Pastor, serving Jesus is the greatest privilege of your life. It is a call to faithfulness and humility as you care for His people. It’s essential, especially for those who serve in an assisting role, to remain like-minded with your Senior pastor. If you are in a lead or senior pastor role, it’s essential that you remain aligned with those serving alongside you.
One of the best protections against division in ministry is maintaining like-mindedness with your pastor. Many divisions begin when an assistant pastor drifts from the essential relational connections he needs with the pastor he serves alongside. Like-mindedness is not blind conformity. It is a unity that grows through relationship, shared vision, and trust.
Amos 3:3 (NKJV) “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?”
Staying like-minded with your pastor requires intentional effort. Pray for him. Spend time with him. Ask him to share the vision God has given him for the ministry you help oversee. Take notes when he teaches, listen carefully, and care for people in a way that reflects the heart of your pastor. These small steps strengthen trust and build unity.
Philippians 2:1–2 (NKJV) “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”
Walking in humility is essential when serving. You will have moments when you see things differently, but your commitment to unity will guide your responses. If you struggle with staying like-minded, don’t allow bitterness to take root. Talk with your pastor. Seek understanding. Pray together. Work through challenges with honesty and grace.
Hebrews 12:15 (NKJV) “looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;”
Paul described Timothy as a faithful servant who walked closely with him in ministry: “But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel” (Philippians 2:22 NKJV). Timothy’s faithfulness and shared heart with Paul strengthened their ministry together and blessed the church. Sinful division always weakens the church and breaks God’s heart.
It’s true, you won’t agree on every detail, but you can share a common heart for Jesus, His people, and His mission. Learn to grow and remain flexible on secondary issues.
Stay close to your pastor. Communicate regularly. Protect the unity God has given you.
Walk in humility. Seek unity as you serve, and let your ministry reflect the heart of Jesus.
Adapted from the book, Sure and Steady by Pastor Ed Taylor. Chapter 13
