Pastor Isaac Love Pappoe, the Head Pastor of Christ Love Avenue Church, has emphasized the various pressures that individuals face in their role as ministers dedicated to spreading the word of God.
He writes:
Ministry Pressure
When a pastor is old, it’s said:
“He’s old school, we need fresh blood and a modern or youthful ministry, he must go and learn new techniques of reaching the youth, he doesn’t relate his teaching with the technology world, he has to learn from the middle aged modern preachers, we don’t like his style”
Hmmmmm
—-Now the old pastor wishes he was younger so he could adapt the new methods of reaching people with the Gospel and gets frustrated thinking he has failed or is failing.
When a pastor is young, it’s said:
“He’s inexpericed,he is just a boy, He’s a beginner, he has a long way to go, I can’t submit to someone I am older than, he has alot to learn from the elders, he should go and learn how ministry was done years ago by the fathers”
So painful, I know…… But Becareful…….
—-Now the young pastor wishes he was also older. He’s 25 years but when you ask his age, he now says he’s 35 years. And to make matters worse, he says he has been in ministry for 20 years meanwhile he is only 25 years old. Does it mean he started ministry at the age of 5 years? Jesuuuuu.
The people can really give you pressure and you can also put yourself under unnecessary pressure.
No need to lie because of ministry pressure. I really understand you and how it feels when people get to know you’re younger than your looks. It makes you look so vulnerable. But you see it’s not about your age, it’s what you carry, how you carry yourself, how well prepared you are and how matured you have become from God’s word and your walk with Him through the Spirit.
Truth is “there are older pastors who don’t behave their age (immature) and there are also younger pastors who also don’t behave their age (very matured).
Be proud about your age because it brings glory to God when people see the exploits you’re doing at your age.
David was only 17 years when he killed Goliath. His big brothers and even Saul who were all warriors were afraid of this giant. This tells you age shouldn’t intimidate any young minister. Get yourself prepared at all times. Don’t fake your life. We have all fallen into this before and still keep fighting some of these behaviors of trying to look important and impressive to others.
Conclusion:
People will still have a problem with you as a minister whether you’re older or younger.. No need to please anyone..
To the old pastor:
Proverbs 16:31 TPT
[31] Old age with wisdom will crown you with DIGNITY and HONOR, for it takes a lifetime of righteousness to acquire it.
Be glad because you have wisdom and experience and no one can steal that from you.
To the young pastor:
1 Timothy 4:12-16 KJVS
[12] LET NO MAN DESPISE THY YOUTH; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. [13] Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. [14] Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. [15] Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. [16] Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
Be glad because you have more time to learn, strength to pray and serve God passionately.
1John 2:13, 14
……..I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one……..I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
This is our heritage. No one can initimidate you because of your age. Don’t let it get to you.
It is believed by scholars Timothy was only 20 years when he was ordained into the ministry as a pastor. Don’t let your age intimidate you and don’t let people also intimidate you because of your age. I didn’t say disrespect them or dishonor them or insult them or be be proud or act as though you’re very grown. Don’t be moved by what they say about your age, all that matters is that you are faithfully doing the work of God. You are who you are by the grace of God.
You cannot please all your members. Some will despise you either because you’re too young or you’re too old. Be yourself and make sure you’re carrying out God’s assignment for you. Leave the rest and give no ear to such words of discouragement. Be confident about what you are doing and do it heartily as unto the Lord and in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Colossians 3:17 KJVS
[17] And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Hope this blessed you. Let me know
Isaac Love Pappoe.
