QUESTION
I want to encourage evangelism in our church, but I don’t want to usurp the pastor’s role. Can someone other than the pastor lead a witnessing program?
ANSWERPat takes on questions about stepping up in leadership and how to deal with frustrations from others with how you invest your time.
What a GREAT question! Absolutely. Pastors are busy with Bible study, sermon preparation, counseling, administrative duties, hospital calls, weddings, funerals, meetings, and conflict management—plus a myriad of other things. I’m confident if you asked, he’d be glad to give you that responsibility and not feel like you are in any way usurping his authority.
Imagine what would happen in many of our churches if the people, not just the pastor, were engaged in impacting the community with the good news of salvation. My challenge this year to our churches has been “each one reach one.” Think about what would happen in your church if every member was able to bring one friend, neighbor, or family member to Christ and follow up with baptism. You could be the catalyst to train others to do exactly that.
QUESTION
Following Jesus’ approach with disciples Peter, James, and John, I identified three men as my inner circle of leaders. Now I hear complaints that “the pastor’s playing favorites.” One person is really jealous. What should I do?
ANSWER
You quite rightly understand that you only have so much time to invest in others. While Jesus had 12 disciples, he often invited Peter, James, and John into a more intimate teaching relationship. People can be selfish and want to capture your time. Invest in your leaders and don’t allow one unhappy person to thwart what you are accomplishing in your mentorship of others. That person is demonstrating his immaturity, which means he is not ready to be a leader. Continue on the path you are going and in the end, you’ll be glad about where you invested your time.
Pat Pajak is IBSA’s associate executive director for evangelism. Send questions for Pat to IllinoisBaptist@IBSA.org.