The Value of Modelling

You are always sending a message to your congregation whether you are aware of it or not. As a pastor or leader, your life is open to everyone, and everyone will feel free to offer comments and criticism of everything you say or do.

The apostle Paul did not think of this as a negative part of ministry. Rather, he welcomed living in full view of his congregation and invited them to follow his modeling of the Christian lifestyle. Consider the following examples:

• He says to the Thessalonians: “For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example . . . we did this . . . to offer ourselves a model for you to imitate” (2 Thessalonians 3:7,9).
• He says to the Corinthians: “I urge you to imitate me” (1 Corinthians 4:16), and “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
• He says to the Philippians: “Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do” (Philippians 3:17).
• He also says to them: “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice” (Philippians 4:9).

All of these are clear examples of the modeling role pastors and leaders have with their congregations. Our words and actions can have a lot of influence on them. What we do and say serves as a model for the people to whom we minister.

One way that a pastor or leader can model is by getting involved and showing others how to serve. The principal of a Bible college in Kenya gave a powerful illustration of modeling when he went into the kitchen and washed dishes after the graduation banquet. It made a great impression on the students of that college.

There is a well-known proverb that says: “Your life makes so much noise that I cannot hear what you are saying.” Be careful what you say and do. You are always sending a message.

Reflection

Prayerfully reflect on your life this past week. Can you say with Paul, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice”? Ask God to help you go through today conscious of being a model worth imitating in word and deed.