Pastors
Has your pastor let you down, did he wrongfulness display,
Has he erred, or wandered from the straight and narrow way?
Are you feeling great concern, are you feeling most upset,
Reluctant to approach him, unsure what response you’ll get?
Despite wrong he may have done, even wrong he may be teaching,
This man who’s been appointed, via love and prayer needs reaching.
Only that way approach him, for he’s human just like you,
And Satan’s out to get him, as he’s after pastors too.
Satan tries to get control of the leaders in each church,
Knowing, should he be successful, his way their flock could lurch.
So he does his very best to mislead and tempt these men,
Who what’s right should live and preach, and error rightfully condemn.
Pastors may need approaching, for there’re times when folk we must,
But as to how and when to, only in the Lord’s ways trust.
And should they react wrongly, simply leave them in God’s hands,
For these ones who err like you -- God loves, and their lot understands.
Their role’s not an easy one, hence they can get discouraged,
Thus, sometimes in their ministry, they too, need to be encouraged.
So, every congregation should surround with love and prayer
Both faithful and erring pastors, as both, need our help and care.
We all, one way or another, misrepresent the Lord,
And sometimes we drift too, from the Rock where we were moored.
So, let’s show love and mercy t’wards the pastor who drifts too,
For pastors aren’t infallible, hence wrong things they sometimes do.
Praise God for those who’re called, and accept the pastoral role,
Yes, those dedicated men who’ve a burden for each soul.
May these pastors always be faithful leaders of the flock,
Sound in word and action -- aware, they’re answerable to the Rock.
By Lance Landall
Pastors And Wealth
If a pastor’s rich — that’s okay, perhaps — if not via God’s money,
That is, via tithes and offerings, that members give freely.
He’s entitled to a wage — a modest, livable one — that is,
But beyond that, not a single cent is rightfully his.
However, were he wealthy via another income, say,
He shouldn’t flaunt his wealth, and a lack of judgment display.
Rather, he should share his wealth, just like his Master would do,
And help ease poverty and misery via such revenue.
Pastors shouldn’t go building treasures on earth, but instead,
Should be setting an example, for they’re a figurehead.
Ostentatiousness was not Christ’s style -- thus, ours shouldn’t be,
But one of self sacrifice, temperance and modesty.
Given the times we live in, the poverty and misery,
Any pastor flaunting wealth would be acting mindlessly.
However, along with wealth comes responsibility,
Hence why God’s watching closely the actions of the wealthy.
Expensive yachts, racy cars, flashy suits, simply don’t fit,
And nor does razzle dazzle -- for none, humbleness emit.
The pastor’s focus should be heavenly, and such convey,
Not a worldly picture that look at me, and mine, will say.
Neither should pastors surround themselves with churchly treasure,
Nor build extravagant churches that’ll provoke God’s displeasure.
Simplicity in everything -- yes, responsible stewardship,
Is the message each pastor should be giving each fellowship.
Christ asked His disciples to forsake everything for His sake,
And expects no less today from those who the same vows take.
Indeed from everyone who takes His name, and life desires,
And who to the sanctified life surrenders and aspires.
By Lance Landall
