Over the past few years, as many of you might know, I’ve often struggled being a sole pastor. I’ve often felt that I need a senior pastor to serve under – so that they can make the big decisions and me just follow in tow. But recently (yes, I’m a bit slow), Keiyeng has helped me to see that I shouldn’t need a new senior pastor to work under, cause I have the best already = Jesus.

Jesus is the senior pastor / the chief Shepherd / the Good Shepherd of 5:17 church (1 Peter 5:4; John 10:11). Jesus is the head of the church worldwide, including 5:17 church. He bought the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28), and He sets the agenda for who we are and what we do:

1. To love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength; and to love our neighbours as ourselves (Matt 22:37-39); and
2. To make disciples (of Jesus) in all nations (Matt 28:18-20).

How do we do this?

1. We listen to His voice and follow Him (John 10:4). This is why the Bible study, Bible reading and sermon are the heart of our Community Groups and Sunday services. All of Scripture speaks of Jesus (Luke 24:27, 44-47) – the Old Testament points to Jesus, the New Testament describes His person and work and shows us how to live in light of His life, death, resurrection, ascension and Second Coming. 5:17 gathers to hear from Jesus and to know how to know Him better and follow Him more wholeheartedly.
2. We go to Jesus for pastoral care – to cast all our anxieties on Him, and to approach His throne of grace with confidence to receive mercy and help in times of need (1 Peter 5:7; Hebrews 4:14-16)
3. We pray in His name – because there is only one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus (John 14:13; 1 Timothy 2:5)
4. We serve each other as His hands and feet – the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27).

In the end, my confidence as a pastor and our confidence as a church is the promise that nothing can separate us from God’s love, and He will build His church and the gates of hell won’t prevail against it (Romans 8:38-39; Matt 16:18).

And that has made all the difference to my mentality. Hope it gives you confidence to keep moving forward too!

(I know I haven’t exhausted all the things Jesus is for us and calls us to do: feel free to add more in the comments!)