QUESTION 4:

Will Ephesians 4.12-16 pastoral ministry make a comeback?

Many pastors are very good at doing ministry alone, and so, they think doing ministry alone is best. They create, plan, strategize and implement their ideas well, so each one asks himself, “Why do Ephesians 4.12-16 when I can do it better?”

We’ve all heard it said – and probably even said it – how many times?

But like edging along a cliff in the dark, COVID has brought many pastors to the end of their own giftings. And, more importantly, to the end of their own maturity. They realize more than ever that they need to release the giftings of the body of Christ. And they are realizing that they need to be secure enough in themselves to do so. For the sake of their people. For their own sakes.

Pastors who are mature, secure, and have eyes to see, will come out of COVID leading their churches in full-bodied ministry (Ephesians 4.12-16; Romans 12.1-8; I Corinthians 12-14).

They will not conform to the leadership mind of the world (Romans 12.1-3).

Neither will they lord themselves over others “as the Gentiles do” (Matthew 20.25).

Instead, they will serve effectively by identifying the giftings of their members, by training them to serve and encouraging them to do so – for the glory of God, the good of the entire body, and the salvation of many.

AND for the sake of growing his own soul in humility (one of a pastor’s most potent secret weapons).

It is clear that churches who ministered like this before COVID continued ministering like this in the new territory of COVID – life went on for them. They may have had to practice physical distancing, but they did not practice social or spiritual distancing. They continued sharing life’s journey.

And in both seasons, they lived in strength. (I was privileged to pastor a wonderful church just like this during the HIV/AIDs terror of the 1980s. You can read about it here) Churches like this have taken the counsel of Jethro to Moses (Exodus 18) in that they encourage:

• everyone to do what everyone can do,

• many to do what many can do, some to do what only some can do,

• a few to do what only a few can do,

• and the pastor to do what only he can do.

They are living in the full faith community experiences of Ephesians 4, Romans 12, and I Corinthians 12. Together, they and the work of God are healthy and life-giving. In every season and situation. They were ready for COVID-19 and they’ll be ready for COVID-20-something. And they’ll be ready for everything in between.

So, Pastor, when it comes to your church, will Ephesians 4.12-16 pastoral ministry make a comeback? Or is no comeback needed because your local body of believers is already Ephesians 4 strong?

One draft horse can move two tons of weight. But two draft horses in harness, working together, can move twenty-three tons of weight. Gordon MacDonald, Restoring Your Spiritual Passion 

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NOTE: Journey Pastoral Coaching exists to provide pastoral coaching to Millennial ministers.

Saddled with large student debt, just beginning to set up homes and start families, and serving in low paying first and second positions, Millennials are those who most desire but can least afford to pay for pastoral coaching.

We are able to do so thanks to the faithful and generous support of individuals and churches like yours who want to see young leaders not only enter the ministry, but remain in the ministry. 

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“In the early years when I was becoming a pastor, I needed a pastor.” 

 Eugene H. Peterson, The Pastor: A Memoir