What do we really expect from a man or woman of God?

It looks like the moral standing of the pastor is under the spotlight now more than ever before.

We are past the stage where a pastors lifestyle or personal life was never to face public scrutiny. The issue of whether we could point a finger at the “Man of God” was based of what was taught us by our parents; who taught us that the Man of God belongs to God.

Of course, we see in scripture scenarios like that of Miriam and Aaron receiving greater judgment for criticising Moses. 

Moral Compass of Society — Pastors are men and women who are expected to be the moral campus of the society. As a result society is tempted to see them as perfect and not capable of feeding on the sheep they are expected to guard against wolves.

Although Pastors are expected by society to the bacon of moral excellence uprightness, God never made a pastor to be a super-human. Neither did he expect him to become one? God requires the Pastor to have his life and that of his household in order before seeking spiritual leadership.

Given to Accountability — Just as pastors require their congregants to built avenues of accountability in their relationships, every minister must have accountability. Allowing others to speak into how you do things helps keep one accountable and aware.

With the growing number of churches, so is the number of ministers. Safety is found in accountable relationships. A pastor who is accountable to God, his leaders and peers both in spiritual and moral matters will create a healthy and safe environment for the flock.

Indeed, he may go hungry, be tempted, and moved by anxious moments just like anyone else but accountable relationships are the saviour. Since we all face temptations, this should humble us to know that God is the judge of all.

Exposure to marriage risks — Pastors should not be ignorant of the temptations around them. The failure to recognise that we are the first target of what we preach against should sober us and make us more alert to the devil’s schemes. The great Apostle Paul, while speaking about temptations says, “let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.”

Pastors must take time to debrief with their spouses knowing that the issues they handle can have an emotional toll on them. Also, Pastors must seek to make their homes a safe refuge where they can be vulnerable when faced with challenges of life.

Pastors are more than just carriers of the message of of God, they are seen as the voice of God and hope to the weak and vulnerable. They are expected to be the embodiment of the same message they carry making the pastor’s life an open book of witness.

Pastors life, no longer a secret — If the reports in the media are anything to go by, the institution of the pastor is under serious threat today more that ever before. According to the Enrichment Journal of the Assemblies of God, “Ministers are in deep trouble and anyone who doubts that is spiritually asleep.”

According to the journal: “The numbers alone do not indicate the seriousness of the problem, but that is part of the nature of the problem” argues Harry W. Schaumburg. To understand the breadth and depth of this crisis pastors must have the courage to open the closed doors of their own ministerial lives and ask the Spirit to examine their hearts.”

One would ask, “What then is the problem?” I’m of the opinion that the problem is not the availability of pornographic material or the many opportunities for sexual sin in our society. Although others put the blame on the long working hours and the resultant ministry stress, the truth is, it is the potential for wickedness in our own hearts coupled with the secrecy of a pastor’s personal life that is the problem.

That is why Jesus said to us, the pastor included: “For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery.” Ministers must learn to help each other to guard against sin, and imperfections of every kind. The evil desires that hide deep within the heart of each one of us are responsible for dragging many away from God. 

CONDUCT OF A PASTOR

If the pastor is to stay on the overcomer lane, he/she will need to:

1. Get honest - with self, God and those you serve. 

2. Admit Need - that as a human you have weakness and the tendency to fall. As much as other need you for support, you need other around you to give you support. 

3. Remain Accountable - accountability will build character and move you away from vulnerability. Pastors need people in their lives that can ask them hard questions that will help make them ministers of integrity. 

4.Live with End in Mind - When we know that we are answerable to those we lead and finally to God, we will be careful with how we live life and treat people.