In many ministries, there are always people that claim they do not know what they can do in the ministry or that they are not able to do anything, so they do nothing. Phebe in Romans 16 was not such a woman.
She was known as a “servant of the church which is at Cencgrea” (Romans 16:1). There she met the many needs of those in her church and surrounding areas as a “succourer.” “I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: 2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.” Rom. 16:1-2
A “succourer”, also spelled “succorer,” is a person that gives help where a need is seen and assists those that are suffering and need relief in difficult situations. They give assistance to those that could use the relief.
These “succourers” are often those that have the gift of “ministry” (Romans 12:7). Their minds are not so concerned about their own needs, but are rather on the needs of others. They are the opposite of a self-purposing, selfish person. “Others”, “Others” is their drive, rather than the all too common “Me. Me. Me first” that others live by.
Her bent on assisting others made her most trustworthy. Even Paul the Apostle knew that whatever she asked for as she traveled to other ministries should be granted (Rom. 2:2) her as she would use whatever she needed or had to meet another’s needs. Paul also was helped by this woman and it was her that (mostly likely) had his letter delivered to the Romans. “Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.” (Written after verse 27.)
As Paul needed the help of Phebe, the succourer, so do many today. Those that are stranded in a bad situation, perhaps rearing a child by themselves or looking over an aging parent could use such assistance. Those battling a severe illness or are in a financial crunch could certainly use a helping, encouraging hand. That ministry worker in your church, who seemingly does all the work, could also use a hand. Most everyone, one time or other, has a need for a trustworthy, reliable Phebe. Do you see a need? Will you step up and fill Phebe’s shoes? We are a needy people, and we all need some help.
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Has anyone else observed how much we depend on the clergy in the church to fill this role? I think it is a natural end for church members to feel like it is what the Pastor is paid for, but it is just not what The Lord intended.
We are fortunate in a lot of churches to be able to have a full time pastor, maybe more than 1, and that he can concentrate on tending to the sheep in the church. However, it is also a trap that a lot of Pastors fall into, feeling like they have to justify themselves. I want, no, I insist my pastor have ample time for reading, prayer, and contemplation. It is among his job duties to visit the sick, etc.. but it is not his most important duty. Quiet talks with Earnest People in My Study by Charles Edward Jefferson is a good read on this topic. Published in 1898, reads like yesterday.
A couple of places in the Bible, God deals with his servants to put off menial duties so that they can focus on more important responsibilities. Moses’ father in law advised him to delegate much of his work. In the New Testament, The disciples appoint men to “wait on tables” to relieve them. The point is that much of the work of ministry is to be borne by laity. If God calls the Pastor elsewhere, we will be the folks that are left, WE are the church. Many of the tasks that need doing are not even things that you need to bother the pastor about, you have the authority to decide to take action.
If you want the very best Pastoring, I advise you first..pray about what the real role of your Pastor should be, Second…take all that extraneous stuff off him. Make him feel comfortable spending time in prayer, make him understand that you do not expect to see him doing chores around the church. I wonder how many men spend their “ministry” mowing the church yard, painting, cleaning, running to hospitals, running errands, etc.. none of which they were called to do. If you are only allowing your pastor a couple of hours a week for prayer, study, and contemplation, it is no wonder you are dissatisfied.
Several years ago, we organized a team of men at our church, we call ourselves Levites. We attempt to take 100% of the day to day care of the buildings, door greeters, setting up and tearing down for church events, etc.. I am proud of the fact that much of the nuts and bolts stuff that go on at our church happen without any effort from the Pastor. Although he still does a lot of visitation, etc.. he has a team of Board members (deacons) that are available and do a lot of that type of thing with and for him. The church should be sharing the prayer burden as well. At our church, my Pastor covers around 250 souls, no way one man can adequately cover that prayer burden, it must be largely borne by the laity of the church. I want his number one job to be prayer, studying, and contemplation, preparing excellent spiritual food for me and my family and our Church, In short, preparing to preach. Additionally, every board member at our church feels strongly that the Pastor’s family comes before our own. I will not have him lose his kids to save mine, it is wrong headed. Folks, that is Biblical!