Pastors Not Above Jesus
By Kevin Palmer
The bible refers to Jesus as the Chief Shepherd and church members are his sheep. Similarly, pastors who have been called by the Lord are subordinate shepherds. Like Jesus, they are expected to love and care for all the sheep. No less is expected from the shepherds at the historic Tabernacle Baptist Church in Augusta, Georgia. Therefore, it is unacceptable for a recent marriage of a 50 year Tabernacle member, who has been a faithful, humble servant, to be ignored by the church leadership.
Contrary to modern church protocol, the pastor is not above Jesus, nor is the pastor an entertainer to be idolized. Neither, are pastoral duties to be treated like a gig or a side hustle. The bible commands pastors in 1st Peter, chapter 5, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
Therefore, a caring, competent pastor must organize a congregation’s leadership in such a way as to stay informed of all important life events of each member, including marriages. In this way the church will fulfill the scripture verse in 1st Corinthians, chapter 12, “If a member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all members rejoice with it.” Moreover, just as church members have been trained ad nauseam to tangibly appreciate the pastor, in turn, pastors must ensure tangible appreciation reciprocity to each member. Indeed, a new bride is no less deserving of appreciation by receiving a congratulatory card or a token marriage gift from a congregation.
Sadly, Tabernacle Baptist Church leadership dropped the ball and failed to tangibly recognize the marriage of a 50 year church member. Therefore, it is time to repent.
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