Responsibilities of Pastor Leader in the Growth of Number of Congregation Members
Religion has been a vital sector of people’s lives ever since. There is no
existing society without a sense of religion or faith. Even in the prehistoric times,
archeological evidences show that early men at that time worship gods in their
own way.
Back then, there are just some major religions believed around the world.
Colonialism has been a major factor in spreading one particular religion. But,
different churches start to sprung from one major religion creating numerous
sects and divisions distinguished by doctrine and church authority. Sects began
to separate itself from the church when views regarding issues such as church
authority and interpretation of the gospel start to differ. And one of the results of
sect separation is the congregational churches.
When reforms are pointed out by Martin Luther in the sixteenth century
regarding the Roman Catholic Church, Protestantism was born out of it.
Congregational churches are Protestant Christian churches that run on its own
affairs autonomously and independently. Political and cultural changes had
created the environment with new ideas about the relationship between men and
God. Reformers advocated the faith in authenticity in the New Testament. It led
to criticizing the power of priests over people in proclaiming the faith, corrections
of distorted original Christian thinking and protesting against church abuses.
Thus, Congregationalism had revolutionized itself growing to complete autonomy
from a former single domination.
India is one of the countries where religion is an important part of culture
and history. A vast majority of Indians associate themselves with a certain
religion because of religious diversity and tolerance established in law and
custom. India is the birth place of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism,
which are considered as one of the world’s major religions. But due to
colonialism, invasion, travelers, traders, immigrants and missionaries from
abroad, other religious traditions had found its place in the country. Islam and
Christianity are the other major religions followed in India today. Also,
congregational churches had established itself leading a growing number
members.
Unlike in Catholic Church where the church leader performing sacraments
and proclaiming the gospel is called the parish priest, in Congregational churches
the church leader is called pastor. Pastor is the ordained leader of the
congregation which the term is derived from the Latin word ‘shepherd’. It is the
pastor’s responsibility in engaging the congregation into spiritual and emotional
activities that will help balance the challenges of life and faith of the people and
eventually benefit the church. Leadership plays a meaningful role promoting,
values, viewpoints, compassion, beliefs and communication within the
congregation. Catholic Church and Christian congregation has almost the same
framework of faith except for some viewpoints and regulations regarding the
religion. For example, followers of Christian congregation believe that salvation
comes by faith alone in Jesus Christ as the God rather than relying in good
deeds to other people. Another difference between the two religions is the pastor
can marry while priests practice abstinence.
According to studies, strong leaders make the churches grow in terms of
number of members. A follower of a certain religion sees the need of an effective
leader in engaging in gospel teaching and conducting homilies. Thus, it is
important for an appointed congregation leader to be a man of values and
talented in rapport.
As the pastor of the church, his major responsibility is leading the
congregation. Each worship service is led by the pastor starting from a prayer
asking blessing for God. Homily or sermon is the main core of each worship
session conveying a message interpreted or related from the bible. But, aside
from effectively delivering the homily, the most essential part of being a pastor is
unfolding the viewpoints and beliefs of a good life. Having faith in God is the main
reason of man’s existence. A man of faith is a man of salvation. This message is
not confined in verbal methods but in non-verbal as well. Aside from
encouragement, admonition and praise, living an exemplary life is the best way in
conveying the message.
Leading a congregation is a tough job, but doing it with full devotion will
make it easier than it seems. Social, political and cultural differences created a
climate of partisan religion. But, despite the different beliefs and practices
followed by churches, the ultimate message of religion is having faith in God.
References:
Aldrich, Martha, Strong Leaders Make Churches Grow
Morgan Lee, Duties and Responsibilities of Pastors, 2009
Napa, Celest, The Meaning of Leadership in a Pastor, 2008
http://www.cumorah.com
http://www.indiasite.com/
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