Dear Christian friends:

How do you regard (think of) your pastor? Some people think a pastor us only for preaching, baptisms of their babies, weddings and funerals. They like to have a pastor nearby for that and for when they are in trouble and need help or when they need him to sign in court or with the lawyer or doctor, and to help them find a new job if they are laid off from the old one.

Surely a pastor gladly does all these things for the deaf, but these are not his chief duties. Many people are confused about the pastor and his duties.

In our text St. Paul tells us about a pastor and his duties and how a church should think of its pastor. St. Paul tells you:


He told the church at Corinth: "Let a man think of us, as the ministers of Christ." (1 Corinthians 4:1) You have called Pastor George Ring as your pastor and your minister and he surely is your minister. You are even paying for part of his salary and so He is your servant. He is not your Lord or boss. You have your president, vice president, secretary, treasury and your voters group. You have the responsibility for managing the business affairs of this congregation and you ought to be eager and diligent in those responsibilities and not expect your pastor to do that business. He has other responsibilities and duties.

While He is your minister he is also Christ's minister, Paul tells the Church: "Let a man think of us as the ministers of Christ."

Jesus Himself has established the office of the holy ministry. He sends pastors and teachers to the church. (Ephesians 4:11) When you called Pastor Ring you called him in the name of the Triune God. And the Holy Spirit of God led him to accept your call. Perhaps at first he didn't want to come here, but He prayed for God to lead him and help him make a right decision. After much prayer and weighing he decided to come.

So you should feel that Jesus has sent him to you and rejoice and thank God. Also give him respect and honor because he has such a holy office.

Now what are his chief duties as pastor? Is his duty to tend the furnace, cut the grass, shovel the snow, paint the church and preach for one hour on Sunday?

Some church members foolishly think that way. What does the Bible say? Paul says here: "Let a man think of us as of the ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God." A steward is a keeper or teacher of the mysteries of God. What are the mysteries of God? The Gospel Trinity! Incarnation death and resurrection of Christ for our salvation. Our own forgiveness and salvation by faith in Jesus. Wonderful. Can't explain such wonderful love and wisdom. "Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33) "Great is the mystery of God, God was was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory." (1 Timothy 3:16)

These deep and wonderful words of the Bible about His Son our Savior, Jesus Christ, these are the great mysteries that God shows even to simple children. This is the precious duty and work of your pastor. And you should be very glad when he does that good work.

You should see that he is not bothered by other business and problems which you can do better yourself, painting etc. Leave him to study and think and pray and write and preach and teach. Encourage him in that work. The devil and his own sinful nature will try to bother him. You help him. (I know one church, etc.)

Ladies, you can help teach these mysteries by hymn signing. Men, accept your responsibilities as President, Treasurer, Secretary, Trustees, and Elders. In that way you will help your pastor in that precious work of leading sinners to their wonderful God and Savior.

Now, learn to work in peace with him and be satisfied with His work. Sometimes Church members complain because the minister has some faults or weakness. But remember God gives all men their limit of talents. Some have more talent than others. One is a sharp signer, another is not so sharp a signer. One can teach better than another.

God expects however, that they be faithful and true in teaching as the Bible teaches (says) and faithful in doing his daily duties.

Amen.