Throughout your life you follow the chain of command. As a child you obey your parents. When you get to school, you obey your teachers. In the working place, you pledge your allegiance to your immediate boss. This boss then answers to those above him. This chain of command even carries over into the church. God puts pastors over their congregations for believers to follow.
Pastors have a huge responsibility. They answer to God for how well they minister and lead the church they oversee. Pastors are called by God, and seek to lead the church as God leads them. Your pastor tries to meet every need of the congregation of which you are a part, but ultimately his primary role is to follow the Lord’s direction in his life. Once, a minister was called to a church of seven hundred, and on his first Sunday someone asked him how he hoped to please seven hundred people. He wisely replied, “I don’t. I have come to only please One.” Sometimes, your pastor makes a very difficult decision where he does not please the whole congregation; in his estimation, though, he is leading where God is directing him. You are to follow his leadership.
Following your pastor is very biblical. In Hebrews 13:17 God gives church members the following command, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account.” You are commanded by God to follow your pastor. Your place is to do the following, and your pastor is to do the leading. God holds each of you accountable for how well each of you accomplishes that mandate.
God led you to the church you are attending. Stay there through thick or thin to glorify the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Throughout the Bible the chain of command repeats itself; not only follow your pastor, but support him by praying for him daily and encouraging him as often as you can.
