Voices: Who ministers to the ministers?

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? While not many Latin phrases make their way into common vernacular, this only slightly more known saying translates to “Who watches the watchmen?” or “Who will guard the guardians?”

Originally meant to be a satirical line written by a Roman poet, the more modern interpretation and application of this line serves as a warning and a reflection of how power often corrupts.

When those in power—politically, culturally or socially—exercise their power over others, the question becomes: “Who will ensure those in power will not overextend their authority?”

Depending on your point of view, humanity historically struggles with this system of checks and balances.

Using the example of pop culture, some comic book writers have reflected on the idea of what would happen if Superman lost control and turned evil. An Avengers movie plot hinges on the idea of the government intervening in and ultimately controlling the actions of the superheroes to ensure the “best” for everyone.

In politics, businesses and, yes, even churches, absolute power often corrupts absolutely. But perhaps quis custodiet ipsos custodes may offer us a fresh perspective for ministry and church life.

Of course, we can infer church leadership should remain cautious so power does not corrupt and so no one person in the body of Christ may overextend their calling and authority. Going deeper than this clear lesson, what if we changed the translation to, “Who ministers to the ministers?” or “Who will pastor the pastors?”

Ministers care for other ministers

As a youth minister, I have had the privilege of serving under lead pastors who have ministered to me as I minister to others. Likewise, a healthy church staff often encourages their fellow ministers in any leadership position throughout the life and ministries of the church.

Youth pastors may minister to their lead pastor as much as a children’s pastor may minister to the college pastor. The community found in working together demonstrates to each member of the church staff that they matter, and their work does not go unnoticed.

When the going gets rough, these are the close people who understand and relate to what their fellow minister may be facing.

Outside of individual congregations, pastors may seek counsel from friends and colleagues serving in similar ministries and communities. For example, a youth minister struggling with a particular student or a complex situation in their student ministry may find it easier to turn to a network of their fellow youth pastors to envision a solution.

Perhaps a lead pastor simply needs to share with another pastor friend a woe of the recent season of life. Maybe a fellow minister in Christ can offer up the needed encouragement for a pastor to keep following their calling in a season of congregational storms.

Pastors and ministers with more experience often become the mentors to those beginning their own call to Jesus’ ministry.

Distance in mileage and in time has not stopped me from calling my own pastoral mentors to ask for a piece of advice here or there. Thankfully, I know my mentorships will last a lifetime when I am in desperate need of being ministered to or just hearing a friendly, “Hello.”

When the church ministers to the ministers

Those who might be some of the best ministers to a minister actually may be the people and congregations who normally are being ministered to. Pastors are not the only ones who find themselves called to obey Jesus’ commandment to “love one another.” Each part of the body of Christ has a role to play in the larger narrative of love and joy to the world.

When a pastor finds himself or herself in a congregation where this commandment takes a priority, not only do they discover a passion for loving the congregation, but they also realize the fullness of God’s love when the church demonstrates the same kind of ministerial love and service to their pastor(s). And what a compelling love this is!

As I write this article, I find myself in one of the most stressful and most beautiful seasons of my life. Recently, my wife and I found ourselves being called by God to a new ministry in a familiar town. Those in the know can tell you leaving a particular church and ministry well is equal parts joyful and sorrowful.

We said many tearful “goodbyes,” all while being excited for the opportunities of a new town and new ministry. In the same week we moved to a new house, new ministry and new job, we also welcomed our firstborn son into the world. Those in the know—the rare few—also can tell you moving at eight months pregnant is a daunting and weary task.

In the midst of a few healthy scares, the woes of dealing with a moving company, and the weird feeling of staying in a hospital room more days in my first work week than in my brand new home, we have found ourselves equally ministered to by the people we have ministered to in the last three years and by the congregation with whom we will continue our ministry calling in the years to come.

As we attempt to answer the question, “Who ministers to the ministers,” perhaps we find our answer in Luke 17:21, reminding us “the kingdom of God is among you.” It is you, the people of God, who minister to one another in the highs and lows and wild seasons of this beautiful and crazy life.

Thank you to the ministers and congregants of First Baptist Church of Muleshoe and First Baptist Church of Abilene. During this overwhelmingly stressful and beautiful season of life, you have blessed us with your generosity, prayers and service given in grace and love.

My family and I forever are grateful for your wonderous display of God’s hope and compassion. May God bless and keep you all. Amen.

Hunter Brown graduated from Logsdon Seminary and is a Doctor of Ministry student at Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary. He is the youth minister at First Baptist Church in Abilene. The views expressed are those of the author.