For Christians, the role of a pastor is pivotal in guiding spiritual growth and providing sound biblical teaching. The quest to discern whether your pastor is a true servant of God is crucial.
This blog post delves into key indicators, rooted in the Scripture, to help believers evaluate the authenticity of their spiritual leaders whether they are a pastor, prophet, evangelist, or any other role.
What are the Marks of a Genuine Servant of God?
Deuteronomy 18: 21 and 22. The Bible says: If you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?’ – when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken.
This is our standard, the Bible. You are in it, we are in it, and most importantly, God is in it. This is how we discern whether someone is speaking God’s words or their own.
Faithfulness to Scripture (2 Timothy 4:2): A true man of God is unwaveringly committed to the Word of God. In 2 Timothy 4:2 (KJV), Paul exhorts Timothy to preach the Word: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
A genuine servant of God should consistently preach and teach in accordance with the Bible, without compromise.
Exemplary Character (1 Timothy 3:1-7): The character of a pastor is crucial. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 (KJV) outlines the qualifications for overseers, emphasizing traits such as blamelessness, sobriety, and good behaviour. A true man of God should exhibit a Christlike character both in and outside of the church.
A person can hold a title like pastor or bishop by profession, but that doesn’t automatically make them genuine in their heart.
Shepherding with Love (1 Peter 5:2-3): In 1 Peter 5:2-3 (KJV), Peter encourages pastors to shepherd the flock willingly and with love: “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.”
Genuine servants give the flock rest in good pastures. They care for the weak and sick, even if they don’t have the gift of healing. They might not be able to miraculously heal, but they’ll offer comfort, support, and even financial assistance.
Fruitful Ministry (Matthew 7:16-20): Jesus teaches about recognizing true prophets by their fruits in Matthew 7:16-20 (KJV): “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
A true man of God will bear spiritual fruit in the lives of the congregation, evidencing transformed lives, discipleship, and a growing, healthy church community.
A genuine servant of God will speak accurately in the name of the Lord. Their ministry won’t be full of empty talk or false prophecies.
Some may say, “It will rain,” and then there’s a dry season. These are examples of empty talk. A genuine servant’s words will align with God’s will.
Sound Doctrine (Titus 1:9): Titus 1:9 (KJV) emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine in pastoral leadership: “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”
A true servant of God adheres to sound biblical doctrine, avoiding teachings that deviate from the truths of Scripture.
We should always examine everything we hear, see, and read in light of the Bible.
Guidance Through the Holy Spirit: As Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) reminds us, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” To exercise God’s power, we must be guided by the Holy Spirit.
This guidance isn’t earned through our own righteousness but is a gift through the baptism in the Holy Spirit. When we speak under the Holy Spirit’s influence, our words are aligned with God’s truth.
Prayerful Leadership (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18): 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (KJV) instructs believers to pray without ceasing. A true man of God leads with a fervent prayer life, seeking God’s guidance, and wisdom, and interceding for the congregation.
Accountability and Humility (Hebrews 13:17): Hebrews 13:17 (KJV) underscores the importance of pastors being accountable and humble: “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”
A genuine servant of God embraces accountability and demonstrates humility in leadership.
Conclusion
Discerning whether your pastor is a true man of God requires a thoughtful examination of their fidelity to Scripture, character, love for the congregation, fruitful ministry, commitment to sound doctrine, prayerful leadership, and accountability.
As you navigate your spiritual journey, may these biblical principles guide you in recognizing and appreciating the authenticity of your pastor’s calling and service to the body of Christ.
Remember, God’s word is true and unchanging.