“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ (Matthew 25:21)

Well done!

Isn’t that what we all hope to hear? I, myself, am very fond of a gold star. But I wonder if that’s really in my future. In a Bible Study we recently looked at these passages:

If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10)

These are hard teachings. I would prefer to meet Jesus, be in awe, and proceed directly to the Wedding Banquet. But apparently there will be a little detour to our life’s ‘after action review’ at Christ’s Judgement Seat, where we will be given the opportunity to justify our decisions and works here on earth. I would like to be like the first servant who invested wisely and got a good return for the Master. I’m a bit more concerned I will be the one who built on Christ’s firm foundation with mud and straw and gets to the Banquet table smelling like smoke. This is no small thing. As Christians our actions, or lack thereof, have eternal consequences. It’s heavy for us everyday believers, but much more profound for those who take on the responsibility of leading the flock.

To the elders among you…Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. (1 Peter 5:1-4)

Not only are Pastors called to lead and inspire respect in accordance with God’s high standards, but they are also required to teach, rebuke, and nurture their flock’s souls and faith. It is a high calling, and they will also be held to a higher account:

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. (Hebrews 13:17)

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. (James 3:1)

Can you imagine standing before Christ to give an account of your actions…as well as the actions of your family…and your church…and their families? Baptizing, confirming and marrying all carry this higher standard. In America, we tend to think of ourselves as ‘lone rangers’ who are responsible for ourselves and few others. Responsibility shifting has become the national sport. However, though we may escape legal or financial responsibility for those around us, as Christians we should not think we will escape spiritual responsibility. It’s difficult to imagine getting so intrusively involved in one another’s lives but that is part of the deal: to be accountable to and accountable for the lives of the others around us. To be a pastor, then, is to be the patriarch of a very large and often unruly family.

As children of God’s unruly family, we also have responsibilities to those God appoints over us:

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)

At least that one is not such a hard ask.

And to you, Pastor Bill Thomas, thank you, for loving, encouraging and empowering us over the last fourteen fun and faith filled years to find faith and life in our Risen Savior, Jesus Christ, as well as find purpose in serving our community and serving each other - our church - our family in Christ. We will miss you and your sincere guidance. We will miss your pushes for us to think bigger and dare to imagine more than we could ever hope or dream because our God is a God of miracles, good gifts and plans for a hope and a future. Rest assured that as we move into the next chapter, you will never be far from our hearts.

Wishing you only good works and blessings,

Jen