Read John 10:1-2. Circle the words that stand out to you. What is the Lord saying to you?
1 “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.”
Digging Deeper
“We’re looking for coworkers, Deacons, Elders or Pastoral Staff” is the cry of every church. Sometimes churches find themselves desperately searching to find someone, anyone to fill in the gaps. We just don’t have enough volunteers. We have a shortage of workers. Is your church facing that problem?
In our rush to fill positions in a church, we may inadvertently allow an unqualified member of the church or even someone on pastoral staff with a ministry position that they are not ready for. But despite that, we are relieved that most or all the ministry positions are filled for the year.
Jesus warns us, “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.” Believe it or not, not all coworkers and church leaders have pure motives in serving the Lord.
There are those who “climb” their way into the church and there are those who are called to the church. It is the responsibility of the nomination committee or leaders of the church to do their due diligence in vetting possible candidates. Just because a person is a manger of a successful company, does not necessarily mean that person would be a godly manager in the church. It is inadequate to rely on their name, their titles, their references and even their wonderful lessons and sermons. That is not enough.
Leaders of the church are to carefully examine each potential nominee for a ministry position, especially leadership positions. Take the time to speak to individuals in the group that he or she belongs to. Take the time to talk to one or two coworkers at his job. Take the time to call his previous church that he came from or better yet visit the church where he is serving at. That is all part of due diligence. Take time to carefully interview the person and then sincerely pray for the Spirit to guide us.
Taking the extra steps in the selection and interview process may avoid having a thief and robber in the church who may cause irreparable harm to the church family.
-Kingston