On The Need for Pastoral Role Models

For the little section of the kingdom in which I serve, the Presbyterian Church in America, it’s been a sobering season. On May 18, Harry Reeder, Senior Pastor of Briarwood Presbyterian, passed away from injuries in a car accident. On May 19, the very next day, Tim Keller, former Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian in New York City, passed away from his battle with cancer.

There’s not much to say about Tim that has not already been said. He was this generation’s C.S. Lewis, the one who reestablished orthodoxy in present-age New York City, inspired a wave of church plants in cities worldwide, and authored many best-selling books. The list could go on.

Harry was not nearly as widely-known in broader evangelicalism, but he was known in the PCA. He founded one of our most significant churches, Christ Covenant, in Matthews, N.C., and was the current pastor of another significant church, Briarwood. He was passionate about evangelism, planting, and preaching.

Tim’s death was expected. Harry’s was not. But both punched me in the gut and led me to tears.

New resolve and inspiration

Despite my sadness, I also felt a new sense of resolve, even inspiration. Here are two men who ran their race well. Of course, both were saved by grace. Tim and Harry were both sheep before they were shepherds. But as shepherds, they were pastors worth emulating. In an age when controversy and moral failure fill all the headlines concerning pastors, it has encouraged me to know that by God’s grace, it is possible to have a healthy, fruitful ministry that spans decades.

Since they passed from this life into the next, I have felt a new resolve to have similar ministries. Not copycat. I’m very aware that I’m not Tim Keller. Pastors who try to copy other pastors end up preaching painfully bad sermons. Be yourself. Be who God made you. But be similar in building faithful, Christ-centered, and evangelistic church ministries.

It is worth finding a few faithful men worth emulating. Pastoring is difficult and lonely work. We need examples of how to do it well. The Apostle Paul knew he was a sinner (1 Timothy 1:15). He never claimed his sanctification was complete. And yet he still writes, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 1:11). Paul understood the value of providing Timothy, the young pastor in Ephesus, with an example.

Is it possible to take it too far and create a cult-like following of pastors? Absolutely. Other blogs and websites have discussed at length the dangers of celebrity pastors. There are always dangers in every good thing. Sensing his own following, John Calvin asked to be buried in an unmarked grave. He knew the risk of an overly-devoted following. But while it’s possible to go too far, that doesn’t mean that we can’t get the balance correct. We ought to be spurred on and encouraged by pastors who are running well.

With that in mind, here are two ways to find pastors worth following. 

Men from the past

In looking to Jesus, Hebrews 12 reminds us we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses that have come before us. A crowd of faithful men and women cheer us on in our race toward Christ. For those who have run races, it is no secret that the best times always come in races where fans are present. Race times are faster than practices. Fans on the sides cheering on the runners do, in fact, help. It’s the same race course with or without fans. But having the support of others provides the energy to go a step faster. In heaven right now, a host of saints is cheering us on as pastors.

One way to feel the encouragement of the saints in the church triumphant is to read biographies. Read what they did well. Read what they did not so well. Read about how they walked by faith and finished the race. 

On Sunday mornings, as I do my final prep for service, I often think of Charles Spurgeon, the Prince of Preachers. Lord, help me preach like him in my voice. Or I think of Chrysostom—Golden Mouth. Lord, help me preach even at great cost. Simeon kept preaching even though his church locked the doors to keep him out. Lord, help me not fear man.

Keep your eyes on Jesus, but reading biographies provides role models, a cheering section that helps us press on as pastors.

And the best part of biographies is that we know how these men ended their races. We know they finished well and are, therefore, men worthy of emulation. We know these men finished strong and heard the great words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).

Men from the present

Paul expands the idea not just to following his example but also to others that are faithful (Philippians 3:17). There were other peers of Paul that worth emulating. The same is true today. Find a few men you deeply respect and follow their example. While it can be helpful to follow a well-known pastor like Tim Keller, there will be a limit to how much you’ll be able to know about him unless you are in his inner circle. The relational distance is a limiting factor. I’ve heard nothing but good things about the marriage between Tim and Kathy Keller, but very few people know the real depths of it. And very few have seen Tim Keller minister to a couple considering divorce. It’s hard to follow the example of someone you know only through the internet and books.

Therefore, find a local pastor you respect but one who is also available enough to welcome you into the daily grind of pastoring. It’s one thing to read a book from a well-known pastor; it’s another to witness a faithful pastor doing the gritty work of pastoring, follow his example in counseling and evangelism, and know his family dynamics.

There are likely good men in your denomination or network running a faithful race like Tim and Harry did. If not, maybe cross denominational lines. Or reach out to your childhood pastor. No matter what, find someone. You need older men in your life. You need examples.

All sorts of trials and temptations fill the journey toward a faithful finish of a pastoral call. It is possible to finish well, but you cannot assume it. It certainly will not come easy. And so, do the work of finding a few men you can latch onto. Be discipled. Learn and grow. Be willing to allow these men to correct you as needed. Most of all, follow the example of those who have pastored well to the end.

©2023 Jon Saunders. All rights reserved. Used with permission.