Philosophy –literally the love of wisdom:  but in modern acceptation, philosophy is a general term denoting an explanation of the reasons of things –of ministry or service: Why I do what I do.

 First and foremost the love of God compels me and lends constraints to me.

2 Corinthians 5:14, "For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:"

2 Corinthians 12:15, "And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved."

 The charge of God

1 Timothy 5:21, "I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality."

2 Timothy 4:1-5, "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.  But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry."

 The call of God

Matthew 23:1-11, "Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,  Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:  All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.  For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.  But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,  And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,  And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.  But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.  And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.  Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.  But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant."

2 Timothy 2:1-4, "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.  Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.  No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier."

The reason is clear: the Bible tells me so. The way is sometimes not near as clear. There is a clear precedent in the Bible for the way things ought to be done: but the doing of it is often left to the discretion of the Church. The actual application of the principles of Scripture: many have chosen to LORD over the flock of God, many more choose instead to just leave the flock of God to its own devices while others just leave the flock. I choose to lead the flock of God –by example and through encouragement. I do take very seriously the admonitions of Hebrews 13 and 1 Peter 5 with respect to the position of Pastor and under-shepherd of the flock of God. I do not expend inordinate effort with regard to standards, but I do have standards. The fact is if I simply require something: you may yield for a time, but I believe that if God convicts you of something then it will become a lasting part of your life. I teach standards by example: watch and walk. I do require more of those that will lead –in any capacity in the Church. While regular attendance of services is expected of all –a minimum is required of those that will lead. Modesty in dress and appearance is encouraged for all –but it shall be required for those that will lead. Separation unto God is exemplified for all –it is required of them that lead. My prayer and aim is that we should enjoy similar convictions with respect to standards of decency and decorum, but my God given responsibility is to guide and guard the Flock of God. I am not accustomed to begging Christians to come to Church: I believe if God has saved you then you will want to come to services. I am available always, but I can not counsel or care for you beyond regular prayer if you do not communicate with me about your needs. Do not expect the Preacher to be at the hospital if you or your family did not tell the preacher about your admission. In general I will seek by questions to determine your need, but if you do not communicate my prayer will be limited to generalities. 

Hebrews 13:7, "Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation."

Hebrews 13:16-17, "But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.  Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you."

1 Peter 5:1-9, "The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:  Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;  Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.  And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.  Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world."

Lead by example as I follow the example. I cannot change people, but God with the Word changes people’s lives. I must love them as I lead them to Christ. I must not attempt to force them into any mold or pattern, but simply tell the truth in love and trust the truth as I live. I am not the pattern I am a pointer. My job is to direct others to the Pattern; Jesus. If I love them then I will labor and live for them.