Stay in the Game

Philippians 3:14

I talked with my father in the ministry this week. He has recently retired from pastoring but he hasn’t quit serving God. He told me something profound: “I am asking God to do more through my ministry in the fourth quarter than He did in the first three.” That would be a lot. I said, “Only God could accomplish that feat…and yet it would be nothing for Him to do so.”

This was of great encouragement to me. I am in the third quarter, which is often when you grow weary in the fight. I sat down for a couple years at halftime, having baptized hundreds and seen God do so much. It’s easy to think your best years are behind you, and that God isn’t working now like He used to. My mentor was again a blessing, reminding me of what ministry is all about. I’m learning not to do things just for the ministry, but for the Master! I want to leave behind a legacy that continues to reach others. “He, being dead, yet speaketh.” [Heb. 11:4]

Do I ever contemplate leaving the pastorate? Admittedly, there are times when even the prospect of digging ditches for a living has a certain appeal. But I know God has called me to be a pastor, and I have never seriously considered bailing out. I was miserable those two years I was only part time and am so glad now to be starting my 8^th year here.

Often other pastors suggest that I could leave the church if I wanted to and still have a fruitful ministry preaching on the circuit and through my online ministry, thereby avoiding the hassles and pains of leading a church. With a high maintenance family, that could help minimize the stress of it all. [In my case, God directed me to a very understanding church family that is patient with their expectations and so helpful to my wife and kids that I can’t imagine not being here!]

I can think of at least ten reasons I remain committed to church ministry. These form the basis of why I love being a pastor.

1. The church is the only institution Christ promised to build and bless.

Matthew 16:18

^…upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Christ's purpose in the world is to call unto Himself a redeemed people who would live to the praise of His glory. He is building the church. In that I take great comfort and confidence, thankful for having a small part in our Lord's great work.

This is a family. This is where it’s at. Who wouldn’t want be a part?

2. The corporate functions of the Body all take place in the church.

The church is where God has ordained His people to meet together to learn, fellowship, serve, worship, celebrate the Lord's Supper, and to encourage and edify one another. It's my joy to call God's people to worship, just as the psalmist said, "Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand" (Psalm 95:6-7).

3. Preaching is the main human way God doles out His grace.

The apostle Paul commanded young Timothy to "preach the word" (2 Timothy 4:2). I have the privilege each week of proclaiming God's message to His people - a message of grace, by which God saves people and transforms lives. We didn’t miss any Sundays this year…we’ve been here for over 60 weeks straight, and over 7 years, have only missed 7 Sundays. I love to preach the Word. I hope God allows me to do as long as I live, even from a chair or a bed!

4. I can be consumed with study and communion with God.

There's a public side to me that the congregation sees, but there's a private side to me that only God knows. While I might preach three hours a week, I study thirty. And those hours spent each week in God's presence are a high and holy privilege.

5. I am directly responsible to God for the lives of the people He has given me to shepherd.

With my online ministry, I'm not as personally accountable for how people apply God's Word. But as the pastor-teacher of a congregation, I have a relationship with my people like that of a shepherd and his sheep. I watch over their souls as one "who will give an account" (Hebrews 13:17). I will answer to God. He’s the real boss around here. That is both a relief and a great motivation.

6. I am also accountable to the sheep of the church.

Accountability is important. I’m accountable to God, but human nature really needs more than that. Everything is exposed to the church when you live in the fishbowl: my life and family, my personal strengths and weaknesses-everything. I cherish that accountability. It helps me in my walk with God. Even when I finish preaching this message, a timer starts ticking down…Sunday’s coming…better be ready to feed the flock! People are in need. Don’t let them down. Men are falling like flies…don’t be a castaway and harm the name of Christ!

Thank you for praying for us, and giving, and supporting us. You are the church. We are accountable to you. We have been so blessed. In 35 years of ministry, I have almost always had trusted, qualified men, deacons, leaders, trustees that have helped to hold me accountable and advised me. They never threw the clay away. They were like Aaron and Hur holding up Moses’ hands. Then there’s been women of God who have stood in the gap and made up the hedge. Thank God for them. We all pull the nets in the same direction. I can tell you, in those rare years that’s not been present, you really miss it. We appreciate your support!

7. I love the challenge of building people in the church.

Ministry is for people…not the other way around. This is God’s kingdom, not mine. God reveals the greatness of His power by demonstrating that the world's nobodies are His most precious resources.

8. The pastorate embraces all of life.

I share the joy of parents over the birth of a child, as well as the pain of children over the death of a mother or father. I help celebrate at a wedding; I also offer comfort at a funeral. There is an inevitable unpredictability that accompanies my calling-an incredible adventure may begin at any given moment. It is at those times that the pastor goes beyond his sermon to stand in the gap for God in the lives of His people.

9. The rewards in this life are marvelous.

I feel loved, appreciated, needed, trusted, and admired. I know you pray for me and care deeply about me. I owe a debt of gratitude to God for that. I am honored to be a channel through which the grace of God, love of Christ, and comfort of the Holy Spirit can be made real to people.

10. I'm afraid not to be a pastor.

I would feel like a loser. I would be lonely. I would be miserable. I would be swallowed by a whale!

God has called me to be a pastor-teacher "for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry" (Ephesians 4:12). The reward of being a pastor far surpasses any frustration I will ever feel in ministry. And so I say with the apostle Paul,

Philippians 3:14

¹⁴ I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

This is why we stay in the game. Even if you had an incredible first half, you can lose in the second. We can’t sit on the bench and throw in the towel. We can’t hand off to someone else. God left us here for a reason. He’s not through with you…I know, because you’re still breathing!

Sunday night we encouraged the young people, in the first quarter of ministry. Remember their parents, in the second quarter. Then there’s some of us in the third quarter, tempted to sit back on our laurels. And I know some of you are in the fourth quarter. Let’s commit together, like my mentor, that we are willing for God to do more with us from now until He takes us home than He did up to this moment! Stay in the game!

[inspired by Dr. Steve Proctor w/ helps from Dr. John MacArthur]