Huduma ya Kichungaji, Misheni na Uongozi wa Kanisa wa Kibaptisti — Sehemu ya 10: Kumaliza Vizuri: Uadilifu wa Kichungaji, Familia na Urithi wa UongoziBaptist Pastoral Ministry, Missions, and Church Leadership — Unit 10: Finishing Well: Pastoral Integrity, Family, and Succession

Mstari MkuuKey Verse

"Nimepigana vita vilivyo vizuri, nimeumaliza mwendo, nimeilinda imani." (2 Timotheo 4:7, SUV)"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7, NKJV)

Malengo ya KujifunzaLearning Objectives

Utakapomaliza kipindi hiki, unapaswa kuweza:When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

1. Kueleza kwa nini mchungaji lazima aulinde moyo wake mwenyewe, na kutaja njia za vitendo za kutunza ibada yake, mapumziko na afya.1. Explain why a pastor must guard his own soul, and name practical ways to keep his devotion, rest and health.

2. Kutaja hatari nne kuu kwa uadilifu wa kichungaji (fedha, dhambi ya uasherati, mamlaka na kiburi) na kinga dhidi ya kila moja.2. Name the four great dangers to pastoral integrity (money, sexual sin, power and pride) and the safeguards against each.

3. Kueleza mtazamo wa kibiblia na wenye usawa kuhusu ndoa ya mchungaji na watoto wake, na wajibu wa kanisa kwa familia yake.3. Describe a biblical and balanced view of the pastor's marriage and children, and the church's duty to his family.

4. Kueleza jinsi kanisa la Kibaptisti na mchungaji wanavyojiandaa kwa mabadiliko ya wachungaji, wakikumbuka kwamba kanisa humwita mchungaji wake lenyewe.4. Explain how a Baptist church and pastor prepare for a change of pastors, remembering that the church calls its own pastor.

5. Kujibu pingamizi za kawaida kuhusu kustaafu, uwajibikaji na familia ya mchungaji.5. Answer common objections about retirement, accountability and the pastor's family.

Sauti ya Kozi HiiThe Voice of This Course

Kozi hii imeandikwa kutoka ndani ya mapokeo ya Kibaptisti, kwa ajili ya wachungaji Wabaptisti. Ni ya kihafidhina katika mafundisho na ya vitendo katika kusudi. Wabaptisti wanapotofautiana, tunaeleza mitazamo kwa haki na kutoa jibu ambalo Wabaptisti wengi wa kihafidhina wangetoa. Kipindi hiki cha mwisho kinakusanya kozi pamoja. Tunauliza jinsi mchungaji anavyoweza kumaliza vizuri. Wito na sifa za mchungaji ziko katika Kipindi cha 1, migogoro na urejesho katika Kipindi cha 5, na kanisa kumwita mchungaji wake katika Kozi ya 3, Kipindi cha 4.This course is written from inside the Baptist tradition, for Baptist pastors. It is conservative in doctrine and practical in purpose. Where Baptists differ, we state the views fairly and give the answer most conservative Baptists would give. This last unit gathers the course together. We ask how a pastor can finish well. The call and qualifications of the pastor are in Unit 1, conflict and restoration in Unit 5, and the church's calling of its pastor in Course 3, Unit 4.

Mwendo wa KumalizwaA Race to Be Finished

Karibu na mwisho wa maisha yake Paulo aliandika, "Mimi nimekwisha kumiminwa kuwa dhabihu, na wakati wa kufumbuka kwangu umekaribia" (2 Timotheo 4:6). Kisha akasema maneno ya mstari wetu mkuu. Alikuwa amesema vivyo hivyo na wazee wa Efeso miaka mingi kabla, aliposema kwamba hahesabu maisha yake kuwa ya thamani kwake mwenyewe, ili aumalize mwendo wake kwa furaha, na huduma aliyopokea kwa Bwana Yesu (Matendo 20:24).Near the end of his life Paul wrote, "I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand" (2 Timothy 4:6). Then he said the words of our key verse. He had spoken in the same way to the Ephesian elders years before, when he said that he did not count his life dear to himself, so that he might finish his race with joy and the ministry received from the Lord Jesus (Acts 20:24).

Kumaliza si jambo la kiotomatiki. Maandiko yanaonyesha viongozi walioanza vizuri na kuishia vibaya. Sauli alianza kwa unyenyekevu na kuishia kwa wivu. Uzia alisaidiwa na Mungu hadi akawa na nguvu, kisha moyo wake ukainuka hata kuangamia kwake (2 Mambo ya Nyakati 26:15-16). Sulemani alimwomba Mungu hekima, na katika uzee wake moyo wake uligeuzwa (1 Wafalme 11:4). Paulo mwenyewe aliandika kwa huzuni kwamba Dema alikuwa amemwacha, akiupenda ulimwengu huu wa sasa (2 Timotheo 4:10). "Basi anayedhani amesimama na aangalie asianguke" (1 Wakorintho 10:12).Finishing is not automatic. Scripture shows leaders who began well and ended badly. Saul began humbly and ended in jealousy. Uzziah was helped by God until he was strong, and then his heart was lifted up to his destruction (2 Chronicles 26:15-16). Solomon asked God for wisdom and in old age his heart was turned away (1 Kings 11:4). Paul himself wrote with sorrow that Demas had forsaken him, having loved this present world (2 Timothy 4:10). "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12).

Bwana hamtaki mchungaji kuwa mkamilifu. Anamtaka kuwa mwaminifu (1 Wakorintho 4:2). Mchungaji anayemaliza vizuri anaendelea kutubu, anaendelea kuamini na anaendelea hadi mwisho.The Lord does not ask a pastor to be perfect. He asks him to be faithful (1 Corinthians 4:2). A pastor who finishes well keeps repenting, keeps believing and keeps on to the end.

Kuilinda Nafsi Yako MwenyeweGuarding Your Own Soul

Agizo la Paulo kwa wazee wa Efeso linamweka mchungaji kwanza: "Jitunzeni nafsi zenu, na lile kundi lote pia" (Matendo 20:28). Alimwambia Timotheo ajitunze mwenyewe na mafundisho yake, kwa maana kwa kufanya hivyo atajiokoa mwenyewe na wale wanaomsikia (1 Timotheo 4:16). Lectures to My Students (Mihadhara kwa Wanafunzi Wangu) ya Spurgeon ina mafundisho kuhusu maisha ya mhudumu mwenyewe, na kila mchungaji anapaswa kuisoma.Paul's charge to the Ephesian elders puts the pastor first: "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock" (Acts 20:28). He told Timothy to take heed to himself and to the doctrine, for in doing this he would save both himself and those who heard him (1 Timothy 4:16). Spurgeon's Lectures to My Students includes teaching on the minister's own life, and every pastor should read it.

Dumisha matembezi yako mwenyewe na Mungu. Mchungaji anayeombea wengine tu na kusoma Biblia kwa ajili ya kutayarisha mahubiri tu hukauka polepole. Yesu aliamka mapema kuomba peke yake (Marko 1:35). Mitume walijitoa "kudumu katika kuomba na kulihudumia neno" (Matendo 6:4), na maombi yanakuja kwanza. Soma Biblia kwa ajili ya roho yako mwenyewe, mbali na mahubiri.Keep your own walk with God. A pastor who prays only for others and reads the Bible only to prepare sermons slowly dries up. Jesus rose early to pray alone (Mark 1:35). The apostles gave themselves "continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:4), and prayer comes first. Read the Bible for your own soul, apart from the sermon.

Pumzika. Bwana mwenyewe aliwaambia wanafunzi wake, "Njoni ninyi wenyewe peke yenu mahali pasipo na watu, mkapumzike kidogo" (Marko 6:31). Nabii Eliya, baada ya ushindi mkuu, alikimbia kwa hofu na akatamani kufa, na Mungu alimpa usingizi na chakula kabla ya kumpa kazi (1 Wafalme 19:1-8). Mchungaji asiyepumzika kamwe huwa mkali kisha huugua. Chukua siku ya kupumzika kila juma na likizo za kila mwaka. Huu ni utii kwa jinsi Mungu alivyotuumba.Rest. The Lord Himself said to His disciples, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while" (Mark 6:31). The prophet Elijah, after a great victory, ran in fear and wished to die, and God gave him sleep and food before He gave him a task (1 Kings 19:1-8). A pastor who never rests becomes harsh and then ill. Take a weekly day of rest and annual holidays. This is obedience to the way God made us.

Kukata tamaa na huzuni nzito. Wachungaji wengi waaminifu hupitia misimu ya huzuni kuu. Spurgeon mwenyewe alisema waziwazi juu ya nyakati kama hizo katika mhadhara kwa wanafunzi wake. Mchungaji hapaswi kuona aibu kumwambia rafiki anayeaminika au mke wake, na kumwona daktari inapohitajika (tazama Zaburi 42:5). Maombi na huduma ya matibabu si maadui.Discouragement and depression. Many faithful pastors suffer seasons of deep sadness. Spurgeon himself spoke openly of such times in a lecture to his students. A pastor should not be ashamed to tell a trusted friend or his wife, and to see a doctor when needed (see Psalm 42:5). Prayer and medical care are not enemies.

Marafiki. Yesu aliwatuma wanafunzi wawili wawili (Marko 6:7), na Paulo alimwomba Timotheo aje kwake (2 Timotheo 4:9). Mchungaji anahitaji rafiki mmoja au wawili nje ya kanisa lake mwenyewe, kama mchungaji mwenzake katika chama cha makanisa, atakayemwombea na kusema naye akipotea.Friends. Jesus sent out disciples two by two (Mark 6:7), and Paul asked Timothy to come to him (2 Timothy 4:9). A pastor needs a friend or two outside his own church, such as a fellow pastor in the association, who will pray for him and speak to him if he goes astray.

Hatari Nne kwa UadilifuFour Dangers to Integrity

Wachungaji wameanguka kwa njia nyingi, lakini hatari nne zinatajwa mara nyingi sana hata kila mchungaji anapaswa kukesha.Pastors have fallen in many ways, but four dangers are named so often that every pastor should keep watch.

Fedha. Paulo aliandika kwamba kupenda fedha ni shina la mabaya ya kila namna (1 Timotheo 6:10), na Petro aliwaambia wachungaji watumike "si kwa kutaka fedha mbaya, bali kwa moyo wa nia" (1 Petro 5:2). Paulo alichukua tahadhari kubwa ili hakuna mtu awezaye kumlaumu kuhusu ushughulikiaji wa sadaka kwa maskini (2 Wakorintho 8:20-21). Kinga ni rahisi. Kanisa liwe na mweka hazina na timu ya fedha isiyo mchungaji. Watu wawili wahesabu sadaka. Hesabu ziripotiwe kwa kanisa mara kwa mara. Mchungaji asiwe mtia sahihi pekee wa fedha za kanisa. Aishi maisha rahisi na aseme kwa uaminifu juu ya kipato chake mwenyewe.Money. Paul wrote that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10), and Peter told shepherds to serve "not for dishonest gain but eagerly" (1 Peter 5:2). Paul took great care that no one could blame him for the handling of the collection for the poor (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). Safeguards are simple. The church should have a treasurer and a finance team other than the pastor. Two persons should count the offering. The accounts should be reported to the church regularly. The pastor should not be the sole signer on church funds. He should live simply and speak honestly about his own income.

Dhambi ya uasherati. Paulo anaamuru, "Ikimbieni zinaa" (1 Wakorintho 6:18). Ayubu alifanya agano na macho yake (Ayubu 31:1). Wachungaji wengi wameanguka hapa, na madhara kwa familia, kwa kanisa na kwa injili ni makubwa. Kinga za Kipindi cha 2 zinatumika: usimtembelee au kumshauri mtu wa jinsia tofauti peke yako na faraghani; weka milango wazi au awepo mtu mwingine; linda unachotazama na kusoma, ikiwa ni pamoja na kwenye simu na mtandao; mthamini mke wako; weka marafiki waaminifu wanaoweza kukuuliza maswali magumu. Mchungaji akijikuta anavutwa na mtu mwingine, anapaswa kumwambia ndugu anayeaminika mara moja. Mahali ambapo mchungaji amemnyanyasa mtoto au mtu yeyote asiyejiweza, kanisa lazima limlinde mhanga na kutii sheria, kama tulivyosema katika Kipindi cha 5.Sexual sin. Paul commands, "Flee sexual immorality" (1 Corinthians 6:18). Job made a covenant with his eyes (Job 31:1). Many pastors have fallen here, and the damage to families, to the church and to the gospel is great. The safeguards of Unit 2 apply: do not visit or counsel a person of the opposite sex alone and in private; keep doors open or have another person present; guard what you look at and read, including on the telephone and internet; cherish your wife; keep honest friends who may ask you hard questions. If a pastor finds himself drawn to another person, he should tell a trusted brother at once. Where a pastor has abused a child or any vulnerable person, the church must protect the victim and obey the law, as we said in Unit 5.

Mamlaka. Petro anawakataza wachungaji kuwa watawala juu ya kundi (1 Petro 5:3). Diotrefe alipenda kuwa wa kwanza na aliwafukuza wale waliotofautiana naye (3 Yohana 9-10). Katika kanisa la Kibaptisti mamlaka ya mwisho ya kusanyiko chini ya Kristo ni ulinzi kwa kanisa na kwa mchungaji. Mchungaji anapaswa kukaribisha ushauri wa mashemasi, akubali kuulizwa maswali, na asijenge kanisa kuzunguka haiba yake mwenyewe.Power. Peter forbids pastors to be lords over the flock (1 Peter 5:3). Diotrephes loved the first place and drove out those who disagreed (3 John 9-10). In a Baptist church the congregation's final authority under Christ is a protection both for the church and for the pastor. A pastor should welcome the counsel of the deacons, accept being questioned, and not build a church around his own personality.

Kiburi. Mithali 16:18 inasema kiburi hutangulia uharibifu. Mchungaji wa kanisa linalokua lazima akumbuke kwamba "yeye apandaye si kitu, wala yeye atiaye maji; bali Mungu akuzaye" (1 Wakorintho 3:7). Pokea sifa kwa wepesi na usahihisho kwa furaha.Pride. Proverbs 16:18 says that pride goes before destruction. A pastor of a growing church must remember that "neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase" (1 Corinthians 3:7). Accept praise lightly and correction gladly.

Uadilifu pia unamaanisha ukweli wazi. Usizidishe idadi, usiazime hadithi kama uzoefu wako mwenyewe wala usiahidi usiloweza kutimiza (2 Wakorintho 4:2).Integrity also means plain truthfulness. Do not exaggerate numbers, borrow stories as your own experience or promise what you cannot do (2 Corinthians 4:2).

Familia ya MchungajiThe Pastor's Family

Paulo anasema kwamba mwangalizi lazima aitawale nyumba yake vizuri, kwa maana mtu asiyejua kuitawala nyumba yake mwenyewe, atalitunzaje kanisa la Mungu (1 Timotheo 3:4-5)? Nyumba ya mchungaji ndiyo mahali pa kwanza ambapo huduma yake inapimwa.Paul says that an overseer must manage his own household well, for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God (1 Timothy 3:4-5)? The pastor's home is the first place his ministry is tested.

Ndoa. Ndoa ni zawadi nzuri ya Mungu, na ndoa ya mchungaji ni miongoni mwa ushuhuda bora ambao kanisa lake litaona. Paulo anawaambia waume wawapende wake zao kama Kristo alivyolipenda kanisa (Waefeso 5:25), na Petro anawaambia waishi na wake zao kwa akili na kuwaheshimu (1 Petro 3:7). Mchungaji anapaswa kupanga wakati na mke wake, kumsikiliza na kuomba pamoja naye. Yeye si msaidizi asiyelipwa wa kanisa. Ana wito wake na karama zake, na anaweza kutumikia kadiri anavyoweza, lakini kanisa lisimdai.Marriage. Marriage is God's good gift, and a pastor's marriage is among the best witnesses his church will see. Paul tells husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25), and Peter tells them to live with their wives with understanding and to honor them (1 Peter 3:7). A pastor should plan time with his wife, listen to her and pray with her. She is not an unpaid assistant to the church. She has her own calling and gifts, and may serve as she is able, but the church should not demand it of her.

Watoto. Mchungaji anapaswa kuwafundisha watoto wake Maandiko (Kumbukumbu la Torati 6:6-7) na kuwapa wakati wake. Paulo anawaonya baba wasiwachokoze watoto wao (Wakolosai 3:21). Watoto wa mchungaji hawapaswi kutakiwa kuwa kielelezo kwa kusanyiko lote. Ni watoto, na wanahitaji uhuru wa kukua. Biblia inatoa maonyo ya kusikitisha (1 Samweli 3:13; 8:1-3), lakini haitoi hakikisho kwamba wazazi wanaotunza kwa uangalifu daima watapata watoto wacha Mungu, na kanisa linapaswa kuonyesha neema.Children. A pastor should teach his children the Scriptures (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) and give them his time. Paul warns fathers not to provoke their children to wrath (Colossians 3:21). The pastor's children should not be required to be a model for the whole congregation. They are children, and need freedom to grow. The Bible gives sad warnings (1 Samuel 3:13; 8:1-3), but no guarantee that careful parents will always have godly children, and a church should show grace.

Paulo aliandika juu ya karama ya useja (1 Wakorintho 7:7), na wachungaji walio waseja au wajane wanahitaji urafiki na utunzaji wa kanisa pia.Paul wrote about the gift of singleness (1 Corinthians 7:7), and single or widowed pastors need the friendship and care of the church as well.

Kuna makosa mawili yanayopingana. Wachungaji wengine hulipa kanisa kila kitu na familia kile kilichobaki. Wengine hutumia "familia kwanza" kama sababu ya kuepuka gharama ya huduma. Yesu alifundisha kwamba hakuna mtu apaswa kumpenda baba au mama kuliko yeye (Mathayo 10:37), na Paulo anasema mtu asiyewaandalia walio wake mwenyewe amekana imani (1 Timotheo 5:8). Yote mawili ni kweli. Jibu la Kibaptisti la kihafidhina ni kwamba hizi si uaminifu pinzani, kwa sababu huduma ya mchungaji kwa Kristo inajumuisha utunzaji mwaminifu wa familia yake. Kanisa linalojali familia ya mchungaji wake linamsaidia kutumikia. Linapaswa kutoa msaada wa haki, siku ya kupumzika na likizo za kila mwaka, na lisitarajie ajibu kila wito kila saa.There are two opposite mistakes. Some pastors give the church everything and the family what is left. Others use "family first" as a reason to avoid the cost of ministry. Jesus taught that no one may love father or mother more than Him (Matthew 10:37), and Paul says a man who does not provide for his own family has denied the faith (1 Timothy 5:8). Both are true. The conservative Baptist answer is that these are not rival loyalties, because the pastor's service to Christ includes faithful care of his family. A church that cares for its pastor's family helps him to serve. It should provide fair support, a day off and annual holidays, and should not expect him to answer every call at every hour.

Urithi wa Uongozi katika Kanisa la KibaptistiSuccession in a Baptist Church

Maandiko yanaonyesha viongozi wakiwaandaa wengine. Bwana alimwambia Musa amwekee Yoshua mikono mbele ya watu, ili amrithi (Hesabu 27:18-23). Vazi la Eliya lilimwangukia Elisha (2 Wafalme 2). Paulo alimfunza Timotheo, na kumwambia aweke amana kwa watu waaminifu yale aliyoyasikia (2 Timotheo 2:2). Kuaga kwa Paulo kwa wazee wa Efeso (Matendo 20:17-38) kunaonyesha kiongozi akikabidhi kundi kwa maombi.Scripture shows leaders preparing others. The Lord had Moses lay his hands on Joshua, in front of the people, to succeed him (Numbers 27:18-23). Elijah's mantle passed to Elisha (2 Kings 2). Paul trained Timothy, and told him to commit what he had heard to faithful men (2 Timothy 2:2). Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:17-38) shows a leader handing over the flock in prayer.

Desturi ya Kibaptisti ina tofauti. Katika makanisa mengine askofu au bodi humtaja mchungaji anayefuata. Kanisa la Kibaptisti, kwa kuwa linajitawala, humwita mchungaji wake lenyewe (Kozi ya 3, Kipindi cha 4). Kwa hiyo mchungaji anayestaafu hawezi kumteua mrithi wake, na hapaswi kujaribu. Sehemu yake ni kulitayarisha kanisa ili mabadiliko yanayofuata yawe ya hekima.Baptist practice has a difference. In some churches a bishop or a board names the next pastor. A Baptist church, being self-governing, calls its own pastor (Course 3, Unit 4). The retiring pastor therefore cannot appoint his successor, and should not try. His part is to prepare the church so that the next change is wise.

Hivi ndivyo mchungaji anavyoweza kujiandaa.Here is what a pastor can do to prepare.

• Fundisha viongozi kama Paulo alivyomfunza Timotheo. Kanisa lenye viongozi kadhaa waliofundishwa na wanaoheshimiwa halitasambaratika mtu mmoja anapoondoka.• Train leaders as Paul trained Timothy. A church with several taught and respected leaders will not fall apart when one man leaves.

• Weka kumbukumbu za uanachama, fedha, mali na mipango, ili mchungaji anayefuata aanze akiwa na ujuzi.• Keep records of membership, finances, property and plans, so the next pastor starts with knowledge.

• Toa taarifa mapema kwa mashemasi, ili kanisa liweze kuomba na kupanga.• Give early notice to the deacons, so that the church can pray and plan.

• Fundisha kanisa jinsi ya kumwita mchungaji: sifa za Kipindi cha 1, haki na wajibu wa kanisa chini ya Kristo, na haja ya kutafuta mapenzi ya Mungu. Makanisa mengi huchagua kamati ya kutafuta na kuleta pendekezo kwa kanisa. Sheria ndogo zinapaswa kueleza jinsi.• Teach the church how to call a pastor: the qualifications of Unit 1, the church's right and duty under Christ, and the need to seek God's will. Many churches elect a committee to search and bring a recommendation to the church. The bylaws should say how.

• Saidia katika kipindi cha mpito. Makanisa mengi hutumia mchungaji wa muda wakati wa utafutaji. Mchungaji anayestaafu asiwe sauti pinzani.• Help in the interim. Many churches use an interim pastor during the search. The retiring pastor should not be a rival voice.

Wabaptisti hutofautiana juu ya baadhi ya maswali yanayojitokeza.Baptists differ on some of the questions that arise.

Je, mchungaji anayestaafu anaweza kupendekeza mrithi? Wengine wanasema ndiyo, kanisa likiomba, kwa sababu anajua mahitaji ya kanisa. Wengine wanasema anapaswa kunyamaza ili kanisa liwe huru. Jibu la Kibaptisti la kihafidhina ni kwamba anaweza kutoa ushauri akiombwa, lakini kanisa lazima lichague kwa uhuru. Kamwe hamlazimishi mtu.May the retiring pastor recommend a successor? Some say yes, if the church asks, because he knows the needs of the church. Others say he should keep silent so that the church is free. The conservative Baptist answer is that he may give counsel if asked, but the church must choose freely. He never imposes a man.

Je, mtoto wa mchungaji anaweza kumrithi? Hakuna kanuni dhidi yake, lakini kanisa lazima limwite mtu huyo kwa uhuru, kwa karama zake mwenyewe, na si kwa uaminifu kwa baba.May a pastor's son succeed him? There is no rule against it, but the church must call the man freely, on his own gifts, and not out of loyalty to the father.

Je, mchungaji mstaafu abaki kanisani? Wengine wanasema aondoke ili mchungaji mpya aongoze. Wengine wanasema anaweza kubaki kama mshiriki wa kawaida. Chochote anachochagua, hapaswi kuongoza kikundi cha wapinzani, kusikiliza malalamiko dhidi ya mrithi wake au kutenda kama mchungaji wa pili.Should the retired pastor stay in the church? Some say he should leave so the new pastor may lead. Others say he may stay as an ordinary member. Whatever he chooses, he must not lead a faction, listen to complaints against his successor or act as a second pastor.

Vipi kuhusu kustaafu yenyewe? Maandiko hayasemi juu ya kustaafu kwa mchungaji, ingawa Walawi wa umri wa miaka hamsini waliacha kazi ya huduma ya hema lakini bado waliwasaidia ndugu zao (Hesabu 8:25-26). Wengi wanashikilia kwamba mchungaji hastaafu kutoka kumtumikia Kristo, bali kutoka mzigo wa ofisi tu. Kanisa linapaswa kuwaheshimu na kuwategemeza wachungaji wake wazee (1 Timotheo 5:17-18). Mahali ambapo hakuna pensheni, kanisa, chama cha makanisa au familia vinapaswa kupanga mapema.What of retirement itself? Scripture does not speak of a pastor's retirement, though the Levites at fifty years of age ceased the work of the tabernacle service but still assisted their brothers (Numbers 8:25-26). Many hold that a pastor does not retire from serving Christ, only from the burden of office. The church should honor and support its aged pastors (1 Timothy 5:17-18). Where there is no pension, the church, the association or the family should plan ahead.

Si kila urithi wa uongozi hupangwa. Mchungaji anaweza kufa, kuugua au kuanguka katika dhambi. Sheria ndogo zinapaswa kuweka masharti kwa siku kama hiyo, na mashemasi wanapaswa kujua hatua. Kanisa lililofundishwa vizuri litapita katika siku ngumu bila hofu.Not all successions are planned. A pastor may die, fall ill or fall into sin. The bylaws should provide for such a day, and the deacons should know the steps. A church that has been taught well will go through hard days without panic.

Pingamizi na MajibuObjections and Answers

Pingamizi la 1: "Mchungaji ameitwa kwa maisha yote, kwa hiyo kupanga mrithi kunaonyesha ukosefu wa imani." Jibu la Kibaptisti ni kwamba wito kutoka kwa Mungu haimaanishi kwamba Bwana hataki maandalizi. Paulo alipanga kwa ajili ya Timotheo na kwa ajili ya wazee. Kujiandaa kwa mwisho ni kulijali kundi, ambalo ni la Kristo na litatudumu.Objection 1: "A pastor is called for life, so planning a successor shows a lack of faith." The Baptist answer is that a call from God does not mean the Lord asks no preparation. Paul planned for Timothy and for the elders. To prepare for the end is to care for the flock, which belongs to Christ and will outlast us.

Pingamizi la 2: "Uwajibikaji kwa wachungaji wengine unatishia uhuru wa kanisa." Uhuru wa kujitawala wa Kibaptisti unamaanisha kwamba hakuna chombo cha nje kinachotawala kanisa. Haukatazi urafiki na ushauri. Mithali 11:14 inasema kuna usalama katika wingi wa washauri. Mchungaji anayejiunga na chama cha makanisa na kuweka marafiki huko anafuata mfano wa Matendo 15, ambapo viongozi waliomba msaada na kanisa bado liliamua.Objection 2: "Accountability to other pastors threatens the church's independence." Baptist autonomy means that no outside body rules the church. It does not forbid friendship and counsel. Proverbs 11:14 says there is safety in a multitude of counselors. A pastor who joins an association and keeps friends there is following the example of Acts 15, where leaders asked for help and the church still decided.

Pingamizi la 3: "Wajibu wa mchungaji ni kwa kanisa kabla ya familia yake, kwa kuwa kazi ni ya haraka." Mchungaji anayepoteza nyumba yake ili kuokoa kanisa lake hajatii 1 Timotheo 3:4-5 wala 5:8. Uwakili wa wakati si usaliti wa wito.Objection 3: "A pastor's duty is to the church before his family, since the work is urgent." A pastor who loses his home to save his church has not obeyed 1 Timothy 3:4-5 or 5:8. Stewardship of time is not a betrayal of the call.

Matumizi ya KichungajiPastoral Application

Mchungaji Joaquín (mfano wa kubuni) amelitumikia kanisa la watu wapatao mia moja na hamsini kwa miaka thelathini na moja, na ana umri wa miaka sitini na minne. Afya yake si kama ilivyokuwa. Baada ya kuomba na mke wake, anawaambia mashemasi kwamba baada ya miaka miwili ana nia ya kustaafu uchungaji.Pastor Joaquín (a fictional example) has served a church of about one hundred and fifty for thirty-one years, and is sixty-four. His health is not what it was. After prayer with his wife, he tells the deacons that in two years he intends to retire from the pastorate.

Kwa miaka miwili anawafunza vijana wawili kufundisha na kutembelea, anaipa kanisa taarifa iliyoandikwa ya kumbukumbu zake, na anahubiri juu ya utunzaji wa Bwana kwa kanisa lake na wito wa mchungaji. Kanisa linachagua kamati, na Joaquín hashiriki ndani yake. Kamati inapomwomba majina, anasema kwamba atafurahi kuomba na kutoa ushauri akiombwa, lakini kwamba kanisa lazima liamue. Kanisa linamwita mchungaji kijana. Joaquín anabaki mshiriki kwa muda, hasemi kamwe dhidi ya badiliko lolote, na baadaye anahamia mji mwingine kuwa karibu na binti yake. Kanisa linatoa zawadi ndogo ya kila mwezi. Katika ibada yake ya mwisho anasoma 2 Timotheo 4:7 na kulishukuru kanisa. Anawakumbusha kwamba Kristo ndiye Mchungaji Mkuu.For two years he trains two younger men to teach and visit, gives the church a written account of its records, and preaches on the Lord's care of His church and the calling of a pastor. The church elects a committee, and Joaquín does not take part in it. When the committee asks him for names, he says that he will gladly pray and give counsel if asked, but that the church must decide. The church calls a younger pastor. Joaquín remains a member for a time, never speaks against any change, and later moves to another town to be near his daughter. The church provides a small monthly gift. At his final service he reads 2 Timothy 4:7 and thanks the church. He reminds them that Christ is the Chief Shepherd.

MuhtasariSummary

Kumaliza vizuri si jambo la kiotomatiki, kama Sauli, Uzia, Sulemani na Dema wanavyoonyesha, kwa hiyo mchungaji huilinda nafsi yake mwenyewe, hudumisha ibada yake, hupumzika, hutafuta marafiki na msaada wakati wa kukata tamaa. Hukesha hatari nne za fedha, dhambi ya uasherati, mamlaka na kiburi, na huweka kinga rahisi dhidi ya kila moja. Humpenda mke wake, huwafundisha watoto wake na hasahau nyumba yake, na kanisa linaisaidia familia yake. Kwa kuwa kanisa la Kibaptisti humwita mchungaji wake lenyewe, mchungaji anayeondoka hulitayarisha kanisa kwa kufunza viongozi, kuweka kumbukumbu, kutoa taarifa na kulifundisha kanisa jinsi ya kuita, lakini hamteui mrithi. Wabaptisti hutofautiana juu ya kupendekeza mrithi, urithi wa kifamilia na kubaki kanisani baada ya kuondoka. Lengo ni la Paulo: kupigana vita vilivyo vizuri, kuumaliza mwendo na kuilinda imani, na mwishoni kusikia kibali cha Mchungaji Mkuu.Finishing well is not automatic, as Saul, Uzziah, Solomon and Demas show, so a pastor guards his own soul, keeps his devotion, rests, seeks friends and help in discouragement. He watches the four dangers of money, sexual sin, power and pride, and keeps simple safeguards against each. He loves his wife, teaches his children and does not neglect his home, and the church supports his family. Because a Baptist church calls its own pastor, the departing pastor prepares the church by training leaders, keeping records, giving notice and teaching the church how to call, but he does not appoint a successor. Baptists differ on recommending a successor, family succession and staying in the church after leaving. The goal is Paul's: to fight the good fight, to finish the race and to keep the faith, and at the end to hear the Chief Shepherd's approval.

Usomaji ZaidiFurther Reading

• Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students (Mihadhara kwa Wanafunzi Wangu), hasa mihadhara kuhusu maisha na roho ya mhudumu mwenyewe.• Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students, especially the lectures on the minister's own life and spirit.

• Richard Baxter, The Reformed Pastor (Mchungaji Aliyerekebishwa) (1656).• Richard Baxter, The Reformed Pastor (1656).

• J. M. Pendleton, Church Manual (Mwongozo wa Kanisa) (1867).• J. M. Pendleton, Church Manual (1867).

• Kozi ya 3, Kipindi cha 4 (wito na kuwekwa wakfu kwa mchungaji), Kozi ya 5, Kipindi cha 1 (mchungaji wa Kibaptisti), Kipindi cha 2 (kinga katika kutembelea) na Kipindi cha 5 (migogoro na urejesho).• Course 3, Unit 4 (the pastor's call and ordination), Course 5, Unit 1 (the Baptist pastor), Unit 2 (safeguards in visitation) and Unit 5 (conflict and restoration).

• John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress (Safari ya Msafiri), kuhusu safari ya muumini hadi mwisho.• John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress, for the believer's journey to the end.

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