Oversight

An area in church life that has been revived in recent years is the issue of pastoring people personally. From the pulpit or upon request, we all understand pastoral work. But to inquire and instruct in the lives of those in the church, not because they requested it but because we see a need and obligation, has not practiced in many years. Granted there is, as M.R. Seimens would say, a thin line between autonomy and authority, we find many believers more American than Biblical in disposition in our day and age. Autonomy reigns in excess. We have, therefore, tried to find a balance in this regard.

The following is the content of a tract I wrote several years ago. It was an attempt to help the church understand our purpose and procedure regarding pastoring personally. So it was entitled Pastoring Personally. At the end there is a list of approximately 50 questions we use as a basis for personally working with those in the church. Remember, to pastor is to watch over the spiritual growth of the flock. And to do so demands personal attention which results in personal oversight. Here then are the words that I wrote to the church.

Pastored Personally

One area I have taught and talked about much is the need for being pastored/taught personally. The very definition of pastoring is to oversee the spiritual growth of the Lord's people, and to do this thoroughly is only possible if done personally (Acts 20:28; Col. 1:28). Recently a deacon in a church asked me several questions concerning this practice. He was highly interested in his own life and the lives of those he was teaching. He saw the great need for accountability in his own life as well as in theirs. Really, he saw the need to be pastored. As a result, I sent him, upon his request, a list of questions to use in this kind of personal visiting with believers. They are questions that will help him understand where a believer is or isn't, in his/her life. From that, the answers, instruction, correction, and reproof can be given as needed. Attached is the list of questions I sent him.

We want you to know that we are trying to gradually do this here without missing anyone. Curt in particular will be more and more visiting with each of you personally in regards to how you are doing in the Lord and what can help you and your family grow in grace. Receive him readily in this regard. Be very thankful a pastor will have enough interest in your soul and life to do this. I asked this deacon how he would like it. He responded judiciously, "I would love it." I know him. He has been involved in the Lord's work for many years in many ways. Yet, he saw the need, was not experiencing it, and wanted it. That is good. Let each of us here in this church respond accordingly. What growth will come, only God knows! But know for sure, it is the Lord's way and will bear much fruit. If you need the help revealed in the questions now, then tell Curt this. He, I am sure, will meet with you and pursue it without delay. May the Lord richly bless all of us as we proceed in pastoring personally as well as publicly. "...as a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered" (Ezekiel 34:12).

Here are the questions believers are asked in sorting out where they are and what they need to grow. As to sequence, I start with personal walk, then home life, then the church, and finally the world. While all four can be happening at the same time, there is an order of emphasis. Asking the questions or getting the answers in this order is best. This list is not exhaustive, but will provide much fruit in your life. Also, it can help you know how to inquire for help as well as how to help others. We live in a day and age that is sinfully autonomous. If this type of oversight in your life seems too personal, it is! But not personal enough can result in lives lived too independently. There is no doubt in my mind that sincere and seeking sheep will respond receptively. The result will be akin to a revival both personally and as a church.

– Dan Stanley