Are you a help or a hindrance? You are one or the other.
You can be an extension of your pastor. Extend means to stretch or open to full length; to make longer, broader, or wider: to continue; to prolong; to put forth or hold out, as the hand; to exert to full capacity; to offer something.
You can be an extension of your pastor as you:
Exemplify a yielded spirit. Carry out his philosophy in the ministry and seek to do things the way he would want them done.
Examine your heart. Psalm 139:23, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.” Stay thoroughly right in your relationship with your pastor
Trust his discernment. He might know more about the situation and cannot share details with you.
Encourage those around you. He cannot be everywhere, but you can be his extension. I can help extend my pastor's ministry by helping him so he can use his time to do those things God has called him to do! At church, be positive and appreciative of your fellow members.
Never limit your pastor's vision. Ask yourself, how would he want it done? Don't have tunnel vision and not look around you to see the visitors and the needs. Don't talk to your four friends and forget to look for those who need to be liked and belong and are accepted. I dare you to sit in a different spot or move closer to the front this week in Sunday School or in church!
Have a servant's heart. Be supportive of your pastor in the ministry. Help him serve the Lord.
Have approved initiative. Make sure you have your pastor’s permission to be sure what you’re doing is in line with his vision, then take the initiative to carry out ministry. Proverbs 6:6-8, “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” I admire people who work hard whether “the boss” is looking or not. Stay busy; with permission!
Overlook. (Allow him to make a mistake now and then!)
Never say no. Have a can-do attitude. Some project might seem overwhelming at first. Break it down into workable sections. Have a heart for your ministry.
Capture the heart of your pastor—loving and building people and sharing Christ.
(adapted)
