What I Would Do If I Was an Assistant Pastor

I have been a youth pastor, an associate pastor and an assistant pastor, I have been a youth leader, Sunday School Director, usher, Sunday School teacher – I have done every volunteer and paid position in the church.

Now I am the head of a network of five churches and have some great lead pastors and some great pastors – and as our churches grow we will appoint a lot more pastors – assistant pastors, youth pastors, worship pastors, campus pastors, children’s pastors, and so on.

I was just thinking about this today – what would make a great assistant pastor?  What would I do if I was assistant pastor?

• I would quote my lead pastor all the time.  Don’t get me wrong, I know Jesus is the head of the  church and I know it is all about Jesus.  But it isn’t Jesus who signs my paychecks, it is the lead pastor.  And I would respect and admire him, listen to him and quote him.  It would bring unity and peace to the network, make my lead pastor’s job easier and ensure it was clear the organization had one head.
• I would announce the visit of the pastor with excitement.  I would be someone everyone knew was happy to have the pastor with us and around
• I would tell people how much the messages have blessed me personally
• I would not let anyone come to me with their complaints or negative comments.  I might even have a sign outside my office: IF YOU HAVE COME HERE TO GRUMBLE, YOU MUST BE LOST.  I am not about to become another Absalom in the making!
• I wouldn’t ever get stroppy if someone expected him instead of me.  Imagine I got to the hospital and they said “Why hasn’t the lead pastor come here, why has he sent the deputy”, I would lovingly explain he is really busy and really couldn’t make it.  You would never catch me saying “well, he’s always late”, “I don’t know do I”, “He’s probably sleeping”.
• I would honour my pastor’s wife and buy her gifts.
• I would appreciate all the learning I am getting.
• I would listen to the lead pastor preach online or on CD all the chances I got
• I would flow with the policies the church set
• I would take notes during the sermon and during the business meeting
• I would give wise counsel, without flattery or without manipulation.
• I wouldn’t covet the top chair.  Or his car, or donkey, or whatever!