6.1.4 Lifelong Passion

But in spite of the challenges, life as a pastor is and remains a “beautiful work” worth striving for (1Tim 3:1). One of the main tasks (or even the most important) of the pastor in terms of self-management is to maintain a passionate relationship with God throughout his life. This gives him the necessary strength for service in spite of the difficulties (Is 41:10; 1 Cor 1:18). The relationship with God gives vision (Prv 29:18; Jn 10:3) and makes the ministry effective (Ps 29:14). It protects against spiritual stagnation of the pastor and the people he leads (Rev 3:16). This also keeps the focus on God’s perspective and protects him from falling into sin (Gal 2:20).

Even as a pastor there are different phases in their spiritual life. Headwind, stumbling blocks, suffering, stress … a pastor is not exempt from all these things. Therefore, it is; therefore, all the more important that a leader (and every follower of Jesus) learns to walk through these seasons and not lose their faith. There are three different stages to developing a mature faith:

“ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:6).

In order to mature spiritually, God goes with each individual into a lifelong process with an individual curriculum. Through trials and difficulties we may and should grow in order to gain an ever stronger faith and mature in our character, in order to receive more responsibility in God’s kingdom. “For these trials give you the opportunity to prove your faith…” (1 Pet 1:7).

The spiritual development, life situations, and the circumstances that ensue can also be at different ages and life phases. Often, young leaders are full of passion and energy for ministry, but limited in their thinking and judging. Leaders who have served longer, walked through different storms, and accumulated life experience are often wiser, but also less energetic. In the Bible we observe that God uses the older generations for his plans just as he does the younger ones (ex. Moses; Caleb).

Every Christian encounters God in his own individual way and must seek to connect to Him in each phase of his life. A great opportunity to take a relationship with God to the next level is to expand his spirituality seeking different ways to connect with Him. The following elements of God’s relationship should always be prioritized:

Spend daily time with God (Ps 44:9; Heb 9:6).
Living God’s relationship as couple/family (Mt 18:20; Acts 2:46; Jos 24:15)
Prioritizing the Word of God (Jos 1:7f; Ps 119)
Developing a life of prayer (Lk 11:9)
Cultivate spiritually-edifying friendships (Jn 15:12)
Living God’s relationship with the saints (Acts 2:46)
Establish generosity (Lk 6:38; Heb 13:5; Mt 25:21)
Seek the supernatural (cf. Mk 10,27; Ps 9,2)

Cultivating a relationship with God should be a joy and not a burden. You do not have to do anything for God to please him (Rom 4:5). “The way to enjoy your relationship with God is by experiencing his presence in your life.” “When you experience God’s presence, you begin to know his power,” (Fresh Air Chris Hodges).

“ Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:8).