The referee

In the game of soccer, the referee is a fundamental figure for the correct conduct of the match. Without him, the game would be chaotic, without order and without rules. The pastor in the church plays a role similar to that of the referee, guiding and overseeing God’s people with wisdom and firmness.

1. Acts as a timekeeper: The referee keeps time for the game, ensuring that the game is played within the allotted time limit. Likewise, the pastor is called to lead the church in the time of his mission, teaching and equipping believers for the work of God. He tells us to “redeem the time, because the days are evil.”
2. Reports infractions: The referee is there to see and penalize infractions. Likewise, the pastor, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, corrects and admonishes church members when they stray from the truth, as Paul teaches us to speak with authority.
3. Indicates the resumption of play after each interruption: After a pause or infraction, the referee restores play. The pastor, in times of interruption or crisis in the life of the church, is called to restore order, pointing the way to restoration in Christ. As Paul teaches us, if there is any transgression, we must encourage with a spirit of meekness.
4. He provides assistance to injured players: When a player is injured, the referee calls the doctor. The pastor, similarly, is called to take care of wounded souls, healing and bringing comfort.
5. He disciplines players after an incorrect play: The referee is the one who sanctions with a red or yellow card. The pastor, as the pastor of the congregation, also has the responsibility to discipline members who sin, always with love and in accordance with the word of God.
6. He decrees the scoring of goals: When a team scores a goal, the referee officially sanctions it. The pastor, as a “spiritual referee,” celebrates the successes of believers, recognizing when someone achieves a spiritual victory or growth in their walk with Christ.
7. Send a report to the appropriate authorities: At the end of the game, the referee writes a report. The pastor, similarly, brings to the Lord an account of his decisions, his actions and the spiritual journey of the church.

Finally, just as the referee must know the rules perfectly, so the pastor must know the Bible, the word of God, deeply to guide God's people in every circumstance. The Bible is our rules of the game, and the pastor is the one who helps us live them every day.