Pastor, you are not simply employed by the church. You are part of the family God has called you to serve.
I’ve watched many men over the years stop growing, even regressing, because they no longer lived out their Christian life in the context of the Church they are serving. This is especially true of ‘assistant’ pastors. They treated the church like their job, and it ruined them.
Whether you serve full-time at the church or work another job to provide for your family, your identity is rooted in being a member of the body of Christ. You’re always a Christian before you do anything else. Remember, because of this, you still attend church with your family, still receive the Word alongside your church family, and still live out your faith among the people God has entrusted to your care.
Acts 2:41-42 (NKJV) “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
The kind of fellowship Luke writes about in Acts 2 is not optional for pastors. You never outgrow it and move beyond it. Regular church life is part of your calling to join in worship, fellowship, and prayer with your church family, setting an example through your clear and obvious church life.
Your family needs to see that the church is not just your place of ministry but your spiritual home. Your children need to see your commitment to gathering with God’s people, giving faithfully, and serving with joy. Your congregation needs to see that you value the local church, not only in your teaching but in your daily life.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV) “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Pastor, your faithfulness encourages others to remain faithful.
Being involved in the life of your church helps you stay humble and accountable. You need your church family just as they need you. You are not above the need for fellowship, encouragement, and correction. “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17 NKJV). God uses your brothers and sisters in Christ to strengthen and shape you as you grow in your calling.
Serve with humility. Love your church family well. Let your life reflect the beauty of belonging to the body of Christ. Show your people that you are not just leading them but living life with them.
Stay connected to the family God has given you.
You’re a Christian long before you’re a pastor.
Adapted from the book, Sure and Steady by Pastor Ed Taylor. Chapter 10
