A Good Pastor or Leader Should be…

If we were to measure length, we’d use a ruler; for weight, we’d use a scale.  To measure a good swimmer, we’d measure the time he takes to swim a certain distance; for a quarterback, his touchdown and interception numbers.

How do you gauge a pastor or leader?   How do you know if they are “good”?

I think this question may be misleading in a way, because it almost seems as though they should be performing, and that we should be measuring their performance.

But that’s not what I’m saying.

We’re often so impressed by someone’s capabilities.  Perhaps a pastor gave a wonderful message, perhaps a leader has charisma and communication skills.  Perhaps they have that perfect, Christian-looking smile. Perhaps they dress well – modern, yet conservative.

I am reminded of the story of Saul.  Saul was such a man.  He was a great guy on the outside.  Seemed humble (hid when he was called upon), was tall, and just kingly-looking.  Everyone of the Israelites was impressed when he was chosen as their king.  (Read the story starting 1 Sam 8)

But Saul failed miserably after a good start.  Why?  Because he got consumed with himself.  He was shown to be self-reliant, defensive, and was revealed to be someone that did not share in God’s heart.  He even stopped listening to God’s exact words, and then started making excuses.

God eventually rejects him as king in 1 Sam 15.

Is it a wonder that God then selected a shepherd afterwards, one named David?

He wasn’t as impressive outwardly, but he had the heart of a shepherd.  He wrote about how God himself was his shepherd in Psalm 23.

What’s are the main traits of a shepherd?  A protector.  Care-giver.  Provider.  A guide.

Shepherds are also known for their personal love of the sheep.  They know each one by name.  Consider also the fact that Jesus tell a story about how if one is missing out of a hundred, he’s willing to go after it in Luke 15.

A good pastor or leader should be like a shepherd.

Be wary of pastors and leaders who are more self-centered, defensive, and impersonal.

Be wary also of those that are so concerned with the call to save “the lost” that they don’t provide the necessary care for those who are already saved.

Be particularly wary also of blaming pastors and leaders who don’t admit their own faults and wrongs like Saul.  Such people don’t have the heart of a shepherd, but are concerned with their own social status.  God does not approve of such leaders in his kingdom.

Consider this also if you should be called to be a pastor or leader someday.  The temptations of power in any position with title is great, but humble yourself before others and be concerned with their welfare as though they were your sheep.

That’s the kind of heart that God desires.