Pastoral Leadership

Rev. Fr. Paul Lelen Haokip *

INTRODUCTION The most basic task of the Church leader is to discern the spiritual gifts of all those under his authority, and to encourage those gifts to be used to the full for the benefit of all. Only a person who can discern the gifts of others and can humbly re-joice at the flowering of those gifts is fit to lead the Church (Saint John Chrysostom).

"Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy reward" (Isaiah 58:7-8).

SHALOM MINISTRY: SHALOM came into existence to offer food and lodging to the homeless of Middletown, Ohio at a time when it was feared that the city's only homeless shelter might have to cease operations. SHALOM is an acronym for Serving the Homeless with Alternate Lodging Of Middletown. Under the spiritual guidance of Fr. Christos B. Christakis, Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church is one of the founding members of this network.

SHALOM has become a network of local churches of various denominations that "…share their bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into their houses" (Isaiah 58:7-8). When a new person comes to SHALOM for shelter, a written list of policies is provided so that each guest knows what to expect, and what is expected of them. Each person receives a supply of personal care items and a container for their personal items.

Social workers from various agencies are present to interview and advise each guest as needed to apply for assistance that might empower them to become self-sufficient. This assistance may be in the form of medical care, food stamps, clothing, employment or housing. Some guests receive assistance in all of these areas, while others may need only a little encouragement and help to overcome their situations.

LESSON FROM ELEPHANTS: Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). When herds of elephants want to cross the river, the biggest or strongest goes and tests the water's current, depth, etc. After that, the herd moves in group to cross over. The baby elephants are carried or held by the trunks of the big ones. This is the care-lesson even the elephants leave for us.

SERVANT LEADERSHIP: Rick Warren says, "Real servants don't try to use God for their purpose. They let God use them for his purposes. Servants think like stewards, not owners. Servants remember that God owns it all." In the Bible, a steward was a servant entrusted to manage an estate. We hold the treasures of God in earthen vessels. We are perishable but not an iota of his word. All times belongs to God, he expects full time work and not part time participation in his vineyard. The pay may be small but the reward of happiness is beyond measure. Try it and you will see, think it and it will just be a thought.

CONCLUSION: Leadership of pastoral-nature is more of sacrifices than benefits. It is more of getting hurts than pleasures. It is telling the truth firmly but gently and consistently. The basis is principle than pleasing-methods.

It is absolutely voluntary and bases itself on the power of God. Cultivation of community-life is the priority based on the model of the Holy Family of Nazareth; pastoral and not political; perseverance and not result-savvy. The foundation is Jesus, the process is being united with the vine (Jesus) and the result is fruitfulness.

The leader leads the ship and the people propel the ship. Good Shepherd is the Patron and sacrifice for the well-being of the flock is the Alpha and Omega. The manifesto is "come let us walk together".