What happens when you read 1 Corinthians chapter 12 and then follow it up with World War Hulk? You get the notion that Captain America is in a similar position as a pastor...
Even though I started reading comics in 2012, I knew even then that Cap has long been a mainstay of Marvel. Though I may not have been an active reader in his hay day (before the Hydra Cap fiasco), I was able to read many of his best adventures through Marvel Unlimited.
Which brings me to a few weeks ago. I was reading through Planet Hulk, World War Hulk, and World War Hulks while at the same time studying 1 Corinthians. (And no, I wasn't hiding a comic inside my Bible to fake out my parents...)
What struck me reading WWH was how Cap was still leaned on to lead the Avengers as they tried to rein in The Hulk. Which made me think...why do the Avengers rely on Captain America so much? He's not the strongest, the smartest, or the most capable...and yet at the same time, the same could be true of Lead Pastors. Hear me out...
First, consider Captain America's position within the Avengers. On the surface, he is the least powerful of the group, lacking the incredible strength of the Hulk, the technological genius of Iron Man, the precognition of Spider-Man...the list is endless. Yet, he is the one who holds the team together, guiding them with his unyielding moral compass.
This mirrors the position of pastors, who may not always be the most skilled or the smartest in their congregations, but are entrusted with the essential task of leading.
As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (ESV),
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone." Embracing this truth can help us recognize that our role of Pastor is not to be the most powerful, but to effectively use our God-given abilities to lead their congregation.
Speaking of the moral compass that Captain America embodies... His unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness guides the Avengers through tough moral choices and helps them navigate the murky waters of right and wrong. This is obviously evident in Civil War, and even carries over to Tony Stark's position in Civil War 2.
This is strikingly similar to the role of pastors, who must shepherd their congregations through difficult times, both in personal issues and during crises' within the community. In the same way Cap leads the Avengers through moral quandaries, we too can encourage our congregation to live out Micah 6:8, serving them as a vital source of guidance, inspiration, and accountability.
My last revelation was the relationship between Captain America and the Avengers also highlights the importance of collaboration and shared responsibility in achieving victory. While the Avengers look up to Captain America for guidance in both battle and diplomacy, it is ultimately the collective effort of the superheroes themselves that determines their victories.
Likewise, the congregation looks up to the pastor for spiritual guidance, but the true work of the church is carried out by the congregation on an individual basis. The job of fighting off the evil is not solely on the shoulders of Captain America just like the Great Commission is not on the shoulders of the pastor. By empowering and encouraging our congregations to take an active role in the work of the church, we can help create a stronger and more vibrant discipleship environment and really impact our community.
This all leads me to my ultimate conclusion: when we recognize our unique gifts, continue to lead and counsel as a moral compass, and equip our congregation to carry out the Great Commission, we can inspire our congregations to not only grow in faith but also in service.
