A church deserves a pastor who will serve, not just preach and collect a paycheck. Real ministry happens in the trenches with people, not just behind a pulpit. The role of a pastor has never been about holding a position or drawing a salary—it’s about shepherding God’s people with humility, sacrifice, and love.
Paul said in 1 Corinthians 4:15, “For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” That’s the picture. A pastor isn’t just a voice on Sunday mornings—he’s a spiritual father. He walks with people through their joys and sorrows. Weddings, baptisms, funerals, hospital rooms, counseling, discipleship, prayer, fellowship—that’s where real shepherding shows up.
Peter said it just as plainly in 1 Peter 5:2: “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly.” If a man takes the title of pastor but refuses the responsibilities, he cheapens the calling. He turns it into nothing more than a hired-hand position.
Jesus didn’t leave us guessing about that. In John 10:12–13 He said, “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 flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.” Then He drew the line in the sand in John 10:11: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” That’s the difference. The hireling runs when it gets hard. The shepherd stays and lays down his life.
I may be new at the helm, but I can’t even imagine stepping into this role just for a paycheck. Yes, Scripture says a pastor can be supported financially, but if the paycheck becomes the purpose, the whole heart of ministry is lost. And that’s dangerous ground. James 3:1 warns us, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” This isn’t about comfort. It’s about accountability before God Himself.
And maybe that’s where I just need to speak to you. If you’re sitting in a church and you feel unsettled—if there’s confusion, emptiness, or that pit in your stomach—don’t ignore it. Sometimes the Spirit is nudging you, showing you that something’s not right. Hold your pastor to the standards God has given in His Word, and accept nothing less. And if pride or control or arrogance keeps that from happening, then pray. Ask God to lead you to a church where His Word is honored and His people are loved.
Because God’s design for the church was never about control or anxiety. It was always about truth, fellowship, and building one another up in Christ. Hebrews 10:24–25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” That’s the purpose. Not control. Not ego. Not paycheck. But encouragement. Strength. Growth. And a clear focus on Christ.
That’s my prayer—for pastors to take this calling seriously, for congregations to stand firm on the Word, and for the church to remain the place where Christ is lifted high, the people are cared for, and the gospel moves forward with boldness and love.