bi-vocational, or otherwise – I am humbled by your willingness to answer the calling of full time ministry. I know your calling has it’s high and low moments, but be faithful to the calling of God on your life. Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Do not be weary in well doing. We stand to see many lives changed for the glory of God. Nothing worthwhile is ever easy. And the people God has called you to minister to are the most worthwhile. I honor you, and stand with you.
Blessings,
John
