The Pastor's Role in Building Mission Awareness in a Congregation

Abstract

The 20th century saw astonishing church growth, both in the membership booms of the 50s and 60s and the construction of church buildings. By the end of the century, the trends of growth sharply reversed. In the face of such decline, the pastor’s role is not simply to describe all the work the synod is doing for mission outreach. Instead, his job is to acquaint his members with their status as disciple-priests and the opportunities God laid before them. He achieves these objectives with the clear understanding that God has intended the congregation to be a disciple factory. All Christians are priests, having direct access to God and talking to people about God, unlike in the Old Testament times when such a job was preserved solely for the sons of Aaron. The congregation, therefore, exists to provide spiritual nourishment and help members become what God has called them to be. The pastor aids in this process by working with a group of members, preferably the Committee of Stewardship. The pastor studies Scripture regularly with the Committee to understand God’s directives for the church: nurture, outreach, and service. The Committee regularly assesses whether or not the congregation is carrying out its work and evaluating how best to accomplish the goals of nurture, outreach, and service. The pastor, the Committee, and the Church Council will establish the course of action to accomplish the goals. It is crucial to adhere to those primary goals and not let the secondary goals—gaining members, erecting and maintaining buildings—become predominant. Then, the congregation will implement its outreach plans. Every Member Visit—teams of two trained Christians with a prepared message—can help members see their God-given opportunities to carry out their ministry as they visit every congregation member. In doing so, the church shows concern for the Last Day.