When you consider how many pastors today view themselves as life coaches, comedians, psychologists, and church growth experts—it shouldn’t really be a shock to see the spiritual lethargy and shallowness that persists among many local churches in our day. Epaphroditus was a man who understood what his responsibility was and he loved the people enough to bring them God’s Word.
When you visit a baseball park for a game, it’s common to see boys and men wearing their favorite player’s jersey. Complete with their ball cap, glove, and jersey—they enjoy the experience of watching their favorite ball player play the game. It’s good to set before your eyes good examples—those worthy of emulating.
When it comes to pastoral ministry, there are many poor examples of men who are lazy, who don’t take their calling seriously, or perhaps shouldn’t occupy a pulpit at all. Like baseball, it’s good to have solid men who serve as grand examples in pastoral ministry—and those are the men you want to follow after and keep your eyes focused on.
In Philippians 2:25-30, we find such a man who is worthy of imitation—a grand example of what pastoral ministry should look like. Notice how Paul describes Epaphroditus to the church at Philippi.
The Steadfast Labor of Epaphroditus
Paul called Epaphroditus his brother (a reference to a true believer) and fellow worker (συνεργός) which is a reference to the fact that Epaphroditus was a helper to Paul and his ministry in the gospel. When you consider the fact that pastoral ministry requires long hours and steady labor to get the work accomplished on a weekly basis—it should be noted that such a quality of steadfast work ethic is required. Epaphroditus was a man who refused to be lazy. A lazy pastor is a shameful thing.
