Word Count: 419 – Est Read Time: ~2 Minutes
What’s Up
Most pastors are spending more time with the already-saved than with those who need a resurrection. With the state of the US church today, perhaps it’s time to do a little less “pastoring” and start leading the church.
So What
Too many pastors are stuck doing ministry that looks faithful but isn’t fruitful. The church doesn’t need more hospice care. It needs transformation.
The Point Is
The Founder Set the Mission
Jesus already told us what we’re supposed to do. We don’t get to pick the mission. The church exists to make disciples – and not just “better” disciples, but “more” disciples. Period. That’s Job 1.
Pastoring Isn’t Leading
Pastoral care is good, even necessary, but it’s not leadership. It doesn’t move the mission. The church needs less passive shepherding and more active leadership.
Focus on the Sinners
We’ll spend eternity with the saints. Spend your time now with those who need a resurrection, not just a visit. That’s where transformation starts.
Build, Don’t Babysit
Cast a vision that compels action on the mission. Shape a team that moves together. That’s what leaders do. They don’t babysit pew-sitters, they mobilize disciple-makers.
And … ?
We’re rolling into the week where we celebrate Jesus as the Lamb of God who laid down his life. That imagery comes from the Passover lamb, sure, but it makes more sense in the context of the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. Not to pamper them. Not to walk them gently into a spiritual hospice. But to protect them. To lead them. To pull them together and get them moving on mission. That’s what shepherds do.
But let’s be honest: In too many churches today, the pastor’s role has been reduced to glorified chaplaincy. Making the rounds. Checking in on the shut-ins. Filling calendars with coffee dates and counseling sessions. That kind of care has its place, but it’s not leadership. Leadership means taking a congregation and pointing them ruthlessly toward mission. It means reminding them that the Prime Directive hasn’t changed: We’re here to make disciples. Leadership means casting a compelling vision, raising up teams, and pulling the church forward into God’s future. That’s your job, Pastor. Don’t hand it off. Don’t play it safe. And don’t settle for anything less.
Action!
Grab the Get More Visitors Checklist (and use it AFTER Easter) and get the Keep Your Visitors Training to use starting Easter Sunday – and start leading your church in disciple making.
