2. The Heart of the Pastor All ministry springs out of your heart. For this reason the development of the heart of a pastor is the most important part of the preparation process in becoming a pastor. I. The Definition of “Heart” A. The literal word “heart” can refer to many different things.

3. 1. The central organ of the vascular system 2. A hollow structure which maintains the circulation of the blood 3. The seat of the affections and emotions 4. One’s innermost thoughts and feelings 5. The vital and essential part

4. B. There are common expressions that are used in relation to the heart. Each one of these expressions can be applied to a person’s ministry. 1. “After one’s own heart” When something is said to be “after your heart” it means that it is perfectly suited to you.

5. 2. “From one’s heart” When something is said to be done “from the heart” it means that it is done with all sincerity and no hypocrisy. 3. “To have at heart” When you say that you have something “at heart” it means that you cherish it and are earnestly concerned for it.

6. 4. “To take to heart” When you take something “to heart” it means that you take it very seriously. 5. “With all one’s heart” When we do something “with all of our heart” we do it intensely, thoroughly and completely.

7. C. There are many conditions of the heart that are described in the Bible.

8. II. There are several wrong motives that could be in the heart of a shepherd. As leaders we need to be willing to constantly hold our motives up to the searchlight of God’s word and the standard presented to us in Jesus Christ. A. A person could be motivated by personal ambition.

9. Personal ambition is characterized by several inward desires including: 1. To be in the limelight (Mt. 6:1-5; 23:5) 2. To build a name for oneself (Gen. 11:4; Phil. 1:15-16; 2:3-9) 3. To be great in man’s eyes (Jer. 45:5; Is. 14:13-14) 4. To seek glory (Pro. 25:27; 27:2; John 7:18; Jer. 9:23-24) 5. To be honored of men (Mt. 6:2; John 5:44)

10. 6. To please or please or impress men (I Th. 2:4; Gal. 1:10) 7. To have a following (Acts 20:29-30) B. A person could be motivated by money or material possessions (John 10:12; I Pet. 5:2; II Pet. 2:3; II Cor. 12:16-19). C. A person could be motivated by power or authority (I Pet. 5:3; Mt. 20:20-28).

11. III. There are proper motives that should be in the heart of every shepherd. There are positive things that should be in our heart to motivate our ministry including: A. Glorifying God (I Pet. 4:11; I Cor. 10:31)

12. B. Love 1. Love for God (John 21:15-17) 2. Love for People (I Th. 2:5-8; Phil. 1:7-8) 3. Love for God’s House (I Chr. 29:3; John 2:17) C. Fulfilling God’s Will (Phil. 3:13-14) D. Winning the Lost (I Cor. 9:19-23; 10:33; Rom. 10:1)

13. E. Rewards (Hebrews 11:6; II Chr. 15:7; I Cor. 3:8-15) The true servant leader can expect several rewards for his or her labor. 1. Satisfaction of Accomplishment (II Tim. 4:6-7) 2. Pleasing God (Mt. 25:21) 3. Success (Josh. 1:8) 4. Crown of Victory (I Pet. 5:4; II Tim 4:6-8; I Cor. 9:24-27)

14. F. A Burning Heart (Jer. 20:9) Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You. Psalm 51:10-13 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You. Psalm 51:10-13