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John MacArthur
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John
MacArhtur, autor de mais de 150 livros e conferencista internacional, é pastor
da Grace Comunity Church, em Sum Valley, Califórnia, desde 1969; é presidente
do Master’s College and Seminary e do ministério “Grace to You”; John e sua
esposa Patrícia têm quatro filhos e quatorze netos.
Alguns líderes modernos de igrejas imaginam-se a si mesmos como homens de negócios, personalidades da mídia, promovedores de entretenimento, psicólogos, filósofos ou advogados. Essas idéias e conceitos se contrastam, nitidamente, em todos os seus detalhes, com o tom da simbologia que as Escrituras utilizam para descrever os líderes espirituais.
Alguns líderes modernos de igrejas imaginam-se a si mesmos como homens de negócios, personalidades da mídia, promovedores de entretenimento, psicólogos, filósofos ou advogados. Essas idéias e conceitos se contrastam, nitidamente, em todos os seus detalhes, com o tom da simbologia que as Escrituras utilizam para descrever os líderes espirituais.
Por
exemplo, em 2 Timóteo 2, o apóstolo Paulo empregou 7 metáforas para descrever
os rigores do ministério de liderança. Ele apresenta o pastor como um mestre
(v. 2), um soldado (v. 3), um atleta (v. 5), um agricultor (v. 6), um obreiro
trabalhador (v. 15), um vaso (vv. 20-21) e um escravo (v. 24). Todas essas
figuras evocam idéias de sacrifício, labor, serviço e arduidade. Elas nos
falam, de modo eloqüente, sobre as responsabilidades complexas e diversas
envolvidas no ministério de liderar. Nenhuma delas transforma o ministério de
liderança em algo esplendoroso.
Esta é a razão por que não devemos supor que o
exercer liderança seja algo espetacular. Liderar a igreja (estou falando sobre
todos os aspectos da liderança espiritual, não somente da função do pastor) —
não é um manto de status a ser conferido à aristocracia da igreja. Não é
obtido pela idade avançada, comprado com dinheiro ou herdado por laços de
parentesco. O ministério de liderar não recai necessariamente sobre aqueles que
são bem-sucedidos em seus negócios ou em suas finanças. Liderar a igreja não é
distribuído com base na inteligência ou no talento. As exigências para a
liderança são pureza de caráter, maturidade espiritual e, acima de tudo,
disposição de servir com humildade.
A metáfora favorita de nosso Senhor, referindo-se à
liderança espiritual, era a de um pastor — alguém que cuida do rebanho de Deus.
Esta foi uma figura que Jesus utilizou para descrever a Si mesmo. Todo líder de
igreja é um pastor. A palavra pastor significa alguém que cuida de
ovelhas. Esta é uma figura muito apropriada. Um pastor guia, alimenta,
fortalece, consola, corrige e protege. Essas são responsabilidades de todo
líder de igreja.
Os pastores não possuem status. Em todas as
culturas, eles ocupam os níveis mais baixos da pirâmide social. Isto
corresponde perfeitamente às palavras de nosso Senhor, ao dizer: “O maior entre
vós seja como o menor; e aquele que dirige seja como o que serve” (Lc 22.26).
No plano que Deus estabeleceu para a Igreja, a
liderança é uma posição de humildade, amor e serviço. Liderar a igreja é um ministério,
não um empreendimento administrativo. Aqueles que Deus indica como
líderes não são chamados para serem monarcas, e sim súditos humildes; não
celebridades espertíssimas, e sim servos que trabalham com empenho. Aqueles que
lideram o povo de Deus têm de ser, antes de tudo, exemplos de sacrifício,
devoção, submissão e humildade. O próprio Senhor Jesus serviu como modelo para
nós, quando se inclinou para lavar os pés dos discípulos — uma tarefa que
habitualmente era realizada pelos servos mais inferiores (Jo 13). Se o Senhor
do universo agiu assim, nenhum líder de igreja tem o direito de pensar que é um
mandachuva.
Pastorear animais é um trabalho que não exige muita
habilidade. Não existem universidades que oferecem graus de doutorado em
pastorear animais. Não é um trabalho difícil. Até um cachorro pode ser treinado
para guardar um rebanho de ovelhas. Nos tempos bíblicos, rapazes (Davi, por
exemplo) pastoreavam as ovelhas, enquanto os homens mais velhos realizavam
serviços que demandavam mais habilidade e maturidade.
Pastorear um rebanho espiritual não é tão
simples. O pastorado espiritual requer mais do que uma pessoa de pouca
instrução e sem objetivos. Os padrões são elevados, e as exigências, difíceis
de satisfazer. Nem todos podem preencher as qualificações, e de todos os que as
satisfazem poucos parecem ser bem-sucedidos neste ministério. O pastorado
espiritual exige um homem de integridade, piedade, dons e capacidades
múltiplas. No entanto, ele precisa manter a perspectiva e o comportamento de um
jovem pastor de animais.
A tremenda responsabilidade de liderar o rebanho de
Deus está acompanhada do potencial de grande bênção ou de grande juízo. Os bons
líderes são duplamente abençoados (1 Tm 5.17), e os péssimos líderes são
duplamente repreendidos (v. 20), pois “àquele a quem muito foi dado, muito lhe
será exigido” (Lc 12.48). Tiago 3.1 nos diz: “Não vos torneis, muitos de vós,
mestres, sabendo que havemos de receber maior juízo”.
As pessoas freqüentemente me perguntam o que eu
acho ser o segredo do crescimento fenomenal da Igreja Comunidade da Graça, nas
últimas duas décadas. Antes de qualquer outra resposta, eu lhes digo que é a
soberania de Deus que determina a membresia de uma igreja e que os números não
constituem um critério para avaliar o sucesso espiritual. Entretanto, em meio
ao tremendo crescimento numérico, a espiritualidade vital de nossa igreja tem
sido notável. Estou convencido de que Deus nos tem abençoado principalmente
porque nosso povo tem mostrado forte compromisso com a liderança bíblica. Ao
afirmar e procurar seguir o exemplo piedoso dos seus líderes, a nossa igreja
tem aberto as portas às extraordinárias bênçãos das mãos de Deus.
Os líderes da Igreja Comunidade da Graça têm se
esforçado para vencer a preocupação que algumas igrejas parecem ter em relação
à auto-estima e ao egoísmo característicos da sociedade contemporânea. Os
líderes de nossa igreja tanto seguem o modelo como proclamam a chamada de Jesus
ao discipulado — “Quem não toma a sua cruz e vem após mim não é digno de
mim.Quem acha a sua vida perdê-la-á; quem, todavia, perde a vida por minha
causa achá-la-á” (Mt 10.38,39).
Há alguns anos, quando construíamos o
auditório que agora utilizamos como ginásio, alguns fizeram a compra de sete
cadeiras em formato de trono, com uma coroa esculpida em sua parte mais alta.
Tais cadeiras serviriam ao propósito de que o corpo de pastores se assentassem,
quando subissem à plataforma. Nunca usamos aquelas cadeiras. Nossos pastores
preferem assentar-se nos bancos, com a igreja. Isto é simbólico, mas reflete a
atitude que desejamos transmitir como pessoas chamadas por Cristo para liderar
sua igreja.
Filipenses 2.3-4 nos dá as prescrições para uma
igreja saudável: “Nada façais por partidarismo ou vanglória, mas por humildade,
considerando cada um os outros superiores a si mesmo. Não tenha cada um em
vista o que é propriamente seu, senão também cada qual o que é dos outros”.
Como devemos ministrar? Procurando honrar as outras pessoas e satisfazer as
necessidades delas. Se as pessoas de uma igreja estão brigando por posições e
autoridade, ali haverá o mesmo tipo de caos que houve entre os discípulos,
quando perguntavam a Jesus qual deles era o maior (Mt 20.20-21, Mc 9.33-35, Lc
22.24).
Temos de liderar com humildade nosso povo. Os
pastores determinam a direção do rebanho. Nenhuma igreja será bem-sucedida, se
os seus líderes falharem em sua tarefa. E nenhum rebanho sobreviverá e
prosperará, se os seus pastores tentarem barganhar seu ministério por tronos.
(TRANSLATION)
PASTORS OR STRONGHOLDS?
John MacArthur
John MacArhtur, author of over 150 books and an international lecturer, is pastor of Grace Comunity Church in Sum Valley, California, since 1969, is president of the Master's College and Seminary and ministry "Grace to You", John and his wife Patricia have four children and fourteen grandchildren.
Some modern church leaders imagine themselves as businessmen, media personalities, entertainers, psychologists, philosophers and lawyers. These ideas and concepts are contrasted clearly in all their details, with the tone of the symbolism that the Scriptures use to describe the spiritual leaders.
For example, in 2nd to Timothy 2, Paul uses seven different metaphors to describe the rigors of leadership. He pictures the minister as a teacher (v. 2), a soldier (v. 3), an athlete (v. 5), a farmer (v. 6), a workman (v. 15), a vessel (vv . 20-21) and a slave (v. 24). All those images evoke ideas of sacrifice, labor, service, and hardship. They speak eloquently on the complex and diverse responsibilities involved in ministry leadership. No one of them makes leadership out to be glamorous.
John MacArthur
John MacArhtur, author of over 150 books and an international lecturer, is pastor of Grace Comunity Church in Sum Valley, California, since 1969, is president of the Master's College and Seminary and ministry "Grace to You", John and his wife Patricia have four children and fourteen grandchildren.
Some modern church leaders imagine themselves as businessmen, media personalities, entertainers, psychologists, philosophers and lawyers. These ideas and concepts are contrasted clearly in all their details, with the tone of the symbolism that the Scriptures use to describe the spiritual leaders.
For example, in 2nd to Timothy 2, Paul uses seven different metaphors to describe the rigors of leadership. He pictures the minister as a teacher (v. 2), a soldier (v. 3), an athlete (v. 5), a farmer (v. 6), a workman (v. 15), a vessel (vv . 20-21) and a slave (v. 24). All those images evoke ideas of sacrifice, labor, service, and hardship. They speak eloquently on the complex and diverse responsibilities involved in ministry leadership. No one of them makes leadership out to be glamorous.
This is the reason why we
should not assume that exercising leadership is something spectacular.
Leadership in the church (I'm talking about all aspects of spiritual
leadership, not only the pastor's role) - is not a mantle of status to be given
to the aristocracy of the church. It is not earned by seniority, purchased with
money, or inherited through family ties. The ministry does not necessarily fall
on those who are successful in their business or finance. Church leadership is
not distributed based on intelligence or talent. The requirements for
leadership are purity of character, spiritual maturity, and above all,
willingness to serve with humility.
A favorite metaphor of our Lord, referring to spiritual leadership, was a shepherd - one who tends God's flock. This was a figure Jesus often used to describe Himself. Every church leader is a shepherd. The word pastor means someone who cares for sheep. This is a very appropriate figure. A shepherd leads, feeds, nurtures, comforts, corrects, and protects. These are responsibilities of every church leader.
Pastors have no status. In all cultures, they occupy the lowest levels of the social pyramid. This corresponds perfectly to the words of our Lord, saying: "But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves" (Luke 22:26).
In the plan God has ordained for the church, leadership is a position of humility, love and service. Church leadership is ministry, not management. Those whom God designates as leaders are not called to be monarchs, but humble slaves; not slick celebrities, but laboring servants. Those who lead God's people must be, above all, examples of sacrifice, devotion, submission and humility. The Lord Jesus Himself served as a model for us, as He bent down to wash the disciples' feet - a task that was usually performed by the lowest servants (John 13). If the Lord of the universe would do that, no church leader has the right to thinking that he is a bigwig.
Shepherding animals is a job that does not require much skill. There are universities that offer graduate degrees in shepherding. Not a difficult job. Even a dog can be trained to guard a flock of sheep. In biblical times, guys (David, for example) herded sheep while the older men did tasks that required more skill and maturity.
Shepherding a spiritual flock is not so simple. The spiritual shepherd requires more than a person of little education and no goals. The standards are high, and the requirements difficult to meet. Not everyone can meet the qualifications, and all who meet a few seem to be successful in this ministry. The spiritual shepherd requires a man of integrity, compassion, multiple gifts and abilities. However, it needs to maintain perspective and behavior of a young shepherd.
The tremendous responsibility of leading the flock of God is accompanied by the potential for great blessing or great judgment. Good leaders are doubly blessed (1 Timothy 5:17), and poor leaders are doubly chastened (v. 20), for "those to whom much is given, much will be required" (Luke 12:48). James 3:1 says: "Do not become, many of you, masters, knowing that we shall receive greater condemnation."
People often ask me what I think is the secret of the phenomenal growth of Grace Community Church, the last two decades. Before any other answer, I tell you, is the sovereignty of God that determines the membership of a church and that the numbers are not a criterion for evaluating the spiritual success. However, in the midst of tremendous numerical growth, the spiritual vitality of our church has been remarkable. I am convinced that God has blessed us mainly because our people have shown strong commitment to biblical leadership. By affirming and emulating the godly example of their leaders, our church has opened the door to extraordinary blessings from the hand of God.
The leaders of Grace Community Church have endeavored to withstand the preoccupation some churches seem to have with self-esteem and selfishness characteristic of contemporary society. The leaders of our church both follow the model and proclaim Jesus' call to discipleship - "Who would not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of me. Who finds his life will lose it, who, however, loses his life for my sake shall find it "(Mt 10.38,39).
A few years ago when we built the auditorium is now used as a gym, some made the purchase of seven chairs shaped throne with a crown carved in its highest part. These chairs would serve the purpose that the body of pastors sits down, when to go up to the platform. We never use those chairs. Our pastors prefer to sit on the pews, with the church. This is symbolic, but it reflects the attitude that we want to convey how people called by Christ to lead His church.
Philippians 2:3-4 gives us the prescription for a healthy church: "Let nothing be done through selfishness or empty conceit, but in humility consider others better than himself. Not everyone has a view to his own things, but also for the interests of others. "How should we teach? Looking to honor other people and meet their needs. If people in a church are fighting over positions of authority, there will be the same kind of chaos that was among the disciples when Jesus asked which one was the greatest (Matthew 20.20-21, Mark 9.33-35, Luke 22:24).
We must lead our people humbly. The shepherd determines the direction of the flock. No church can be successful if its leaders fail in their task. And no flock can survive and prosper if its shepherds try to trade their staffs for thrones.
A favorite metaphor of our Lord, referring to spiritual leadership, was a shepherd - one who tends God's flock. This was a figure Jesus often used to describe Himself. Every church leader is a shepherd. The word pastor means someone who cares for sheep. This is a very appropriate figure. A shepherd leads, feeds, nurtures, comforts, corrects, and protects. These are responsibilities of every church leader.
Pastors have no status. In all cultures, they occupy the lowest levels of the social pyramid. This corresponds perfectly to the words of our Lord, saying: "But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves" (Luke 22:26).
In the plan God has ordained for the church, leadership is a position of humility, love and service. Church leadership is ministry, not management. Those whom God designates as leaders are not called to be monarchs, but humble slaves; not slick celebrities, but laboring servants. Those who lead God's people must be, above all, examples of sacrifice, devotion, submission and humility. The Lord Jesus Himself served as a model for us, as He bent down to wash the disciples' feet - a task that was usually performed by the lowest servants (John 13). If the Lord of the universe would do that, no church leader has the right to thinking that he is a bigwig.
Shepherding animals is a job that does not require much skill. There are universities that offer graduate degrees in shepherding. Not a difficult job. Even a dog can be trained to guard a flock of sheep. In biblical times, guys (David, for example) herded sheep while the older men did tasks that required more skill and maturity.
Shepherding a spiritual flock is not so simple. The spiritual shepherd requires more than a person of little education and no goals. The standards are high, and the requirements difficult to meet. Not everyone can meet the qualifications, and all who meet a few seem to be successful in this ministry. The spiritual shepherd requires a man of integrity, compassion, multiple gifts and abilities. However, it needs to maintain perspective and behavior of a young shepherd.
The tremendous responsibility of leading the flock of God is accompanied by the potential for great blessing or great judgment. Good leaders are doubly blessed (1 Timothy 5:17), and poor leaders are doubly chastened (v. 20), for "those to whom much is given, much will be required" (Luke 12:48). James 3:1 says: "Do not become, many of you, masters, knowing that we shall receive greater condemnation."
People often ask me what I think is the secret of the phenomenal growth of Grace Community Church, the last two decades. Before any other answer, I tell you, is the sovereignty of God that determines the membership of a church and that the numbers are not a criterion for evaluating the spiritual success. However, in the midst of tremendous numerical growth, the spiritual vitality of our church has been remarkable. I am convinced that God has blessed us mainly because our people have shown strong commitment to biblical leadership. By affirming and emulating the godly example of their leaders, our church has opened the door to extraordinary blessings from the hand of God.
The leaders of Grace Community Church have endeavored to withstand the preoccupation some churches seem to have with self-esteem and selfishness characteristic of contemporary society. The leaders of our church both follow the model and proclaim Jesus' call to discipleship - "Who would not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of me. Who finds his life will lose it, who, however, loses his life for my sake shall find it "(Mt 10.38,39).
A few years ago when we built the auditorium is now used as a gym, some made the purchase of seven chairs shaped throne with a crown carved in its highest part. These chairs would serve the purpose that the body of pastors sits down, when to go up to the platform. We never use those chairs. Our pastors prefer to sit on the pews, with the church. This is symbolic, but it reflects the attitude that we want to convey how people called by Christ to lead His church.
Philippians 2:3-4 gives us the prescription for a healthy church: "Let nothing be done through selfishness or empty conceit, but in humility consider others better than himself. Not everyone has a view to his own things, but also for the interests of others. "How should we teach? Looking to honor other people and meet their needs. If people in a church are fighting over positions of authority, there will be the same kind of chaos that was among the disciples when Jesus asked which one was the greatest (Matthew 20.20-21, Mark 9.33-35, Luke 22:24).
We must lead our people humbly. The shepherd determines the direction of the flock. No church can be successful if its leaders fail in their task. And no flock can survive and prosper if its shepherds try to trade their staffs for thrones.
