a call to older pastors

Remember the words and consider the message in Esther 4:14b: “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

As we navigate these tumultuous times filled with confusion and uncertainty, I urge you, as experienced leaders, to remain steadfast in your calling. Over the past decade, the voices of disillusionment and cynicism have echoed around us, but we must not succumb to them. Instead, let us rise to the occasion, reminding ourselves and the next generation of the transformative leadership of Jesus Christ.  

A Warning Against Growing Cold

Scripture warns us against letting our hearts grow cold. In Matthew 24:12, Jesus says, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.” This is our reminder in our day, that in the face of cultural shifts and unrecognizable behaviors, even by people who identify as Christians, we must guard our hearts. It can be easy to become disillusioned, but we are called to stay vigilant, cultivating our passion for Christ and His Church.

The Danger of Deception

These days, deception lurks at every corner. The Apostle Paul cautions us in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." We must resist the temptation to conform to the fleeting trends of society or the political climate. Our mission is to proclaim the truth of the Gospel, not to dilute it with cultural or social agendas.

The Leadership of Jesus

Now more than ever, we must call our people back to the leadership of Jesus. He is the ultimate example of love, humility, and service. As pastors, we are not business leaders or social activists; we are spiritual leaders called to shepherd our flocks with grace and truth. Let us remind ourselves and our communities that Christ’s teachings offer the only path to genuine fulfillment and peace.

Leaving a Legacy for Younger Leaders

As pastors, there are five essential actions you can take to create a lasting legacy for the next generation of leaders:

1.   Mentorship: Invest time in mentoring younger pastors and leaders. Share your experiences, both successes and failures, to guide them in their journey. Your wisdom can help shape their understanding of ministry and leadership.

2.   Model Integrity: Live your faith with authenticity. Actions speak louder than words. By demonstrating integrity and accountability, you establish a standard for younger leaders to follow.

3.   Encourage Collaboration: Foster an environment where younger leaders feel valued and included. Encourage them to share their ideas and assume leadership roles within the church. This collaboration will empower them and strengthen the church’s mission.

4.   Promote Lifelong Learning: Encourage a culture of continuous growth and learning. Share resources, books, and training opportunities that can help younger leaders expand their knowledge and skills. Please remember that ministry is a lifelong journey of learning and adaptation.

5.   Emphasize Prayer: Make prayer a cornerstone of your ministry. Teach younger leaders the importance of seeking God’s guidance in all decisions. Your commitment to prayer will inspire them to depend on God’s wisdom.

The Need for Authenticity

We are to strive to be leaders who speak Scripture with our lips while nurturing love in our hearts, guarding our hearts against hatred. As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:1, “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” Our message should be rooted in love and authenticity, demonstrating the heart of Christ in all we do.

A Call to Action

As older pastors, we have a unique opportunity to speak prophetically to this generation. Let’s not be discouraged by how the church has changed or how people perceive it. Instead, let us be the leaders God has shaped over the decades, guiding others back to the truth of His Word.

In these challenging times, let us commit to leading with conviction, hope, and love. We are called to be guards on the wall, proclaiming the Gospel and standing firm in our faith. Continue to shepherd your congregation, nurture your communities, and embrace the future that God has in store for us. For followers of Jesus, one phrase is always true:  The Best is Yet to Come! Maranatha!

Keep Lookin’ Up!

Johnny Mac