The pastor is to set the example–not only for the whole congregation–but for the elders who serve with him (on the church session).  This means, he is to model Christ; and set forth that pattern to everyone else.  And since the men on the session are “closest” to him, with regard to the life of the church, those men are to be the ones to most-witness the pastor’s imitation of Jesus.

For you non-Presbyterians out there, by “session,” we mean, the currently-serving elders of a church congregation. . . . And though this little paper is designed to assist ministers and (lay) elders, everyone else should feel free to “listen in.”

First of all, the pastor is the “least” among “servants” on the session.  He is there to minister to his fellow-elders.  Typically, the pastor, especially if he has had some years of experience, is “used to” the slings and arrows, darts and rocks that get hurled at church leaders.  Because of this, he is usually more in the position of being able to shield his brothers from the same.  Also, the pastor, being called by God to be an undershepherd of Jesus, the Great Shepherd, is endowed with a large measure of the blessed Holy Spirit; and he is also blessed to be able to spend an inordinate amount of time in prayer and in the reading and study of the Word of God (the Sacred Scriptures).  Largely because of this, he is more suited to take the “brunt” of initial assaults leveled at church officers (who are faithfully doing their gospel duties).

 As well, the pastor seeks to encourage his fellow-elders.  Whenever they do “well,” he is to sincerely and heartily congratulate them on their successful administration of their ministrations.  The pastor does not need to look for an excessive amount of encouragement from others–so long as he is walking closely with Jesus, in the power and love of the Holy Spirit.  (Still, all genuine encouragement is a blessing.)

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