One of the clearest ways a pastor leads is by the atmosphere he cultivates. Long before a word is preached or a decision is made, people are already sensing and feeling what is going on in the room. They are watching how they are treated, how others are treated, and how the leaders are serving among the people, or not. An atmosphere of love and grace does not happen by accident. There is a need for the intentional commitment of the pastor and leadership to form it through their faithful choices to love, encourage, and serve the people God sent His Son to die for.
Every week presents opportunities to express the heart of Jesus in practical ways. A pastor sets the tone by noticing people. He maintains it by checking in. He demonstrates it by praying with them. He reveals the grace of Jesus by encouraging the flock when they are weary. No one is excluded. Every single person, from the visitors to the servants, the strangers and the volunteers, every single person is important to God and therefore important to the under-shepherd. Grace-filled leadership is mindful of expressing the love of Jesus at all times.
You can’t view people as interruptions to your schedule. Every interaction is a divine appointment for agape love. Never forget this. Ever.
Matthew 5:9 (NKJV) says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.”
A peacemaker is someone who brings calm, safety, and care into a situation. Pastors are called to reflect the heart of a peacemaker. There is no room for harshness or impatience. The congregation’s culture is always love and grace, not selfishness and impatience. You can tell the difference!
An atmosphere of love and grace also shapes how we handle conflicts. Ministry involves people, and people bring their weaknesses, pasts, and pain with them.
Colossians 3:13–15 (NKJV) says, “Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”
When a pastor chooses grace, he teaches the church how to walk in grace with one another.
Listen, an atmosphere of love and grace doesn’t mean ignoring sin or avoiding truth. Love and grace do not erase accountability. But remember, correction given without love will hurt people. Pastoral leadership carries both love and truth with humility and care. People grow best in environments where they know they are loved, even when they are being challenged. That’s how you and I grew up in the Lord!
I wish I didn’t have to say it, but a consistently harsh and impatient spirit does not reflect the heart of Jesus. Ministry is demanding, but ministry pressures are never an excuse for being a bad pastor. There really is no reason ever to be a bad pastor. Love must be protected and modeled, especially by those entrusted with pastoral care.
A church marked by love and grace becomes a safe place for healing and growth.
Pastor, the way you love matters. Be intentional about creating an atmosphere of grace and love, and protect it!
Adapted from the book, Sure and Steady by Pastor Ed Taylor. Chapter 20
