I Balance is an important part of pastoral ministry A Definitions 1 A state of being in equilibrium 2 Harmonious proportion 3 Counteracting influence 4 That which is needful to be added to one side or other to constitute equilibrium ID: 556277
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Balanced Pastoral Ministry
I. Balance is an important part of pastoral ministry.
A. Definitions
1. A state of being in equilibrium
2. Harmonious proportion
3. Counteracting influence Slide3
4. That which is needful to be added to one side or other to constitute equilibrium
5. An instrument for weighing (judging); the emblem of justice
“Balance implies a state in which no one part, element, factor or influence overweighs another or is out of its due proportion to the others. It therefore suggests a steadiness or well-being that is usually not outwardly evident until a disturbance occurs.” –WebsterSlide4
B. Balance is necessary in many areas.
1. The pastor’s
lifestyle
This includes such areas as:
Diet
Exercise Regimen
Personal Life (Balancing work and play)
Family Life (church and family in right proportion).Slide5
Social Life
Entertainment Life
Church LifeSlide6
2.
Doctrinal emphasis
There is a delicate balance that needs to be achieved in areas of doctrine:
Divine Sovereignty/Human Responsibility
Law/Grace
Faith/Works
Gifts of the Spirit/Fruit of the SpiritSlide7
Authority/Personal Freedom
Prosperity/Self-DenialSlide8
3. Pastoral
practice
Inreach/Outreach
Evangelism/Discipleship
Word/Spirit
Teaching/Preaching
Ministry to the down-and-outer/Ministry to the up-and-outer
Children’s Ministry/Elderly Ministry/Everything-in-between-MinistrySlide9
C. Maintaining balance involves maintaining the proper tension between
two extremes. Slide10
II. Balance is important in the way pastoral ministry is
expressed.
A. There are two extremes when it comes to how pastors relate to the church and the world.
B. Either extreme will produce negative fruit.
Key Verses: Psalm 85:10; 40:11; 89:14; Romans 11:22 Slide11
III. Jesus is the example of
perfect balance in ministry (John 1:14).
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
A. Jesus exemplified the kind, compassionate, forgiving minister of mercy
. Slide12
1. Jesus reached out to the
untouchable (Mark 1:40-41).
2. Jesus extended forgiveness to an adulteress (John 8:10-11).
3. Jesus was moved by compassion
for a bereaved widow (Luke 7:12-15).
4. Jesus freely ministered to the
demon possessed
(Mark 5:1-19).
5. Jesus disregarded His
personal need
and touched the sick (Mt. 14:12-14). Slide13
6. Jesus showed
genuine concern for natural needs of people (Mt. 15:32).
7. Jesus was moved by the need for shepherding a fainting and weak people (Mt 9:36).Slide14
B. Jesus, at the same time, exemplified the rebuking, correcting and cleansing
minister of justice (Luke 17:3).
1. Jesus rebuked cities and villages (Mt. 11:20-24).
2. Jesus rebuked
Pharisees (John 8:43-44; Mt. 15:7; 23:13-33).
3. Jesus
drove out
the money changers from the temple (John 2:13-17; Luke 19:45-46). Slide15
4. Jesus
corrected His own disciples (Mark 8:33; Luke 9:51-56; 24:25; Mark 16:14).
a. He rebuked Peter right in front of the rest of the disciples (Mark 8:33).
b. He called some skeptical followers
“O foolish ones and slow of heart to believe” (Luke 24:25).
c. He rebuked his disciples after his resurrection for their
hardness of heart
and unbelief (Mark 16:14).Slide16
5. Jesus rebuked
churches (Rev. 2:4-5; 2:14-16; 2:20-23; 3:1-3; 3:14-22).
Note: Credit is given to Rev. Richard C. Benjamin for this comparison in Jesus’ life and ministry. Slide17
IV. Pastors are to accurately reflect the balance found
in Jesus.
A. A pastor is to give his people a true picture of the Father (Rom. 11:22; Heb. 1:3).
B. A pastor is to be like Jesus
(Rom. 8:29).