Passages to meditate on: Romans Ch 12-15, (Phil 2:1-8, 1 Cor 13, 1 Peter 2)
Key themes from Romans 12-15
- 12:1-3 : A countercultural model of God's priorities renewing our minds as we walk with Him.
- 12:9-21 : Our core motives are tested. What and who we love (ourselves or His new community).
- Romans 15: The model and priorities of Christ outworked in servant shepherd leadership.
I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed...
Key Points from Romans 15:14–18 Meditation & Reflection
Paul’s Ministry Example
Paul takes joy in seeing God at work among believers, even though they are not perfect.
His satisfaction comes from progress in love, obedience, and sanctification, not from self-promotion or image.
Believers share in a “priestly ministry” (Romans 15:5-6; 12:12-18, 1 Peter 2:5-9), as we serve, interceding for one another and encouraging growth in Christ before we are presented to Him together.
Lessons for Today’s Church & Leaders
Long-term Care over Short-termism
Pastors and leaders are called to shepherd for the long haul, not to chase quick results, appearances, or personal gratification. (John 10:11-13). The level of "goodness" we attain to as shepherds directly correlates to how willing we are to lay down our lives (and any godless / selfish priorities) for the sheep. It is not duration of time stuck in a place that stops us being a "hired hand", it is clear and consistently outworked priority of purpose (care for sheep). By these parameters we are defined as shepherds and appropriately worthy of respect as His workers (Hebrews 13:17).
Ministry requires patience, endurance, and repeated efforts to love struggling believers (sheep).
Authentic Love, Not Self-Promotion
Genuine, transparent affection is foundational for spiritual leadership (Romans 12:9-13) (1 Cor 13).
Self-centeredness, obsession with image, or professional aloofness undermines shepherding.
True ministry often happens quietly and sacrificially—visiting the sick, praying with the broken, persevering with those who are causing self spiritual harm. This is investment in hidden ways, saturated in prayer.
Wise Stewardship of Time and Service
Leadership is about building up the body of Christ, not filling programs, boosting profiles, or chasing relevance. No hidden service to the body is missed by the chief shepherd, nothing is wasted. (Mt 25:23), (1 Peter 2:25), (1 Peter 5:4).
Substance (peace, joy, holiness, growth, missional heart) in his people matters more than passing froth (constant updates, numbers, or new initiatives seen and accoladed).
Short-termism and consumerism in the church drains zeal for real body ministry. As leaders we need to deal with it, and model the opposite (biblical pattern) for others to emulate as we demonstrate the reality of the truth we teach.
Post-COVID Reflections
Many did not return to church after COVID, exposing pre-existing weaknesses in relational care.
Some pastors continued to neglect vulnerable members in favour of increasing online influence, profile and redefining their own ministry during and after covid. This revealed and promoted an individualistic mindset and culture rather than modelling biblical shepherding, widespread body ministry / burden bearing and mutual encouragement of new community growth.
Leaders must prioritize relational ministry—seeking out the weak, elderly, or disconnected—as a sign of true pastoral calling and model to the new community.
Dangers Identified
The prevailing culture of self-promotion (social media image, competition, spotlight-seeking) is idolatry and damages authentic/ biblical church culture. Far too many have synchronised (Romans 12:2-3).
Churches that chase trends, relevance, programs, seasonal influence or good appearances risk becoming shallow, distracted, and spiritually unfruitful. Our focus must remain on pleasing His call with diligence,, loving His bride, serving / sacrificing for His sheep without favouritism.
Activity is not necessarily fruitfulness; real growth comes through love, service, and obedience to Christ, living out His word. Giving ourselves to the hurting, going after lost sheep is a significant and integral part of that calling.
Timeless Resolutions
Love people regardless of circumstances, without self-interest or short-sightedness. Keep in primary view their eternal and spiritual wellbeing over present circumstances and relational challenges.
Resist consumerism and individualism; embrace servant-hearted ministry. In this there is sacrifice, but also Joy, eternal fruit, in serving the one who loves us and gave himself for His bride. (Phil 2:1-8). A hamster wheel of program development (whatever the season) is nothing without love and relational interaction to tend the sheep. The latter should be our focus not the former whatever the season. We do not serve the mechanisms of ministry but the one we owe all to. We do this primarily though helping His people grow in accountability to Him and love for Him.
Build authentic and accountable relationships at all times (1 Peter 2:13-17, 23), the true essence of Christian community. Without such you have no ministry, regardless of how much infrastructure, self promotion, spin, influence, and christian jargon you hide behind.
Reconsecrate your life and calling to Christ today, seeking His will above self, for eternal fruitfulness. Are you clear of your life track and what He has called you to ?
Summary: Paul models satisfaction in Christ’s work through authentic, long-term, selfless, accountable ministry. Today’s leaders must resist short-termism and self-promotion, instead humbly embrace and endure in relational, sacrificial love, that reflects Christ’s heart for His people.
The following blogs will give illustrative example.
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