"The ministry is not for people who have nothing doing," Bishop Matthew Addae-Mensah began his discourse on the Hallmark of a true pastor during the first night of the 'Where 2 or 3 are Gathered' Pastors'/Ministers' Seminar at the Phenomenal Faith Cathedral.
Reading from Isaiah 55:8, which says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways..." the man of God charged the clergy not to mix the world's system with God's ways.
He indicated that the first thing you should learn as a minister of the Gospel is that you are not called to do what you want but what God wants.
Indeed, God has His own ways and you have to learn His ways (see Deuteronomy 5:33; 8:6; 11:22)
To be effective as a pastor, walk in the ways of God and not your own ways. Knock off your own ideas and preserve God's commands so that you don't do your own thing.
He noted, "Empty yourself and be ready to learn so that you can excel."
He cited the account of 2 Samuel 6:5-10 as one of the instances in which people did God's things their way. The command was to carry the ark on the shoulders of four priests- not on a cart. However, they did otherwise and one man paid dearly for it- with his very life!
Bishop said, "As a pastor, understand spiritual things; have value for them...Learn the patience of faith."
He also taught the clergy to not do everything by themselves. A good minister of the Gospel teaches others. Teach them to pray, sing, lead praises, etc.
Bishop challenged participants to learn to study the ways of God (2 Timothy 2:15). He pointed out that the first sign of a good pastor is the one who studies the ways of God.
The man of God went further to talk about two types of pastors:
# A pastor after God's heart.
# A pastor who is a greedy dog.
Reading from Jeremiah 23:3-4, he hinted that a pastor after God's heart feeds the flock by teaching them God's Word so that they won't fear anymore.
Bishop continued, "Through your teaching, they should receive assurance of security in Christ. Encourage them and pray with them so that they will not be afraid. Feed them with the right Word so that they will not be afraid anymore."
On the other hand, a pastor who is a greedy dog manipulates the flock to enrich himself. He is selfish and cares only about himself (Isaiah 56:11; Zechariah 10:2).
Reading from Isaiah 40:11, Bishop Addae-Mensah instructed the clergy to desire to be pastors after God's heart by being patient with the flock; they will gradually fall in line as you lead them according to God's way. Pray for them. Carry the young ones.
The man of God also taught the clergy to seek God by praying for the flock so that they don't scatter (Jeremiah 10:21).
He challenged, "Spend time in the night praying for them. One of the jobs of a pastor is to pray long hours for them."
Bishop taught the clergy how to pray for the congregation by making mention of them in prayers. What to pray for the members is in Ephesians 1:15-18 and they are as follows:
# The Spirit of wisdom
# Revelation knowledge
# The Spirit of understanding
# Riches of the glory of God
# Faith
# His mighty working power
Bishop disclosed, "If you are snoring together with your members, you are a greedy dog!"
In closing, Bishop led attendees to pray based on Ezekiel 34:5,10 and assigned each one to study Ezekiel chapter 34.
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