By Biblical definition a pastor is a leader. He is to lead others in the ways of God and in the will of God; even during the worst of times. Any man, who has ever been in a pastoral position, knows that this responsibility is a great weight and burden to carry. In view of this fact we can surmise that one of a pastor’s greatest needs is for God to LEAD him each day. It is so comforting to know that the pastor does not have to carry out ministry alone. God’s Holy Spirit is there to lead and guide each step of the way.
In this post we want to demonstrate four reasons a pastor needs to be led as a leader. We find these four reasons in the Old Testament book of Psalms. Consider the following…
#1 – A Pastor Needs To Be Led Because Of The Enemy
(Psalms 5:8) “Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.” (KJV)
(Psalms 27:11) “Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.” (KJV)
The pastor faces spiritual opposition every day. The level is usually much greater in scope than the average pew warmer faces. Though pastors do not look for sympathy, they still need God to lead them because of this formidable foe. The enemy may put up a good fight, but God is able to direct the pastor through every battle.
#2 – A Pastor Needs To Be Led Because Of Testimony
(Psalms 25:5) “Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.” (KJV)
(Psalms 139:23-24) “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (KJV)
(Psalms 143:10) “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.” (KJV)
With so much temptation out there, every man of God needs direction to stay in the right pathway. Pastors should seek God’s face daily for leadership to stay close to the Lord. Testimonies are strengthened every moment, but can be destroyed in an instant.
#3 – A Pastor Needs To Be Led Because Of Discouragement
(Psalms 61:1-2) “Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (KJV)
While pastoring a church you have your good days and bad days. Sometimes discouragement can set in and beat you to death. It is in times like these that a pastor must seek God’s face for help and leadership! It will be the ONLY thing that will get him through the valley of dismay!
#4 – A Pastor Needs To Be Led Because Of Direction
(Psalms 31:3) “For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.” (KJV)
(Psalms 43:3) “O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.” (KJV)
Pastors need clear leadership when making decisions and guiding the flock which they oversee. It is certain that God wants to direct and lead the pastor and for sure the pastor wants to be led. The only issue is maintaining a brokenness for this Heavenly leading.
Conclusion
It is a difficult thing to be a leader with no clear sense of direction yourself. Leaders need to be led! For pastors and spiritual leaders it is essential to be led by God and not self, Satan or the world’s sensuality. May each soul, who reads this post, get up from their computer chair with more of a hunger to be led by God!
Would you consider purchasing…
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Why Revival Tarries |
By Leonard Ravenhill / Bethany House
Leonard Ravenhill’s call to revival is as timely now as it was when first published over forty years ago. The message is fearless and often radical as he expounds on the disparity between the New Testament church and the church today. This book contains the heart of his message, A.W. Tozer called Ravenhill “a man sent from God” who “appeared at (a) critical moment in history,” just as the Old Testament prophets did. Included are questions for group and individual study.
