During the Q-and-A time after the final discussion session at our Church Bible Camp 2018, I was not able to cover two questions due to time constraint. I would like to deal with one of them in this article. God willing, the other will be answered in my next article.

The question is: “Do you think a pastor’s personality affect the ‘life’ of the church?” Yes, I believe so. According to Hosea 4:9, “And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings. ” These are the words of the Lord through Hosea the prophet to the unfaithful and idolatrous Israelites. The people (the children of Israel) had become unfaithful and idolatrous because the priests (who were supposed to be teachers of God’s truth) had failed miserably in their duties. In fact, the priests were the ones who led the people of God to run after other gods, and they were held responsible for the people’s unfaithfulness. This caused the holy land to be filled with all kinds of idolatrous worship. Therefore God was very angry with both the priests and the people for their unfaithfulness.

Today, the church is under the care of her spiritual leaders that include the pastor supported by his co-labourers of elders and deacons. The pastor is the main person who is responsible for the spiritual wellbeing of the congregation through the faithful preaching and teaching of God’s Word. Why does the pastor’s personality affect the life of the church? It is because the pastor is supposed to be knowledgeable and skillful in God’s Word and his life (that includes his personality) is to be a reflection of his knowledge. It is important that the personality of the pastor is Christ-like and well-pleasing to God. “Like people, like priest” is God’s unmistaken observation of apostate Israel. If only the influence of the priests upon the children of Israel was a godly and biblical one, God would have been pleased with Israel. This serves as a warning to all pastors because they are fully responsible for the church’s spiritual well-being. Not only are they to be faithful in their preaching and teaching of God’s Word, whatever they do (be it private or public), their entire life must reflect Christ all the time.

Does Christ see His image in us in Truth B-P Church? I covet your prayers that I will be a faithful and godly pastor to the flock of God’s sheepfold until our Lord returns.

May God be merciful. Amen.