Apathetic pastor?

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. But he who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and runs away. So the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because he is a hired hand and does not care about the sheep.” John 10:11‭-‬13 

Jesus is the good shepherd who gave His life for the sheep. Everything Jesus did when He walked the earth was always for the good of people. Jesus was not driven by self-interest, He was not corrupt and He was not looking to make money but to serve people. Being a spiritual leader is not something anyone can just decide to become. One needs to be called and equipped by God for such a mission.

A pastor is called to lead, feed and protect the people. When the wolf comes, the shepherd must resist and drive the wolf away. It is part of his mission. It is not fun to have to confront the wolf, but it is extremely important because otherwise the people will get hurt.

That pastors in Sweden today do not confront the wolf who brazenly or stealthily enters the congregations with his false teachings is a disaster. Is it the case that one care more of one’s employment than of the people in the congregation? The apostle Paul was definitely not apathetic but was a real leader.

“Therefore take heed to yourselves and to the entire flock, over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know that after my departure, dreadful wolves will enter among you, not sparing the flock. Even from among you men will arise speaking perverse things, to draw the disciples away after them. Therefore watch, remembering that for three years night and day I did not cease to warn everyone with tears.” Acts 20:28‭-‬31

As long as Paul was in the congregation, the wolf could not ravage freely. Paul taught, exhorted and warned the people. He did not work for money and was therefore a free man who could be a true servant of the Lord who was not a slave to the opinions and control of men.

Paul worked with true love as the driving force and tears were part of his ministry. Not tears of self-pity but tears for the people he led and was called to protect.

Pastors, stand up and confront the teachings of the dead religion that comes in various guises into the congregation. Pastors, guard the sanctity of marriage. What goes on in the world is one thing, but in the church the spirit of the world should have no place.

It can be tumultuous and lead to possibly losing your employment when you confront the wolf, but it can also lead to freedom for the people and God’s blessing. Follow the example of Jesus and Paul.

Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” John 17:17 and Paul said, “Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I did not keep from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.” Acts 20:26‭-‬27

Dear pastor, take courage and may God protect you as you fulfill your ministry.

God bless you.