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1 Corinthians 4:1–2 — “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

Pastors are not owners of the flock but stewards of God’s truth. Paul reminds the Corinthians that ministers are servants of Christ, entrusted with the mysteries of the gospel. Their role is not to invent, alter, or control but to faithfully manage what belongs to God.

A steward in ancient times managed the household of another. He was accountable to the master for how he handled resources and responsibilities. In the same way, pastors will one day give account to God for how they fed His people, guarded His truth, and led His church. Their standard is not worldly success but faithfulness.

Faithfulness means preaching the Word without compromise, loving the flock without favoritism, and serving Christ without self-interest. It is possible to be popular and unfaithful, impressive and unfaithful, busy and unfaithful. God is not impressed with numbers but with loyalty to His will.

For the church, this truth is crucial. A pastor is not to be idolized or treated as a celebrity. He is a steward, not the master. At the same time, he is not to be despised or dismissed, for his stewardship is of eternal significance. To honor a pastor is to honor the One who entrusted him.

This perspective also relieves pastors of crushing pressure. They are not responsible for outcomes beyond their control; they are responsible for faithfulness in what God has given them. The harvest belongs to the Lord; the stewardship belongs to them.

The judgment of stewards is not in the court of public opinion but before the Lord. One day, He will evaluate not how famous or admired a pastor was, but whether he was faithful. That reality should both sober and encourage every minister of Christ.

As we consider pastors, let us remember they are stewards, not owners. Let us pray for their faithfulness, support their labor, and look forward to the day when the Master says, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”