What to do: Set An Example
The New Testament makes it very clear that pastors are to be an example for their flocks.
Commands to be an example
Read 1 Peter 5:1-3 and consider: 1. Who is this being written to? (1) 2. Why do you think Peter says elders need to do their job "not by constraint" and "of a ready mind?" (2) 3. What do you think "God's heritage" means in verse 3? 4. What does it mean to be a "Lord over" God's heritage? 5. What should we be instead? 6. Which is easier, ruling by authority or ruling by example? 7. Why?
Consider 1 Timothy 4:12 and answer:
1. Why would people be tempted to despise Timothy?
2. Do people still despise youth today?
3. How was Timothy to answer this despising?
4. Which do you think "let no man" means?
1) "don't allow them" by authority or
2) "don't allow them" by giving them no reason to despise.
5. Briefly explain each of the six areas Timothy was to be an example:
1. word
2. conversation
3. charity
4. spirit
5. faith
6. purity
Think about Titus 2:7-8 and answer: 1. What is the purpose of a pattern? 2. In what areas of life should we be a pattern for others? 3. Paul lists two things were we specifically need to be pattern, what are they?
Commands to follow pastoral examples
What did Paul tell the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 11:1?
As an example, can you say the same thing to those who follow you?
As an example, do you have the opportunity to lead people astray?
Consider 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 and answer: 1. What did Paul say the Thessalonians should do? (7) 2. In what specific areas was he an example for that church? (7b, 8) 3. Why is it important that pastors not be lazy freeloaders? (9) 4. Have pastors got that reputation before? 5. How can you help your flock with your example of a work ethic and money management?
Read Hebrews 13:7 and answer: 1. Who are we commanded to remember? 2. More than just listening to the word of God from them, what are we to follow? 3. "Conversation" means "lifestyle." How can people follow our lifestyle and our faith if they don't see it?
How to do it
Honor your ministry mentors
- You need examples in the ministry. If God has given them to you, take the time to show them honor.
- Write them a note. Give them a call. If people have invested in you, honor them.
Spend time with your people.
- You cannot be an example for people who you never spend time with. (2 Timothy 3:9)
- Make spending time with people a part of your weekly schedule:
- Eat breakfast or lunch with people
- Visit them at work or school
- Do their hobbies with them
- Have them in your home
Don't make excuses
Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12 to "let no man despise thy youth." This is repeated and broadened in Titus 2:15.
You have to live the kind of life that people don't despise. Don't take the culture's excuses: - "Oh, he's just young." - "That's how all young people act." - "He wasn't educated." - "It's how his people are."
Rise above the excuses and determine to be an example. Determine to give no one a legitimate reason to look down on you.
Acknowledge your weakness
You are not sinless, do not pretend to be.
However people describe you, they should be able to describe you as a growing Christian.
You do not have to be perfect and it doesn't actually help when you are - you have to be growing, and for people to see you grow you have to be transparent enough to own up to your failures.
People think that if they acknowledge their weakness, that they will lose people's respect, but the opposite is true - you give people the ability to connect with you in a unique and special way.
Read 2 Corinthians 12:6-10 - What was Paul's concern in verse 6? - Did Paul minister out of weakness or out of strength? - Why do you think it was important for Paul to share his struggles with the Corinthians?
Encourage people to imitate you
Read 1 Corinthians 11:1 - could you make such a statement?
As a pastor, people are scripturally commanded to "follow your faith" (Hebrews 13:7) - as egotistical as it may sound, you have to encourage them to do it.
Pastors should be so aware of their own sins, struggles and weaknesses that they tremble at the thought of ever saying to their people “Do what I do. Say what I say. Imitate my faith.” Yet this is exactly what the Bible calls pastors to do. (Croft)
If someone were to come into your church and say “How should a Christian man treat his wife” your church members out to be able to point to you and say “Watch him. He’s my pastor.”
Figure out what area of your life people shouldn't imitate, and work to improve in that area.
You have an opportunity to model what it means to be a good man, a good husband, a good father and a faithful Christian. This might be some of your most important work as a pastor, and it is a slow work. It is the message you preach over decades of faithfulness.