I Was Just Thinking About – PSYCHOLOGY OF MINISTRY.
The usual focus of Church Boards and Congregations is on the
Philosophy of Ministry – what a Minister’s and Church Leadership embrace as the
functional priorities (some thoughts copied from Bible.Org). Ephesians 1:5-12
(ESV) gives the main foundational principle, especially in verse 6: “to the praise of his glorious grace, with
which he has blessed us in the Beloved” and verse 12, “we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise
of his glory.” That fits nicely with the answer to: What is the chief end of
man? The response is” “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”
Other aspects of the Philosophy of Ministry include: (1) Exalting the Lord in
all ways and all things (I Corinthians 10:31 and Colossians 3:17); (2)
Equipping the saints to do works of ministry (Ephesians 4:11-16); and (3)
Evangelizing the lost (Acts 1:8, Matthew 28:19-20).
An area where there also needs to be focus and purposeful
interest is: The Psychology of Ministry. In a cursory research of the subject,
one point that is made and seems obvious is: “What are we to do when the problems of daily life seem
insurmountable and no one seems to care enough to listen or suggest solutions?”
A study from a decade ago suggested that hundreds of ministers abandon ministry
each year due to moral
failure, spiritual burnout or contention within their local congregations. If
this is reality, does it matter to the average congregant or church association?
In a day of political and societal pressure, Peter wrote to the Church – I Peter
4:7, “The end of all things is
near. Therefore, be alert and of sober (sound)mind so that you may pray.” Paul
wrote to Timothy similar words – II Timothy 1:7 (NKJV), “For God has not given
us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
I want us to think about the Pastor and the Pew. The idea
about having a sound mind and being self-disciplined is important. When I do
not have the privilege of ministering God’s Word as a Pulpit Supply, my wife and
I make it a point to visit the “smaller” churches. At one time, these churches
were viable and maintained a reasonable attendance. While sitting in the pew to
worship, it is obvious that the one conducting the service is disappointed that
the attendance is so limited and small. The question above surely comes to mind
when a handful of people are desirous of preserving their Church and so few
seem to care. Legitimate excuses aside, when a Minister stands in the pulpit to
declare God’s Truth and so many don’t seem to care, it can be very
disappointing, discouraging, and in some cases – depressing. He can even muse,
if the membership doesn’t care, why should I?
If a Church is to be revitalized, there needs to be a
gathering of those whose commitment is at the very least, the expression of
Psalm 122:1, “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of
the LORD.” And the words of Psalm 97:12, “Rejoice in the LORD, you
righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.” There is
an increasing need for firmly committed Biblical Christians who will be loyal
to the Savior Who has called them out of darkness into His glorious light (I
Peter 2:9-10).
Prayerfully – consider these things with me.
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