The Legacy

Where do you think it's best to plant a young tree: a clearing in an old-growth forest or an open field? Ecologists tell us that a young tree grows better when it's planted in an area with older trees. The reason, it seems, is that the roots of the young tree are able to follow the pathways created by former trees and implant themselves more deeply. Over time, the roots of many trees may actually graft themselves to one another, creating an intricate, interdependent foundation hidden under the ground. In this way, stronger trees share resources with weaker ones so that the whole forest becomes healthier. That's legacy: an interconnection across time, with a need for those who have come before us and a responsibility to those who come after us.

In the same way the Bible paints the picture of pastoral ministry as a legacy that is handed down over time from one man of God to another. Pastors therefore, are dependent upon the faithful ministers that came before and accountable to the generations that will come after.

In , Paul discussed the nature of true pastoral ministry. The pastoral letters will get us started on and guide us through our journey into God’s expectations for pastors. As a church, we will set ourselves up for success if we come to an agreement on what God expects for us and what we should expect from each other.

Pastoral Ministry is powered by purpose ().

The Purpose of Pastoral Ministry: Promote faith, not futility (vv. 3-7).

The Product of Pastoral Ministry: A Converted Character (vv. 8-11)

Pastoral Ministry is made possible by mercy ().

God’s Mercy to the Greatest Sinner (vv. 12-15)

God’s Mission for His Grateful Servant (vv. 16-17)

Pastoral Ministry is fueled by faithfulness ().

A pastor either wages war (vv. 18-19a)...

When Paul says, “according to the prophecies previously made concerning you,” what prophecies is he talking about?

Here’s one that fits the bill: “I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking,” says the Lord (, NKJV).

Or he suffers shipwreck (vv. 19b-20).

Pastoral Ministry is a living legacy, powered by purpose, made possible by mercy, and fueled by faithfulness.

3 Kinds of pastors to watch out for:

The pastor that is not aware of the legacy - The legacy of pastoral ministry is so rich that it is a sin for a minister to be ignorant of it. This man cannot possibly know what he is supposed to do if he doesn’t clearly understand what’s already been done.

The pastor that doesn’t appreciate the legacy - The legacy of pastoral ministry has been built on the blood, sweat, and tears of patriarchs, prophets, and apostles. How can a minister show indifference towards the hard work an sacrifice of the men that came before him and paved the way for present-day pastors? If a pastor doesn’t appreciate the sacrifice of those who came before him, he is unlikely to make any sacrifices of his own.

The pastor that doesn’t acquiesce (willingly submit) to the legacy - Pastoral ministry is a legacy. Therefore the highest virtue of a pastor is faithfulness, not creativity and innovation. Pride is often the motivation of pastors who feel the need to create something new and innovative. This demonstrates both a lack of awareness of and appreciation for the legacy. Who can behold the rich legacy of pastoral ministry and think, “Boy, I better set out to create something new?”

Will you partner with your pastor in faithfulness to the legacy?