Church Leadership (2) - Losing none

John 17:12 -While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

The above verse has been the subject of many theological debates. Those who believe in "once saved always saved" use this verse as one of their primary evidence. Others have differing views.

My intention is not to defend any of the on-going deliberations but to look at how Jesus saw the role of leaders, especially pastors. My thoughts are based both on my reading of the scriptures and my own experience. 

In an earlier entry I considered the office of a pastor as one having the heart of the father, going out to reach the lost, even the prodigal one (Luke 15:3-7). I am of the firm opinion that in John 17:12, Jesus is telling us that He was faithful to the task that was given to Him, making sure everyone under his charge reached their destination safely, except for the son of perdition. 

Of course in a church setting there will be drop-outs. Some leave because  of  doctrinal differences or for any one of the frivolous issues. But the issue is as a pastor or a leader how much did you do to reach out to everyone of them. T

One characteristic that distinguishes a pastor from the rest of the office, is his desire to trivial in prayer for his sheep. This is not just any ordinary prayer but one which experiences the birth pangs of a mother in labour.  Just as birth pangs come at any time, the leader in charge is constantly "worried" for his sheep. 

John 17 tells us how the Lord prayed for his chosen ones. Luke 6:12, Jesus prayed the whole night before the selection of the apostles. Mark 1:15, Jesus prayed at odd hours. If a leader, does not have the experience of praying and travailing long lonely hours in prayer for the sheep, I am afraid his calling is not that of a pastor, maybe something else. The church "literally eats him" (John 2:17). This is one of the painful yet necessary responsibility of being a pastor.

Some of the things that we need to trivial  in prayer  for the members include the following:
  • Persistence and  faithfulness of the people (John 17:12)
  • Fullness of joy both materially and spiritually (John 17:13, Deut 30:9)
  • Protection of the people (John 17:11,15, 2 Thess 3:3)
  • Involvement and consistent in ministry (John 17:18)
  • Life of godliness (John 17:19)
  • Unity of the people (John 17:21,23)
  • Effective testimony (John 17:23..that the world may know)
  • Perseverance till the end (John 17:24, 1 Thess 5:23)

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