Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Mar/81

Contributor - Mr. John Moerman

Title - On Calling A Pastor

Topic - Ministers

This past summer, my wife and I had the privilege of attending a very special wedding ceremony. This wedding was not special in the sense that it was different to any great degree from any other we had attended. What made it special was that we witnessed the coming together of a bride and groom from opposite sides of the country who had been praying for several years to be led to "God's best" for a life's partner. Here was a couple who early in life decided that God's choice would be the best choice and had therefore set aside any personal desires and time tables in order to submit to His direction. They were individually convinced that there was only one person among the four billion on earth that God would want them to marry. The realization of their prayers and the fulfillment of God's promise testifies to the faithful direction God gives to those who ask. It's my conviction that the principles this couple employed in their search for each other Can be of significant benefit to a congregation without a pastor ... and that, matter, to a pastor who feels the gentle urging of the Spirit to relocate.

What is our reaction when we hear those fateful words, "I have decided to accept the call to. . . or "I feel the Lord is leading me into another ministry or from an elder, "Our pastor has suddenly been called home by the Lord"? Do we as members panic because we sense a loss of leadership? Do the elders buckle under the weight of added responsibility? Does it become top priority to find a pastor and to find him quickly? Does it become important to find a pastor with particular talents in areas which fit our personal tastes? What attitude should we have, anyway?

I maintain that the common denominator to many unhappy marriages and difficult pastor-congregation relationships alike is a failure to submit to God's leadership in our search. It is possible to fall into one of two traps. We want a pastor and we want him NOW and we will offer the position to anyone who looks willing to come or we take a secular approach and look for someone much as a corporation looks for personnel ... Does he speak well, dress well, is he able to communicate, gifted, aggressive, conscientious, etc., etc.?? These qualifications and many more are well and good, but they are not to be divorced from or given priority over God's distinctive guidance! It could very well be that a pastor of God's choice doesn't preach quite the way we like, or that he is a little older or younger than we prefer, or that he is too youth-oriented or not youth oriented enough .... The list goes on. Just as Esther was made queen to fit a divine plan and purpose, so a pastor of God's choice will fit the circumstances that will arise within a given congregation. Samuel thought he knew which of Jesse's sons would make a good king but only God knew the qualifications of David the shepherd.

This is not to say that we should abandon a thoughtful and planned approach with regard to calling a pastor, On the contrary, we would do well to follow a logical and orderly plan giving ample opportunity to intervene and guide us.

It is not my intention to tell anyone just "how it's done". I am sure that each congregation has a method or system which has worked will in the past and which they will use again as the need arises. There is a need, however, for each church to pause and organize their priorities when it becomes time to search for a new under-shepherd.

First and foremost, I believe, is the matter of prayer. Where there is a real commitment to pray, there is a true sense of submission to God. Much as the previously mentioned couple submitted to God's desires and God's time-table, so we as congregations must submit to God's schedule, God's desires and God's guidance. This submission is only possible by the specific prayers of the consistory and called committee and the supportive prayers of the congregation.

When we are ready to allow God to work at His own selected pace, it is time to do some careful and reflective thinking as to where we have been in the past as a congregation; the current strengths and weaknesses we perceive; and any goals which we may like to see fulfilled in our congregation. This is largely a consistory matter, but it is imperative that we know where we are before we actually begin a search.

If we have properly covered first and second base, then third base is really no problem. It is here that we must be careful that the priorities we have set do not interfere with any human desires we may have. How important is his age, really? (See Church Herald editorial, January 23, 198 1) How much emphasis do we place on the one sermon we have heard him preach? Isn't it more important that he has a growing relationship with the Lord than a vibrant voice and a youthful appearance? It will quite likely take a certain amount of self-discipline to keep our desires in proper order with God's priorities.

And finally, when the call is extended, don't quit praying. God's choice can only be verified by the agreement between two parties. (Matthew 18:19) Just as we need prayers for ourselves, so the prospective pastor needs prayer to search out God's will for him. Remember, we are looking for God's best for us. in a pastor and he is looking for God's best in terms of a congregation.

Just as a wedding celebration is but the culmination of a search by two people for each other by God's direction, so the union of pastor and congregation is cause to celebrate. After the reception comes the building, the foundation of which was laid in the search. How can a congregation help but be supportive when they have followed the distinctive direction of God; and how can a pastor help but love and feed his flock when the two have agreed together that this is God's will. Truly, this community of believers will be a glory to God; a fitting bride for the bride groom who is Jesus Christ the Lord!

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