Pastor's Fellowships in the Bible
Throughout the New Testament we see God's men ministering together.
In Matthew 28:16-20, who was the great commission given to? Why do you think Christ chose 11 men? Why not just give the commission to Peter? Read the following passages: - Acts 9:26-27 - Acts 12:25 - Acts 13:1 - Acts 15:22 - Galatians 2:9 - Colossians 1:7
Based on these (and other verses) what is clear about the ministers in the early church?
Purpose of Pastor's Fellowships
Being a pastor can be an extremely lonely calling. Being a leader can mean that sometimes you are surrounded with people and feel all alone.
- Normal church people will not understand the pressures you are under.
- Normal church people will not appreciate the sacrifices you make for your calling.
- Normal church people will not share your interest in church, preaching, etc.
- Normal church people will not understand the effects of the ministry on your family.
You need the encouragement and accountability of other pastors.
Encouragement
Other pastors will pray for you. They will tell you to keep going and not to quit. They will help you share your burdens. They will be a reminder that you aren't in this alone.
Accountability
I've read a lot of battlefield memoirs, and one consistent theme is that soldiers in the heat of battle aren't thinking about their cause or their leader - they are fighting for their brothers in arms. They are fighting for each other. It is each other who keeps them going.
Other pastors can also challenge you when you are erring, quitting or taking it easy. They can spur you to courage. Knowing they are praying for you and in a similar situation will keep you from quitting sometime.
Practice of Pastor's Fellowships
I attend two pastor's fellowships. One is a local group of a few pastors in my town. We meet together every Tuesday morning and pray for about 30 minutes. Then we leave.
The second pastor's fellowship meets one Tuesday a month and I drive an hour one way for it. It's a larger group but we share prayer requests, we pray together, usually we discuss some topic or book we are all reading and then we have lunch together.
In both of these groups, there are lots of guys who I disagree with on minor matters. I'm probably the most conservative guy in both groups. But we never try to change each other - we just try to encourage each other in the Lord.
These fellowships have been a big help to me. They have been a needed encouragement for me as I've gone through some tough seasons at the church and in my family. I praise God for them.
Potential Problems with Pastor's Fellowships
Ego
Pastor's fellowships can descend into just showing off and bragging. You have to be on guard against this and confront it when you see it.
Bad Influence
No two pastors in the world agree on everything. There will always be minor issues of disagreement. I fellowship with guys who have different views on lots of stuff than I do.
But I would not fellowship with people who preach another gospel or who deny the scriptures and you have to be careful who you allow to influence you.