Leadership Lessons from Paul in 1&2 Thessalonians - Part 1
Pastoral Leadership
As I study through 1 & 2 Thessalonians, there are a number of things which stand out. The first that struck me was the pastoral leadership that Paul exhibits in both of the letters. The next was the instruction that Paul gives on Christian living. The final thoughts are notes on the community admonishments, good versus evil in the world, the hope that Christ’s coming gives us, and the persecution and suffering which the community faced. I’ll expound on these notes through the month.
Leadership: Imitate Others
In looking at the pastoral aspects of the letters to the Thessalonians, I was unfortunately reminded of the shortcomings of some of my previous pastors. I was also reminded of some of the things I noticed while looking to join a church when we moved this summer. Both of the epistles (really, we use such highfalutin vocabulary in the church – I should just continue to say ‘letter’ instead) encourage the church members to imitate Paul, Silas and Timothy. It is almost striking, unfortunately, that I am awed by the fact that people would be self-assured enough to encourage others to imitate them. We all have short-comings and I think most parents would identify the less-than-desirable personal attributes that show up in their children. I can’t help but think of the things of Paul that have not yet been sanctified themselves that may be passed on. Yet, as I write, I feel the Lord nudging me and saying that His grace is sufficient in the teaching of others and in the modelling that we may do. The struggles that we have in sanctification are also a model of what others will go through. The growth and struggles are part of walking as a Christian and should be modelled and not hidden behind a perfect façade.
A small group that I was a member of had interesting discussions on the perfection of people. There were some who felt that Elijah and Daniel, those in the Bible who are presented in specific circumstances and not having sinned were always that way. Others felt that what was written were the lessons which were relevant for us as continuing believers and the people depicted were fallible humans as we all are, though perhaps they did extraordinary things in the Biblical descriptions. By recalling David, it is hard to deny that most of us are fallible – he was an adulterer and murderer yet was also a man after God’s own heart. If we have such fallible Bible heroes, why do we not have fallible pastors and church leaders? It never should shock us that our leaders (of any kind) have sinned or fallen short, missed the mark. Our constant battle of the flesh and spirit will lead to such things. Instead, I think we must look at other points that Paul makes.
Leadership: ‘Do life’ with Others
Paul travels with others, namely Timothy and Silas. He doesn’t hold himself apart from others or seem to be without need of encouragement and companionship himself. I have appreciated the past of my current church sharing when others on the staff, other pastors too, have questioned him and challenged him to consider if decisions have been or are the Lord’s will. You see, there is a joint concern for all that we all follow the will of God, that we are all in the boat together and all have the responsibility to plot the course. We cannot leave our leaders to themselves, and they too cannot set themselves apart. The boat that holds a congregation will fall apart if there is separation of the captain from the crew. By staying together in the boat, there is opportunity to share life, to develop greater love one for another and, key here, to offer accountability when we fail.
Leadership: Train up the Crew
Paul also trains his crew. He even ends up sending Timothy to the Thessalonians in his absence. The mere fact that Paul has gone (escaped in the middle of the night!), does not cause things to fall apart. I guess what I mean is, we are never indispensable to God. He can and does train people up to take our place. But Paul gives us the example of working with God to train up others (succession plan anyone?). Timothy is called son and brother, both. He was first younger in the faith and then an equal in the faith. This is not a challenge to Paul and his ministry, but a blessing in that Timothy is available when the Thessalonians have need. Paul sent Timothy because he was concerned over the faith of the Thessalonians.
Leadership: Encourage Faith
The Thessalonians were challenged in their faith and Paul wanted to be sure that their faith remained constant and did not waver in the face of adversity. I don’t think that I have been questioned on my faith or beliefs enough for anyone to understand if my faith had wavered, not in the last 10 years. I had one strong mentor in the church who did challenge me and guide me, but for that go unchecked for over 10 years is perhaps not wise. Now I find myself posting publicly my faith and beliefs. I hope they will be challenged. Ask away in the comments! Paul cared if the converts were standing firm, growing, drinking milk or eating solid foods, if they had slid or fallen away. Many churches today count totals but don’t care about the record, let alone the people themselves who ‘attend’ or are members. I was quite surprised to find a lady at my current church has been attending for seven years but is ‘absolutely not a member.’ If we are leaders, we should follow Paul’s example and care about the people themselves, and their faith. I think that Paul shows how he reached out to the people in his care to indeed care for them and make a connection with them. If we are not connected, then we will not be ‘members,’ but who makes the first move? Does the church leadership, usher, choir, bench-warmer, or does the new-comer?
We seem to have released ourselves of the responsibility to approach others and follow up. Paul longed to be with people and sent others when he wasn’t able to encourage them in their faith. With a topic such as salvation and faith, God has not released us of the responsibility to disciple others. Paul would certainly notice if a new person joined him for lunch or sat in his pew. Most churches now have a ‘welcome center’ where you can go if you are new. I can’t tell you how many of those I went to and they had no idea how to answer my questions. There were staff people in the centers, but no one that could tell me about the ministries and outreach programs of the church. They couldn’t give basic information. Most recently I heard of a waiting list to join a small group/Bible study group. I feel like if there is a list, there are at least two people who can meet up; wherever two or more are gathered in my name, there I am (Matt 18:20). Paul had a strong concern for the constancy of faith of others. I guess I have come to question if we have a concern for the faith of others at all.
Conclusion
Paul encourages us to imitate other Christians, as we all imitate Christ (and despite our weaknesses) (1 Thess 1:6 & 2 Thess 3:9). Paul not only surrounds himself with others, but he has companions in Timothy and Silas (1 Thess 1:1 & 2 Thess 1:1). Paul trains up his crew (1 Tim 1:2 & 1 Thess 3:2) even sending Tim in his place. Paul was concerned with the Thessalonians’ constancy of faith (1 Thess 3:5-8). He has much more to share and I have enjoyed learning about Biblical leadership as I also share with you. What do you think of Paul and the Thessalonians?
