The Refining Fire of Tribulation

“There are three things necessary to create a successful minister of God: prayer, meditation, and temptation.” – Martin Luther

Most Christians would agree that they want their pastor to be a prayer warrior who intercedes for them and their church on a regular basis. They also would like their pastor to be a “Man of the Word,” who diligently studies the Bible to prepare his weekly sermons. But why would you want your pastor to be tempted? Well, I can think of several reasons…

First and foremost, pastors are God’s “under-shepherds.” In other words, they labor on behalf of a local body of believers as His “boots on the ground.” Jesus Christ is the Chief Shepherd and since He was tempted in the wilderness by Satan before launching His earthly ministry, it can’t hurt for a pastor to be likewise proven and prepared by the refining fire of temptation. After all, Scripture clearly teaches that, “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master” (Matthew 10:24).

Second, as our High Priest, Jesus made sure that He could identify with His people in their trials and tribulations – and yes, their temptations, too (Hebrews 4:15). Thankfully, He never succumbed to those temptations, but at least He can say that He understands their potentially perilous power. In the same vein, a pastor needs to be able to say, “been there, done that, and have the t-shirt to show for it” when it comes to life’s day-to-day struggles. Not that we want a pastor who is constantly giving into temptation, but rather that we want one who has walked a mile – or at least a few feet – in our shoes.

One of the worst things a person can say to someone who is suffering is, “I know what you’re going through,” when, in fact, you don’t. Jesus could say those words… and mean them… and it can’t hurt for your pastor to be able to do the same.

Carrying the burdens of his flock is a “heavy” calling for a pastor. I use that phrase because effective ministry is a 24/7, 365 days a year responsibility. No one knows what a pastor goes through on a daily basis other than other pastors and possibly his wife. I suppose that is one of the reasons why Paul said that they are worthy of “double honor” (see I Timothy 5:17). It is also why the average pastor only lasts three years in a church before moving onto greener pastures… or leaving the ministry altogether.

Please pray for your pastor. He needs it more than you can possibly imagine.

“Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:3-4 (NKJV)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President