Normally in this space I interview some of the well-known pastors, authors, artists, and theologians who shape the contemporary evangelical church. I'm grateful for the opportunity to highlight their giftedness and wisdom and provide good content for pastors and church leaders.
But today I want to do something different. I want to interview a man who may not be known to most of my readers, but whose faithfulness and impact have had a profound effect on me. His name is Bill Swanger. He's faithfully pastored churches for over 50 years, including an interim pastorate right now in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. I had a chance to profile him forLeadership Journal in December. I hope you enjoy his insights. -Daniel Darling
1) What is the role of personal character in the ministry of a pastor?
Every pastor models Christ before his congregation 24/7. Some do it well, some do it poorly. Pastors have committed to preaching the very Word of God and if they are to be recognized as sincere they must apply it. Satan is constantly seeking whom he may devour so expect varied temptations to present themselves. If pastors allow even one incursion into their behavior pattern it can become a pattern of missteps which will trip up a multitude who follow. Protection is afforded in the Word of God but like any suit of armor it must be put on and worn constantly. Personal character is what you really are when only God is watching and knowing. Remember he keeps the record books and they are a permanent track record for which the pastor will answer before Christ. The indwelling Holy Spirit is ever present and alert to notify pastors when they have entered a satanic minefield. Pastors must watch their every step (and word) in order to successfully lead the way for all those young and old who follow them.
2) What are your views on the pastor's teaching role as opposed to the CEO model currently popular?
I believe the current model focuses on participation by all present and for all to share their views. True this may make some feel more a part of the group but it invites silly, meaningless observations as well as creating a track leading off into the weeds of confusion. Discussion should be limited and the pastor who is trained and prepared should be the one to structure the study and make the proper applications. Instead of a "pooling of ignorance" it must be an organized study where proper preparation will show the way to the truth needed in any particular passage.
3) What are some pitfalls young leaders face in ministry?
One of the major errors is tying into popular contemporary thinking that embraces serious error. The current world's concepts of what is valuable can be very misleading. There are many "voices" out there that demand attention but not many deserve it. The leader must be familiar with proven teachers of past generations who have a solid track record of preaching and teaching. I currently use some who long ago passed from the scene but their teaching is as fresh as if it was only yesterday. The Emergent Church teachings are very liberal and misleading so the young leaders must seek to live apart from these strident voices.
These leaders also must be wise enough to avoid the sin of pride lest they think more highly of themselves then they should. Humility was a major part of the character of Christ and must be in the lives of Christ's followers.
Of course the temptations of the flesh are on our screens every day and these have a habit of finding their way into the lives of leaders. We must practice a personal discipline that will always honor Christ!
4) What do you consider to be the determining factors in discerning a call to ministry? What were some of yours?
They include: deep interest in God's Word, a joy in the soul when allowed the opportunity of organizing and presenting the claims of God upon human lives, a desire to encourage people and help them learn how to seek the Lord in their own lives, and how to understand and apply that Word to their behavior pattern. In my life I got excited about large parts of the Bible and had a deep desire to understand what they meant and how they worked out in my experience. I was shy and fearful of appearing in public but realized that if I was to be used of God I must learn to relate to people and be friendly. I began to understand that preachers are similar to public entertainers who overcome nervousness and reach out to the people in their audience. It is a delicate balance between being a performer and being a communicator. People like to be "entertained" while being instructed in God's Word. I learned at Moody that many of my professors were men who had interesting ways of speaking, acting, and presenting the truths of eternity.
5) What are some essential skills/competencies you think are essential for a pastor/shepherd?
Speaking clearly, speaking loudly, able to present certain emotions in speech, learning to be able to speak without reading your sermon notes, learning to pray with authenticity and authority, having concern for the poor and hurting, seeking to put yourself where others are in situations, reading hungrily, sensing the urgings of the Holy Spirit, and having a readiness to respond and obey.
Daniel Darling is vice-president of communications for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. He is the author of several books, including his latest, Activist Faith.
