The Example of the Pastor
I. The first area of ministry for which a
pastor is responsible is his or her own
soul (Acts 20:28; I Tim. 4:14-16).
The Pastor must take heed to himself.
A. To take heed means:
1. To fasten your attention on something
or someone.
2. To apply your mind with strict and
close attention to a matter.
B. Ministers must “take heed” to
themselves for several reasons (Note:
The following list is taken from The
Reformed Pastor by Richard Baxter).
1. Ministers have heaven and hell to win
or lose.
2. Ministers have sinful inclinations as
well as others.
3. Ministers are the object of Satan’s first
and sharpest attacks.
4. Minister’s sins are more likely to be
sins against knowledge.
5. Ministers bear the honor of the Lord in
their actions more than others.
6. Ministers are watched more closely
than others.
7. Ministers can save or offend so many
by their example.
C. As Ministers:
1. Ministers must not let their example
contradict their doctrine.
2. Ministers must not be guilty of the
very things that they condemn in
others (Rom. 1:32; II Pet. 2:19).
II. Christ, the Good Shepherd, provided a
perfect example to His followers (I Pet.
2:21-22).
A. Part of Christ’s mission was to
demonstrate the principles of the
Word of God (John 1:14).
Jesus came to put a face on God (John
14:9; Col. 1:15)
B. We are not only saved by Christ’s
death, we are saved by His life that He
lived in front of us (Rom. 5:10).
C. Sheep are followers and need an
example to follow (John 10:4, 27).
III. One of the greatest things that a
pastor can provide for the sheep is an
example to follow.
A. God’s people are instructed to follow
the faith of their leaders (Heb. 6:12;
13:7).
Remember those who rule over you,
who have spoken the word of God to
you, whose faith follow, considering
the outcome of their conduct.
Hebrews 13:7
Remember your leaders, who spoke
the word of God to you. Consider the
outcome of their way of life and
imitate their faith. –NIV
B. Leaders are to be balanced Christians
and examples for the flock in every
area of life (I Tim. 4:12)
Let no one despise your youth, but be
an example to the believers in word,
in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith,
in purity.
Don’t let anyone make fun of you, just
because you are young. Set an
example for other followers by what
you say and do, as well as by your
love, faith, and purity.
–CEV
Leaders are to be an example in:
1. Word
Does your speech betray you? How
do you talk? People naturally pick
up a leader’s expressions.
2. Lifestyle or Conduct
Is your lifestyle balanced? Is it
conducted the same way you expect
others to live? Does your life
confirm your word?
3. Love
Do you lead the way in expressing
love in action? Do you show the
people how by leading the way?
4. Spirit
Is your spirit liberated and free in
the Lord? Do you show enthusiasm
for the things of the Lord?
5. Faith
Do your words and actions inspire
and lift? Do you lift the
congregation to a place of trusting
God in difficult times?
6. Purity (I Tim. 5:22)
Are you warring a good warfare in
personal areas of temptation? Are
you in control of the internet?
C. The greatest thing that a pastor can
provide for the sheep is his or her
example (I Peter 5:1-4).
The elders who are among you I
exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a
witness of the sufferings of Christ, and
also a partaker of the glory that will
be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of
God which is among you, serving as
overseers, not by compulsion but
willingly not for dishonest gain but
eagerly;…
… 3 nor as being lords over those
entrusted to you, but being examples
to the flock; 4 and when the Chief
Shepherd appears, you will receive the
crown of glory that does not fade
away.
1. Leaders are to rule by their example.
2. It is the example of the leader that
gives them the right to rule.
3. It is the fruit of the leader’s personal
life that attests to the genuineness of
his or her faith (I Tim. 3:4-5).
IV. Paul is a great example of this kind of
leadership.
A. At times Paul deferred his own
personal rights in order to be an
example (II Th. 3:7-9).
For you know that you ought to
follow our example. We were never
lazy when we were with you. We
never accepted food from anyone
without paying for it…
… We worked hard day and night so
that we would not be a burden to
any of you. It wasn't that we didn't
have the right to ask you to feed us,
but we wanted to give you an
example to follow. –NLT
B. Paul was readily encouraged others
to follow his example (I Cor. 4:16;
11:1; Phil. 3:17).
C. Paul saw his example as an integral
part of his Gospel message (I Th. 1:56a).
V. Pastors must be a willing example in
every area of life.
They should be pattern believers in:
• Healthy Living
• Family Life
• Financial Matters
• Home / Yard
• Appearance
• Marital Relationships
• Recreation and Leisure time
• Character
• Prayer Life/Worship Life
• Faithfulness