FocusOnTheFamily

Hobbits and pastors: Understanding the pastoral mission

Written by Laird Crump

When you stop and think about it, pastors are somewhat like hobbits, the pivotal characters in J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic The Lord of the Rings trilogy. My family and I recently sat down to watch the movies again – for the 50th time. There is something captivating about these stories that touch my heart in various ways.

In the prologue to the first book of the trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring, Tolkien has written a short abstract entitled “Concerning Hobbits.” The purpose of this prologue is to help the reader understand who these mythical creatures are and what they are like. They are tiny people usually no taller than a metre, and are sometimes called “halflings” because they are half the size of an average human. He describes them as those that “love peace and quiet.” They are “quick of hearing and sharp-eyed.”They are a “merry folk” who enjoy laughing, and giving and receiving hospitality with one another. They also demonstrate a love of learning. As the story continues, we learn that these courageous little people end up having a big impact in the world.

This time while watching the movies, my heart went out to hobbit Frodo Baggins. He, of course, is the main character – the most unlikely of heroes – who’s entrusted with the mission to defeat the evils of Sauron. I recall the scene where Frodo responds to the great need and volunteers to take the ring of power and throw it into the fires of Mordor. This life-threatening task would finally end Sauron’s reign of terror. After such a valiant display of courage, other characters agree to accompany him on the quest, thus forming “the fellowship of the ring.”

Although it was comforting for Frodo to have fine associates like Sam Gamgee who stood by him through thick and thin, Frodo was still the one who bore the brunt of the burden. In fact, as the story progressed, that burden became increasingly heavier.

Do you see the similarity to your role a pastor? Just like hobbits, pastors are gentle in spirit but mighty in heart; peace-loving but willing to fight for what is right; friendly to all; the most loyal of friends; and courageous folk who make a huge impact for the kingdom of God.

As a pastor, you presumably have a fellowship of leaders around you, but you are the one who carries the weight of the burden of church ministry. They are looking to you, not just to care for the congregation but also to spearhead the mission of God in your community.

I was a pastor for 25 years prior to coming on staff with Focus on the Family Canada. When I left pastoral ministry I was astonished by the weight of responsibility I felt was lifted from my shoulders. I was unaware of the burden I was carrying at the time. Now, when I look at pastors from this new vantage point, I can clearly see the heaviness of the load they carry.

Pastoral ministry is not just about potlucks and peaceful gatherings. Pastoral ministry is about the mission of God. This mission was not created for the Church. Instead, the Church was created for God’s mission of redeeming the world to Himself – buying it back from the darkness of hell. This mission is to declare the truth of God against the powers of evil, to help free those the enemy is holding captive, to preach Christ crucified, and to urge people to turn from their selfish ways and embrace Him and His way of life.

This is the mission to which you have given your life and it’s not easy. No doubt you feel too small for this task. The weight of responsibility you carry can feel unbearable at times. But without your readiness to lead, others would likely be unwilling to participate. As you step forward to give leadership to this mission, others feel empowered to join in.

Like Frodo, do you feel small and weak? I hope so, because through our weakness God is able to accomplish powerful things. If you feel inadequate for the pastoral task, you are in good company. Paul reflected those feelings in 2 Corinthians 12:9, recounting Christ’s words to him: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” And then Paul applies this truth to his life and ministry by saying, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

What you do as a pastor really matters. It is one of the most important missions you could have. But never forget that “who” you are as a child of God matters even more. The “doing” must come out of the “being.”

Here at Focus on the Family Canada we recognize how important you are to the kingdom. We can’t carry the burden of pastoral ministry for you – that is your calling. But hopefully God can use us to be part of your fellowship and encourage you in your quest, making your load just a little lighter. Through our counselling ministry we can help you get back on your feet if you have been knocked down. Through our resources and events we can help to keep you moving forward positively. And know that we are in your corner cheering you on and praying for you regularly. Keep up the good work. Don’t become weary in well-doing. We appreciate you deeply.

Remember the words of Hebrews 6:10: “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.”