Priority #3: People
What should be the priorities in a local church?
So far we’ve mentioned two proclamation and prayer. Today we’re going to focus on the third priority: people.
Every week, our church hosts “Coffee Pod”. Between 10-20 people have a coffee and chat, both believers and unbelievers.
A few months ago, I came down from my study and pulled up a chair. One lady said to me, “Oh is it your day off today?” I didn’t have the heart to tell her that chatting to her was my work!
You can understand the confusion. Much of what pastors do doesn’t seem like work. I confessed I struggled with this a little when I first became a pastor. It seemed like answering emails and writing sermons was the real work. Not talking to people.
But where was Jesus? He was with people. He was even accused of being a drunkard and a glutton.
Admin must happen. Sermons need to be prepared. But it is important for any church leader to prioritise time with people.
Here are three suggestions to spur your thinking:
Prioritise time with unbelievers
There are people you know who are destined for an eternity of torment in hell. Is there a greater pastoral priority than that?
If someone is willing to meet you to examine the claims of Jesus, nothing is more important. Perhaps it is doing a course like Christianity Explored or Word One-to-One. Perhaps you simply listen to their questions and respond. But an unbeliever willing to talk must be a priority.
Also, leave slack in your timetable for socialising with unbelievers. Some of this may be very intentional, like joining a local club or visiting a farmers’ market. At other times, it may be stopping to talk to a neighbour in the street or popping in to greet parents at a toddler group.
Ninety per cent of the time you’ll talk about the weather, holidays or politics. But look for an opportunity to share Jesus. Perhaps they share a personal struggle. Or they ask a question about Jesus. Or they come to an evangelistic event and are more willing to listen because they know you as the speaker.
This is a long-term investment. But if you’re there for the long haul, you may well see fruit.
Give substantial time to believers
A church leader is not only an evangelist. We’re called to be pastors and need to be among the people.
The sick are told to call for the elders to visit (James 5:14). Many godly people in our church think their sickness is too insignificant to tear me away from my work, but James begs to differ. I’d add to this (and I think James would agree) any with major suffering in their life such as unemployment, marital difficulties or the like.
In addition to such urgent calls, every member has a right to their elders’ time. Look for opportunities to talk to people. Asking “How are you?” on a Sunday and listening to the answer. Having people over for Sunday dinner. Joining church social events. Much of Jesus’ teaching seems to come in the course of ordinary meals and conversations, and you’ll find such teachable moments too.
Invest time in future leaders
A final priority should be future leaders. Sometimes church leadership material has taken this too far. Some books, give the impression that visiting ordinary members is beneath ThePastor™, who should focus on potential leaders instead. This feels far removed from the Jesus who made time for all.
Nevertheless, leaders don’t spontaneously appear. Whether it’s elders, Sunday School leaders, women’s workers or other leadership positions, investment is required. For some, they need practical advice (perhaps feedback on a future sermon on children’s talk). For others, reading a book together to shape their theology for the future.
Many rural churches complain of a need for leaders. The best time to start raising leaders is ten years ago. The next best time is today.
Consider who you could invest time with in your church.
When I was a teacher, teachers used to joke on inset days: “School would be great without the kids wouldn’t it?” But, of course, the kids were the reason they were there.
Never lose sight of the people your ministry is for. Whether it’s unbelievers, church members or future leaders, invest in people. You’ll follow your saviour’s example if you do.
