Counselors Reflect on Dangerous Calling by Paul Tripp
A Series to Care for the Care Takers of God’s People
If Christ is the head of his body—and he is—then everything else is just body. The most influential pastor or ministry leader is a member of the body of Christ and therefore needs what the other members of the body need. There is no indication in the New Testament that the pastor is the exception to the rule of all that is said about the interconnectivity and necessary ministry of the body of Christ. (Paul David Tripp in Dangerous Calling, page 70).
A pastor or ministry worker is a part of the body of Christ, needing what all members need. Scripture identifies several “one another” responsibilities. A few examples in God’s Word include loving one another (Leviticus 19:8; Matt. 22:37-40; John 13:34-45; 15:12, 17; Rom. 13:8-10), building up one another (1 Thess. 5:11; Rom. 14:1-15), encouraging one another(1 Thes. 4:18; 5:11; 2 Thes. 2:16-17), admonishing one another (Rom. 15:14; Col. 1:28); not judging one another (Matt. 7:1-5; Luke 18:11), forgiving one another (Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13), and bearing the burdens of one another (Gal. 6:1; Acts 20:35). Pastors and ministry workers are service-oriented and have the role of helper. They are called to love, build up, encourage, admonish, forgive, and bear the burdens of the body of Christ. Do pastors and ministry workers see the need for receiving of these things, however? Do they recognize the need at times to receive help? Though a pastor or ministry worker may lead others, he or she must remember that he or she is “just body.” There is a temptation to pour out to other people, yet in time of struggle or hardship, that pastor or ministry worker may be fearful to share with trusted others. To minister to others, intentionality is required. Intentionality is also required to reach out when needing help. The sinful human heart wants things to stay hidden and in the dark. Christ, the head of the body, is light. 1 John 1:8 states, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”
Jesus lived in community. He was the Ultimate Helper. On the eve of His death, He asked for Peter, James, and John to keep watch with Him (Matt. 26:38). In His darkest hour before the cross, Jesus wanted the prayer of others. Upon returning, he found them asleep. He asked them, “Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?” (Matt. 26:40, italics mine). Though we see Jesus’ motivation of wanting them to pray that they may not fall into temptation, we also see the importance of community during hardships.
Yes, a pastor or ministry worker is called to minister to others. One must realize, however, that there are times in which one needs to receive the ministering. When a pastor or ministry worker needs help, accountability, or prayer, intentionality is required to ask for it. The most influential pastor or leader should constantly keep Christ as head. All of us, no matter what position are just body. Only Christ is Head.
To order a copy of your own of Paul Tripp’s book click on the link below.
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Dangerous Calling: Confronting the Unique Challenges of Pastoral Ministry By Paul David Tripp / Crossway Books & Bibles |