“For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.” (Philippians 2:20–22, KJV)
Too often I have seen pastors call associated in who have ulterior motives. They are usually young men, shortly out of seminary. (It is not that all young seminarians are like this, but some are.) The bad ones are those that want desperately to advance themselves and their careers. The problem is that the pastorate is a calling and not a money making a career. I have seen some pastoral staff members that seek to promote themselves by denigrating the senior pastor and creating descension or factions in the church. In some cases, this even leads to church splits. In either case it creates an unhealthy situation.
Pastors need some right-hand parishioners that will support and compliment the ministry. Paul had many, but here he mentions Timothy. Paul had taken Timothy under his wing, mentoring him in the ministry. We do not read of anything negative regarding Timothy in his relationship with Paul. Paul trusted him as a faithful and supportive servant of the Lord. Paul saw Timothy as one who had the kingdom interests above his own.
Today, pastors desperately need right-hand people who they can trust, just like Paul trusted Timothy. All parishioners should endeavor to be like Timothy, one who is a faithful servant, submissive to the authority God has places over them, and seeking to serve the Lord’s interests. This will include caring for the interests of others in the church.
Renewing the Heart 