Huduma ya Kichungaji, Uhubiri na Misheni ya Kireformed — Sehemu ya 10: Kumaliza Vizuri katika HudumaReformed Pastoral Ministry, Preaching, and Missions — Unit 10: Finishing Well in Ministry

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, uweze:When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

1. Kueleza jinsi fundisho la Kireformed la uvumilivu wa watakatifu linavyompa mhudumu faraja na pia wito wa kukesha.1. Explain how the Reformed doctrine of perseverance gives a minister both comfort and a call to watchfulness.

2. Kutaja hatari kuu zinazomzuia mhudumu kumaliza vizuri, ukitumia maonyo ya Maandiko yenyewe.2. Name the chief dangers to a minister's finishing well, using Scripture's own warnings.

3. Kueleza mazoea yanayomlinda mhudumu: Neno na sala, pumziko la Sabato, uwajibikaji chini ya wazee na presbiteri (baraza la wazee la kanda), familia na urafiki, na mafundisho yaliyo sahihi.3. Describe practices that protect a minister: the Word and prayer, Sabbath rest, accountability under elders and presbytery, family and friendship, and sound doctrine.

4. Kueleza kwa haki mijadala juu ya kufanya kazi kupita kiasi na juu ya kustaafu, na kutoa jibu la Kireformed kwa kila moja.4. State fairly the debates over overwork and over retirement, and give the Reformed answer to each.

5. Kueleza jinsi mhudumu anavyomwandaa mrithi wake na kuliacha kanisa likiwa imara.5. Explain how a minister prepares his successor and leaves a church strong.

Sauti ya Kipindi HikiThe Voice of This Unit

Kipindi hiki kimeandikwa kutoka ndani ya utamaduni wa Kireformed na Kipresbiteri kwa wachungaji na wanafunzi wa Kireformed. Ni kipindi cha mwisho cha kozi hii. Tumesoma wito wa mhudumu (Kipindi cha 1), uhubiri (Kipindi cha 2), katekesi (Kipindi cha 3), utunzaji wa kichungaji (Kipindi cha 4), nyumba (Kipindi cha 5), uinjilisti (Kipindi cha 6), misheni (Kipindi cha 7), kupanda makanisa (Kipindi cha 8) na maisha ya kanisa ulimwenguni (Kipindi cha 9). Sasa tunauliza swali rahisi: mhudumu anabakije mwaminifu hadi mwisho? Jibu linaanza na neema, na linajumuisha wajibu halisi.This unit is written from inside the Reformed and Presbyterian tradition for Reformed pastors and students. It is the last unit of the course. We have studied the minister's call (Unit 1), preaching (Unit 2), catechizing (Unit 3), pastoral care (Unit 4), the home (Unit 5), evangelism (Unit 6), missions (Unit 7), church planting (Unit 8) and the church's life in the world (Unit 9). Now we ask a plain question: how does a minister remain faithful to the end? The answer begins with grace, and it includes real duties.

Neema Hutuweka, Nasi TunakeshaGrace Keeps Us, and We Watch

Utamaduni wa Kireformed hufundisha uvumilivu wa watakatifu (perseverance of the saints): wale ambao Mungu amewaita na kuwafanya wapya watalindwa kwa nguvu zake na hawataanguka mbali kabisa. Kozi ya 2, Kipindi cha 8, "Uvumilivu wa Watakatifu," inafundisha fundisho hilo. Paulo aliandika, "nikiwa na uhakika wa jambo hili, ya kwamba yeye aliyeanza kazi njema ndani yenu, ataimaliza hata siku ya Yesu Kristo" (Wafilipi 1:6). Yuda anamaliza barua yake kwa kumwelekeza yule awezaye kuwalinda waumini wasijikwae (Yuda 24). Yesu alisema juu ya kondoo wake kwamba hakuna mtu atakayewapokonya katika mkono wake (Yohana 10:28).The Reformed tradition teaches the perseverance of the saints: those whom God has called and made new will be kept by His power and will not fall away finally. Course 2, Unit 8, "The Perseverance of the Saints," teaches the doctrine. Paul wrote, "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6). Jude ends his letter by pointing to the One who is able to keep believers from stumbling (Jude 24). Jesus said of His sheep that no one will snatch them from His hand (John 10:28).

Hii ni faraja ya kwanza ya mhudumu aliyechoka. Hakuanza huduma yake kwa nguvu zake mwenyewe, wala hataimaliza kwa nguvu zake mwenyewe. Bwana yuleyule aliyemwita atambeba.This is the first comfort of a minister who is tired. He did not begin his ministry by his own strength, and he will not finish it by his own strength. The same Lord who called him will carry him.

Lakini fundisho la Kireformed si ruhusa ya uzembe. Ungamo la Westminster, sura ya 17, kifungu cha 3, linasema kwa uaminifu kwamba waumini wanaweza, kupitia majaribu na kupuuza, kuanguka katika dhambi nzito kwa muda, na kuteseka kwa ajili yake, hata hivyo watafanywa upya kuelekea toba. Paulo alimwambia Timotheo, "Ujitunze nafsi yako na mafundisho yako. Udumu katika mambo hayo; maana ukifanya hivyo, utajiokoa nafsi yako na hao wanaokusikia" (1 Timotheo 4:16). Pia alisema juu yake mwenyewe kwamba aliuchapa mwili wake "nisije mimi mwenyewe, tena, baada ya kuwahubiri wengine, nikawa mtu asiyestahili" (1 Wakorintho 9:27).But the Reformed doctrine is not a license for carelessness. The Westminster Confession, chapter 17, section 3, says honestly that believers may, through temptation and neglect, fall into grievous sins for a time, and may suffer for them, yet they will be renewed to repentance. Paul told Timothy, "Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you" (1 Timothy 4:16). He also said of himself that he disciplined his body "lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified" (1 Corinthians 9:27).

Yote mawili yanawezaje kuwa kweli? Watu wengine huuliza: ikiwa Mungu huwalinda watakatifu wake, kwa nini kumwonya mchungaji ajitunze? Kanuni za Dort zinajibu katika Hoja Kuu ya Tano, Ibara ya 14. Mungu huwahifadhi watu wake kupitia njia, zikiwemo Neno lake, pamoja na mahimizo yake, vitisho na ahadi, na sakramenti. Maonyo ya Maandiko ni zana ambazo Mungu hutumia kuwaweka watu wake. Mhudumu anayesikia maonyo na kujitunza analindwa na Mungu. Kwa hiyo tunapumzika katika neema, na tunakesha.How can both be true? Some people ask: if God keeps His saints, why warn a pastor to take heed? The Canons of Dort answer in the Fifth Main Point, Article 14. God preserves His people through means, including His Word, with its exhortations, threats and promises, and the sacraments. The warnings of Scripture are the tools God uses to keep His people. A minister who hears the warnings and takes heed is being kept by God. So we rest in grace, and we watch.

Hatari Ambazo Maandiko YanazitajaThe Dangers Scripture Names

Maandiko hayaifichi hatari za huduma. Paulo aliwaonya wazee wa Efeso: "Jitunzeni nafsi zenu, na lile kundi lote, ambalo Roho Mtakatifu amewaweka ninyi kuwa waangalizi ndani yake, mlichunge kanisa la Mungu" (Matendo 20:28). Aliwaambia kwamba mbwa-mwitu wangeingia, na kwamba baadhi ya wale walio miongoni mwao wangenena mambo yaliyopotoka.Scripture does not hide the dangers of ministry. Paul warned the Ephesian elders: "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God" (Acts 20:28). He told them that wolves would come in, and that some from among their own number would speak twisted things.

Tunaorodhesha hatari hapa chini kama Maandiko yanavyofanya, bila kuweka moja juu ya nyingine. Zote zimemaliza huduma.We list the dangers below as Scripture does, without ranking one above another. All of them have ended ministries.

Kiburi. Paulo anasema askofu (msimamizi) asiwe mwamini mpya, "asije akajivuna, akaanguka katika hukumu ya Ibilisi" (1 Timotheo 3:6). Mafanikio, sifa na kusanyiko mwaminifu vinaweza kulisha kiburi. Vivyo hivyo rekodi ndefu ya mafundisho sahihi.Pride. Paul says an overseer must not be a novice, "lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil" (1 Timothy 3:6). Success, praise and a loyal congregation can feed pride. So can a long record of right doctrine.

Kupenda fedha. "Shina la mabaya yote ni kupenda fedha" (1 Timotheo 6:10). Petro anawaambia wazee walichunge kundi "si kwa kupenda faida mbaya, bali kwa moyo wa hiari" (1 Petro 5:2). Mhudumu lazima awe mwaminifu katika kila hesabu.Love of money. "The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:10). Peter tells elders to shepherd the flock "not for dishonest gain but eagerly" (1 Peter 5:2). A minister must be honest in every account.

Dhambi ya uasherati. Paulo anaandika, "Kwa maana haya ndiyo mapenzi ya Mungu, kutakaswa kwenu, mkae mbali na uasherati" (1 Wathesalonike 4:3). Uaminifu wa mhudumu kwa ndoa yake mwenyewe ni suala la ushuhuda wake na utakatifu wake. Mpango wa Bwana kwa ndoa ni muungano wa maisha yote wa mume mmoja na mke mmoja, na askofu lazima awe mwaminifu ndani yake (1 Timotheo 3:2).Sexual sin. Paul writes, "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality" (1 Thessalonians 4:3). A minister's faithfulness to his own marriage is a matter of his witness and his holiness. The Lord's design for marriage is the lifelong union of one husband and one wife, and an overseer must be faithful in it (1 Timothy 3:2).

Kutawala kwa nguvu. Petro anawaonya wazee dhidi ya kutawala kwa ukali juu ya wale waliokabidhiwa kwao na anawaambia wawe vielelezo kwa kundi (1 Petro 5:3).Domineering. Peter warns elders against ruling harshly over those entrusted to them and tells them to be examples to the flock (1 Peter 5:3).

Kupotoka kwa mafundisho. Paulo anaona wakati ambapo watu "hawatayavumilia mafundisho yenye uzima" bali watajilundikia walimu wanaowapendeza (2 Timotheo 4:3-4). Mhudumu anaweza kujaribiwa kulainisha mafundisho ili apendwe, au kufuata kila mtindo mpya.Doctrinal drift. Paul foresees a time when people "will not endure sound doctrine" but will heap up teachers who please them (2 Timothy 4:3-4). A minister may be tempted to soften the teaching to be liked, or to follow every new fashion.

Kukata tamaa na uchovu. Hizi ndizo hatari za kimya zaidi, na mara nyingi za kawaida zaidi.Discouragement and weariness. These are the quieter dangers, and often the commonest.

Uchovu na Hitaji la KupumzikaWeariness and the Need for Rest

Eliya, baada ya ushindi mkuu juu ya Mlima Karmeli, alikimbilia jangwani na kumwomba Bwana amwondolee uhai. Jibu la kwanza la Bwana halikuwa mahubiri. Malaika alimgusa na kusema, "Ondoka, ule," na akampa chakula na usingizi (1 Wafalme 19:3-8). Watumishi wa Mungu wameumbwa kwa mwili. Paulo aliandika juu ya "kuyahangaikia makanisa yote" kukimlemea (2 Wakorintho 11:28), na pia aliandika, "hatulegei" (2 Wakorintho 4:16).Elijah, after a great victory on Mount Carmel, ran into the wilderness and asked the Lord to take his life. The Lord's first answer was not a sermon. An angel touched him and said, "Arise and eat," and gave him food and sleep (1 Kings 19:3-8). Servants of God are made of flesh. Paul wrote of "the care of all the churches" pressing on him (2 Corinthians 11:28), and he also wrote, "we do not lose heart" (2 Corinthians 4:16).

Utamaduni wa Kireformed umewajua wachungaji waliochoka. John Calvin aliteseka kwa magonjwa mengi katika miaka yake ya mwisho na bado alifundisha na kuandika. Mpuritani wa Kiingereza Richard Baxter, mwandishi wa The Reformed Pastor (Kipindi cha 4), pia aliteseka kwa afya mbaya kwa sehemu kubwa ya maisha yake. C. H. Spurgeon, mhubiri Mbaptisti wa Kireformed wa London, alipata vipindi vya huzuni kuu, na aliandika sura juu ya "Mashambulizi ya Kuzimia ya Mhudumu" ("The Minister's Fainting Fits") katika Lectures to My Students. Tunamtaja kama sauti ya Kibaptisti wa Kireformed. Watu hawa wanatufundisha kwamba wahudumu waaminifu wanaweza kushushwa chini, na kwamba kushushwa chini si uthibitisho wa kutokuamini.The Reformed tradition has known weary pastors. John Calvin suffered many illnesses in his later years and still taught and wrote. The English Puritan Richard Baxter, author of The Reformed Pastor (Unit 4), also suffered poor health for much of his life. C. H. Spurgeon, the Reformed Baptist preacher of London, suffered seasons of deep sadness, and he wrote a chapter on "The Minister's Fainting Fits" in his Lectures to My Students. We note him as a Reformed Baptist voice. These men teach us that faithful ministers can be cast down, and that being cast down is not a proof of unbelief.

Mjadala juu ya kufanya kazi kupita kiasi. Wanahistoria wengi wanaupenda mfano wa Wapuritani wa bidii, ambamo wahudumu waliamka mapema, walijifunza kwa muda mrefu na kutembelea daima. Baadhi yao walijitumikisha hadi kuugua. Waandishi wengine wa kisasa wanasema kwamba aina hii ya kujitoa si fadhila bali kiburi, imani kwamba kanisa linatutegemea sisi. Wengine hujibu kwamba pumziko linaweza kuwa kisingizio cha uvivu, na wanabainisha kwamba Paulo alifanya kazi kwa bidii, akisema kwamba alijitaabisha kuliko mitume wengine wote, ingawa kwa neema ya Mungu (1 Wakorintho 15:10).A debate about overwork. Many historians admire the Puritan ideal of diligence, in which ministers rose early, studied long and visited constantly. Some of them worked themselves into illness. Some modern writers say that this kind of devotion is not virtue but pride, a belief that the church depends on us. Others reply that rest can become an excuse for laziness, and they note that Paul labored hard, saying that he worked harder than all the other apostles, though by the grace of God (1 Corinthians 15:10).

Jibu letu. Pande zote mbili ziko sahihi kwa sehemu. Bidii ni wajibu. Maandiko yanamhukumu mtumishi mvivu. Lakini Bwana pia alifanya pumziko kuwa sehemu ya utii. Amri ya nne inaita siku ya kupumzika (Kutoka 20:8-11), na Yesu alifundisha kwamba "Sabato ilifanyika kwa ajili ya mwanadamu, wala si mwanadamu kwa ajili ya sabato" (Marko 2:27). Mitume waliporudi kutoka katika kazi zao, Yesu alisema, "Njoni ninyi wenyewe peke yenu mahali pasipo watu, mkapumzike kidogo" (Marko 6:31). Mtunga zaburi anafundisha kwamba ni ubatili kuamka mapema na kukesha usiku kula chakula cha jasho la wasiwasi, kwani Bwana huwapa wapenzi wake usingizi (Zaburi 127:2). Mchungaji asiyepumzika kamwe hutangaza kwa maisha yake kwamba kanisa linamtegemea yeye. Mchungaji anayepumzika hutangaza kwamba kanisa linamtegemea Kristo. Siku ya kawaida ya kupumzika, likizo ya kila mwaka, na, pale kanisa linaweza kupanga, wakati wa kujifunza au kufanywa upya ni matendo ya imani.Our answer. Both are partly right. Diligence is a duty. Scripture condemns the idle servant. But the Lord also made rest part of obedience. The fourth commandment calls for a day of rest (Exodus 20:8-11), and Jesus taught that "the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27). When the apostles returned from their labors, Jesus said, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while" (Mark 6:31). The psalmist teaches that it is vain to rise early and stay up late eating the bread of anxious toil, for the Lord gives sleep to His beloved (Psalm 127:2). A pastor who never rests proclaims by his life that the church depends on him. A pastor who rests proclaims that the church depends on Christ. A regular day of rest, an annual holiday, and, where the church can arrange it, a time of study or renewal are acts of faith.

Uwajibikaji: Wazee na PresbiteriAccountability: Elders and Presbytery

Uongozi wa Kipresbiteri unamlinda mchungaji kama unavyowalinda watu. Mhudumu si mtawala wa pekee. Anatumika pamoja na baraza la wazee (session), na anaishi ndani ya presbiteri iliyochunguza wito wake na kulinda mafundisho yake na maisha yake. Kozi ya 4, Kipindi cha 2, "Uongozi kwa Wazee," na Kipindi cha 5, "Nidhamu ya Kanisa na Uanachama," inafundisha hili.Presbyterian government guards the pastor as well as the people. A minister is not a lone ruler. He serves with a session of elders, and he belongs to a presbytery that examined his call and watches over his doctrine and life. Course 4, Unit 2, "Government by Elders," and Unit 5, "Church Discipline and Membership," teach this.

Baadhi ya wahudumu huchukia hili. Wanasema kwamba usimamizi unaonyesha kutokuaminiwa, au kwamba mchungaji anahitaji uhuru wa kuongoza kwa ujasiri. Tunajibu kwamba usimamizi wa wazee ni utoaji wa Bwana kwa mhudumu mwenyewe. Wachungaji wengi walioanguka hawakuwa na mtu mwenye haki ya kuwauliza maswali magumu. Wazee wanaompenda mchungaji wao watauliza juu ya ndoa yake, wakati wake na Neno, fedha zake na uchovu wake. Mchungaji anayekaribisha hili amechagua kizuizi pembeni ya ukingo wa mwamba. Nidhamu ya kanisa, ikitumiwa vizuri, ni rehema kwa aliyeanguka kama ilivyo ulinzi kwa kundi.Some ministers resent this. They say that oversight shows distrust, or that a pastor needs freedom to lead boldly. We answer that the oversight of elders is the Lord's provision for the minister himself. Many pastors who fell had no one with the right to ask them hard questions. Elders who love their pastor will ask about his marriage, his time with the Word, his finances and his weariness. A pastor who welcomes this has chosen a fence at the edge of a cliff. Church discipline, rightly used, is mercy for the one who has fallen as well as protection for the flock.

Uwajibikaji pia unamaanisha marafiki wachache wa karibu wanaoweza kusema waziwazi. "Chuma hunoa chuma; ndivyo mtu humnoa mwenzake" (Methali 27:17). Mhudumu anahitaji marafiki nje ya kusanyiko lake mwenyewe, kama wachungaji wenzake wanaomjua vizuri.Accountability also means a few close friends who may speak plainly. "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend" (Proverbs 27:17). A minister needs friends beyond his own congregation, such as fellow pastors who know him well.

Nyumba na MafundishoHome and Doctrine

Paulo anasema askofu lazima awe mtu anayeongoza vema nyumba yake mwenyewe, "kwa maana mtu asipojua kuiongoza nyumba yake mwenyewe, ataangaliaje kanisa la Mungu?" (1 Timotheo 3:5). Kusanyiko la kwanza la mhudumu ni familia yake mwenyewe. Tumia wakati na mke na watoto. Ombeni pamoja nao. Shikeni Siku ya Bwana kama familia. Mchungaji anayelipa kanisa nafsi yake yote na kuiachia nyumba yake mabaki hajamaliza vizuri, kanisa lifikirie nini.Paul says an overseer must be one who rules his own house 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 3:5). A minister's first congregation is his own family. Spend time with a wife and children. Pray with them. Keep the Lord's Day as a family. A pastor who gives the church his whole self and leaves his household with the dregs has not finished well, whatever the church thinks.

Mhudumu pia huitunza nafsi yake mwenyewe. Anapaswa kusoma Biblia kwa ajili yake mwenyewe, si kwa mahubiri yake tu, na kujiombea kama anavyolia kundi. Utamaduni wa Kireformed hutoa msaada katika maungamo na katekisimu, ambazo huweka mafundisho katika shauri lote la Mungu na kulinda dhidi ya kupotoka. Paulo anaamuru, "Jitahidi kujionyesha mwenyewe kuwa umekubaliwa na Mungu, mtenda kazi asiye na neno la kumtahayarisha, ukitumia kwa halali neno la kweli" (2 Timotheo 2:15).A minister also keeps his own soul. He should read the Bible for his own sake, not only for his sermons, and pray for himself as for his flock. The Reformed tradition provides help in the confessions and the catechisms, which anchor teaching in the whole counsel of God and guard against drift. Paul commands, "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).

Urithi na KustaafuSuccession and Retirement

Kumaliza vizuri kunajumuisha kuliacha kanisa linaloweza kuendelea bila sisi. Musa alimwekea Yoshua mikono (Kumbukumbu la Torati 34:9). Paulo alimwambia Timotheo awakabidhi watu waaminifu mambo aliyoyasikia, watakaofundisha na wengine (2 Timotheo 2:2). Mchungaji mwenye hekima huwafunza wazee tangu mwanzo. Hushiriki mimbari na wengine, hufundisha kusanyiko kulipenda Neno na si mhubiri tu, na huweka kumbukumbu na mipango katika utaratibu. Wakati unapofika, huwasaidia kanisa na baraza la wazee kutafuta mrithi, kisha hujiondoa kwa njia inayomwunga mkono mchungaji mpya.Finishing well includes leaving a church that can continue without us. Moses laid hands on Joshua (Deuteronomy 34:9). Paul told Timothy to commit the things he had heard to faithful men who would teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2). A wise pastor trains elders from the beginning. He shares the pulpit with others, teaches the congregation to love the Word and not only the preacher, and keeps records and plans in order. When the time comes, he helps the church and the session seek a successor, then steps aside in a way that supports the new pastor.

Mjadala juu ya kustaafu. Wakristo wengine wanasema kwamba mhudumu hastaafu kamwe, kwa sababu wito ni wa maisha yote na Maandiko hayaonyeshi pensheni. Wengine wanasema kwamba mhudumu anapaswa kujiuzulu akiwa na umri uliowekwa, na kuwapa nafasi vijana. Hoja zote mbili zina msaada fulani katika Maandiko. Walawi, katika Hesabu 8:24-26, walipaswa kuacha kazi nzito ya utumishi wakiwa na umri wa miaka hamsini kisha kuwasaidia ndugu zao, ingawa hawakuiacha huduma. Mtunga zaburi anaomba, "Hata na uzee na mvi, Ee Mungu, usiniache, hata nikiisha kuutangaza uweza wako kwa kizazi hiki" (Zaburi 71:18).A debate about retirement. Some Christians say that a minister never retires, because the call is for life and Scripture shows no pension. Others say that a minister should step down at a set age, and make room for younger men. Both points have some support in Scripture. The Levites, in Numbers 8:24-26, were to cease the heavy work of service at the age of fifty and then assist their brothers, though they did not abandon the service. The psalmist prays, "Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation" (Psalm 71:18).

Jibu letu. Wito ni wa maisha yote, lakini umbo la utumishi hubadilika. Mhudumu anaweza kuweka chini majukumu mazito ya mchungaji na bado kufundisha, kushauri, kuomba na kuwa mshauri. Makanisa ya Kipresbiteri kwa kawaida hutambua hili kwa kuwapa wahudumu waliostaafu hadhi ya emeritus, ingawa maelezo hutofautiana kwa dhehebu. Muhimu ni kwamba kanisa lisiachwe bila mchungaji, na kwamba mzee asishikilie mamlaka.Our answer. The calling is for life, but the form of service changes. A minister may lay down the heavy duties of a pastor and still teach, counsel, pray and mentor. Presbyterian churches commonly recognize this by giving retired ministers an emeritus status, though the details vary by denomination. What matters is that the church not be left without a shepherd, and that the older man not cling to power.

Kumaliza: Waaminifu, Si MaarufuFinishing: Faithful, Not Famous

Katika wiki zake za mwisho, akiwa mgonjwa na dhaifu, John Calvin alikutana na baraza na wachungaji wa Geneva ili kuaga. Alikufa mwezi Mei 1564. Maisha yake yanaonyesha kile utamaduni wa Kireformed unachothamini: huduma inayopimwa kwa uaminifu kwa Neno.In his last weeks, ill and weak, John Calvin met the council and the pastors of Geneva to say farewell. He died in May 1564. His life shows what the Reformed tradition prizes: a ministry measured by faithfulness to the Word.

Paulo aliandika barua yake ya mwisho kutoka gerezani, akijua kwamba wakati wa kuondoka kwake umekaribia. Hakujisifu kwa matokeo. Alisema kwamba alipigana, alimaliza na alilinda, na kwamba taji ya haki inamngoja, "wala si mimi tu, bali na wote waliopenda kufunuliwa kwake" (2 Timotheo 4:6-8). Kipimo cha mhudumu ni kama anapatikana mwaminifu (1 Wakorintho 4:2). Wahudumu wengi waaminifu walitumika katika vijiji visivyojulikana na hawakujulikana nje yake. Ujira wao u kwa Bwana.Paul wrote his last letter from prison, knowing the time of his departure was at hand. He did not boast of results. He said that he had fought, finished and kept, and that a crown of righteousness awaited, "not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing" (2 Timothy 4:6-8). The test of a minister is whether he is found faithful (1 Corinthians 4:2). Many faithful ministers served in obscure villages and were never known beyond them. Their reward is with the Lord.

Matumizi ya KichungajiPastoral Application

Mchungaji wa miaka hamsini na minane amelihudumia kusanyiko lilelile la watu tisini kwa miaka thelathini. Amechoka, mahubiri yake yamekuwa makavu, na wakati mwingine analala macho akijiuliza kama anapaswa kujiuzulu. Hajamwambia mtu yeyote.A pastor of fifty-eight has served the same congregation of ninety people for thirty years. He is tired, his preaching has become dry, and he sometimes lies awake wondering whether he should resign. He has told no one.

Hatimaye anasema na mzee mkuu. Mzee hamkemei. Baraza la wazee linakutana naye na kusikiliza. Wanampa mwezi mmoja wa pumziko na kujifunza mbali na mimbari, na wanashiriki kuhubiri wenyewe na mchungaji jirani. Wanamwomba amchukue mkewe kwenye mafungo mafupi. Kwa pamoja wanaamua kwamba mchungaji ataanza kuwafundisha vijana wawili, mmoja shemasi na mwingine mwalimu wa shule, katika darasa la kila wiki juu ya kuhubiri na katekisimu, na kwamba katika miaka miwili baraza la wazee litapitia kama kumwita mchungaji msaidizi. Mchungaji anarudi akiwa amepumzika, na anaona kwamba Bwana amekuwa akimwandaa mrithi wake.At last he speaks with the senior elder. The elder does not rebuke him. The session meets with him and listens. They grant him a month of rest and study away from the pulpit, and they share the preaching among themselves and a neighboring pastor. They ask him to take his wife on a short retreat. Together they decide that the pastor will begin teaching two younger men, one a deacon and one a schoolteacher, in a weekly class on preaching and the catechism, and that in two years the session will review whether to call an associate pastor. The pastor comes back rested, and he sees that the Lord has been preparing his successor.

MuhtasariSummary

Mhudumu wa Kireformed humaliza vizuri kwa neema, si kwa nguvu zake mwenyewe. Fundisho la uvumilivu humfariji, na maonyo ya Maandiko ndiyo njia ambayo Mungu humlinda kwayo (Dort, Hoja Kuu ya Tano, Ibara ya 14; Ungamo la Westminster 17.3). Maandiko yanataja hatari: kiburi, kupenda fedha, dhambi ya uasherati, kutawala kwa nguvu, kupotoka kwa mafundisho na kukata tamaa. Uchovu hukabiliwa kwa pumziko, kwa kuwa bidii na Sabato ni wajibu wote, na wachungaji waliochoka wa utamaduni huu, Calvin, Baxter na Spurgeon, wanatufundisha tusiionee aibu udhaifu. Uwajibikaji kwa wazee na presbiteri, marafiki nje ya kusanyiko, utunzaji wa nyumba yake mwenyewe, na uangalifu kwa nafsi yake na mafundisho yake humlinda mhudumu. Kumaliza vizuri pia kunamaanisha kumwandaa mrithi, na wito hudumu maisha yote hata umbo la utumishi linapobadilika. Lengo ni kupatikana mwaminifu.A Reformed minister finishes well by grace, not by his own strength. The doctrine of perseverance comforts him, and the warnings of Scripture are the means by which God keeps him (Dort, Fifth Main Point, Article 14; Westminster Confession 17.3). Scripture names the dangers: pride, love of money, sexual sin, domineering, doctrinal drift and discouragement. Weariness is met with rest, since both diligence and Sabbath are duties, and the tradition's weary pastors, Calvin, Baxter and Spurgeon, teach us not to be ashamed of weakness. Accountability to elders and presbytery, friends beyond the congregation, care for one's own home, and attention to one's own soul and doctrine protect the minister. Finishing well also means preparing a successor, and the calling lasts for life even when the form of service changes. The goal is to be found faithful.

Usomaji ZaidiFurther Reading

• Richard Baxter, The Reformed Pastor (Mchungaji wa Kireformed; 1656).• Richard Baxter, The Reformed Pastor (1656).

• William Perkins, The Art of Prophesying (Sanaa ya Kutabiri; 1592).• William Perkins, The Art of Prophesying (1592).

• C. H. Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students (Mihadhara kwa Wanafunzi Wangu), ikiwemo "The Minister's Fainting Fits" ("Mashambulizi ya Kuzimia ya Mhudumu"; sauti ya Mbaptisti wa Kireformed).• C. H. Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students, including "The Minister's Fainting Fits" (a Reformed Baptist voice).

• The Canons of Dort (Kanuni za Dort; 1619), Hoja Kuu ya Tano.• The Canons of Dort (1619), Fifth Main Point.

• The Westminster Confession of Faith (Ungamo la Imani la Westminster; 1646), sura ya 17.• The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), chapter 17.

• John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress (Safari ya Msafiri; 1678).• John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress (1678).

• Kozi ya 2, Kipindi cha 8: "Uvumilivu wa Watakatifu."• Course 2, Unit 8: "The Perseverance of the Saints."

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