Does your church need a Warrior or a Temple builder?

(A David or a Solomon?)

 

At different stages of a church’s life it may find itself with different pastoral needs. Sometimes it may need a “David” – a warrior. This kind of pastor may be very strong and dynamic but equally polarizing. At other times the church may need a “Solomon” – an administrator. This kind of pastor may be able to take an already functioning church and get it to run more smoothly. This pastor can keep the ship moving. But a David can, if need be change the ship’s direction.

A pastor may at times be called to be a “David” and at other times to be a “Solomon”, whatever their basic personality might be. Often church-planters are “Davids” and those that follow may be “Solomons”.

 

Need a Warrior – a David?

Reproving and rebuking usually causes conflict and loss of members, but it is part of a pastor’s responsibility. Maintaining biblical standards often result in conflict or loss of members.

 

Advantages:

  1. You lay the groundwork for future church growth and spiritual prosperity.
  2. You learn that God is more concerned about what happens in you than what happens to you. In the school of suffering the tuition is nearly free. It only costs you your life.
  3. You develop closer relations and build more respect in the eyes of those who stay with you.
  4. You inspire others, especially younger people to get into the battle.

 

Disadvantages:

  1. You are misunderstood by those who think that all conflict is sin.
  2. Once you are perceived as a warrior, all other qualities you might have will be colored by this perception.
  3. Prolonged conflict clouds issues and often people/personalities become the issues. Ex. Hatfield/McCoy feud.

 

Is your basic personality that of a David, a warrior? If your call is sure, here is what to do.

  1. Don’t seek solace or protection from the enemy. (i.e. David in Goliath’s territory)
  2. Remember God’s promises.
  3. Encourage yourself in the Lord. (Tsiklag)
  4. Stay long enough to see your enemies die or be defeated.
  5. Keep doing what is right, even if the conflicts limit you. Twice David rejected the counsel to kill Saul.

 

Need a Temple Builder – a Solomon?

 

Advantages:

  1. A “Solomon” inherits the “throne” won by a “David”.
  2. You receive great encouragement and support from the people.
  3. You see the glory of God descend on the work.
  4. Unity and prosperity prevail.

 

Disadvantages:

  1. You are tempted to think your leadership alone is responsible for the unity and prosperity. Remember, God continued to call the throne “the throne of David.”
  2. You can come to think that all pastors would be “Solomons” if only they were as gifted and as wise as you.
  3. You can burden the people with your endless projects.
  4. You become arrogant and fall into idolatry.