Pastors are busy. I know that. There is a lot you want to do and a whole lot more you are expected to do. What I would like to take 5 minutes of your time to talk about is one thing that I know God expects of you.
Go and Make Disciples – This command from Matthew 28:19 is the clarion call to all pastors to equip the saints to make disciples who will make disciples. There are tons of voices out there telling you all the ways to make disciples. Lots of experts who have developed tools, resources, strategies and workshops that will help you make disciples. Many of them have great ideas and insights that work great—for them. Unfortunately, you are not them and your church is certainly not like theirs.
I want to make this simple. There are principles that many of these experts are teaching, but how do you apply that to your situation? First of all, let me restate your purpose as the pastor of your church. Your job is to make disciples who will make disciples. The churches’ best strategy to make disciples is through small groups.
With all of that being said, most of you already have a structure that can already accomplish this purpose. In many churches it is called Sunday School. The problem is that most of our existing groups have lost their purpose. It is your job as pastor to lead them and equip them to make disciples. Most Sunday School classes are doing the best they can to accomplish the purpose THEY believe they are suppose to accomplish. Along the way, they have lost sight of the purpose of their small group. It is your job to remind them. At the same time, let’s be honest, some people will never understand the purpose of their small group. Let’s focus on those that do. Our model is the Great Shepherd.
He led by loving them – Change is not easy to most people. Don’t announce changes, encourage change. Don’t make demands of them, equip them. People respond to your heart and your actions, not from your words.
He led by showing them – Exemplify change. Be willing to go the extra mile. If you are willing to commit, follow through and live the life you want them to; they will follow.
He led by equipping them – Show them what’s most important. If everything you do is important, those who follow will not know what’s most important. Tell them, show them, equip them and lead them to know what’s MOST important.
He led by caring for them – Those you lead need to know that you care about them and those in your community. I know you care, but do they know that?
Pastor, you are the one God chose to be in your role. He can and will use you to make disciples that make disciples.
