Exploring The Pastoral Nature Of A Journalist’s Job, by Isaac Asabor

On my way to work some few months ago, I ran into a Pastor friend. As public holidays are not observed in my profession, I often find myself working on Sundays as events that fall within my assigned beats must be followed-through and reported. Instead of understanding my situation or suggesting possible solutions to my pickle, my friend began to admonish me by virtue of being my “Father in the Lord”, insisting that my situation was a result of not praying enough. His lack of understanding and support left me feeling frustrated and misunderstood.

However, as I continued my journey, having replied him that “If anyone is not willing to work, neither should he eat” as enshrined in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, I found myself reflecting on our conversation. Despite my friend’s harsh words, I began to see a deeper connection between our paths. Both journalism and pastoral work, I realized, they are divine calls to serve humanity. While pastors guide their congregations spiritually, journalists inform and empower the public with truth and knowledge.

Against the backdrop of this newfound perspective, I must contextually confess that I have since that fateful day been able to embrace my role with renewed purpose. Just as pastors are called to shepherd their flocks, I am called to shed light on important issues and hold those in power accountable. In fact, it is not a misnomer to opine that both professions, though different in their approaches, share a common mission: to serve and uplift humanity. This realization has given me a sense of fulfillment and dedication to my work, even on those challenging Sunday mornings.

To further demonstrate the fact that Journalism is a divine calling, it is germane to opine that it is a profession that is driven by the pursuit of truth, and which often transcends the boundaries of financial gain. This is no doubt evidential as many journalists continue to work tirelessly, even without salaries for months, driven by a deeper sense of purpose. This unwavering dedication can be seen as a divine calling, akin to the missions of pastors and messengers in biblical scriptures.

Without a doubt, Journalists, much like pastors, are tasked with delivering messages that can transform societies. They shine a light on injustices, hold the powerful accountable, and give a voice to the voiceless. This mission aligns closely with the biblical call to be a light in the world. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus says:

 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Against the backdrop of the foregoing scripture, it is not an exaggeration to assert that Journalists, through their work, let their light shine, illuminating the truth for all to see.

Seemingly being a non-lucrative profession, not a few Journalists persevere in the face of adversity. In fact, the story of Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 4:6-23) is a powerful example of perseverance. Despite facing opposition and threats, Nehemiah and his team continued their work, driven by a higher purpose. Similarly, journalists often face threats, and intimidation but remain steadfast in their mission. Their perseverance is a testament to their calling.

Also seeing a Journalist through the eyes of a worker in God’s vineyard who is called to serve humanity, it is expedient to recall that prophets in the Bible, as scripturally exemplified in Nathan confronting King David (2 Samuel 12:1-14), were not afraid to speak truth to power. Journalists today carry on this tradition, challenging corruption and injustice. Their courage to confront those in authority, even at great personal risk, reflects a divine mandate to uphold truth and justice.

Ostensibly in furtherance of heeding divine call by virtue of the profession they belonged to, not a few Journalists believe that rewards are beyond earthly riches.  This is as recorded in Matthew 6:19-21, where Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth:

He said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Against the backdrop of the foregoing, it is not a misnomer to opine that not a few Journalists who eschew unethical practice are diligently performing their jobs without financial reward, and are not storing up treasures in heaven. In fact, their commitment to truth and justice is a reflection of their heart’s true treasure.

At this juncture, it is expedient to recall that the Bible says, “In the beginning was the Word . . .” and the Word became flesh in Jesus Christ (John 1:1 & 14), and that Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Translated into journalistic language, Jesus declares that “I am the Word and the Word can be broken down into process, content and purpose.”

So, gentlemen of the press, no matter which area of assignments within the profession we find ourselves, being it editorial or reportorial, scriptures that are related to the profession in the Bible must be examined. Aptly put, Journalism from a Christian perspective must look to the Bible for its definition of process, content, and purpose. Not just any process of writing editorial or news reporting or any content or purpose will do. The same is true for the other adjuncts of mass communication, such as Public Relations and Advertising.

Given the foregoing views, there is a choice to believe it or not, even as the fact remains that both pastors and journalists are dedicated to serving humanity, albeit in different ways. Pastors offer spiritual guidance and emotional support, while journalists provide factual information and hold those in power accountable. Despite their different methods, both professions share a common mission: to uplift, protect, and guide their communities. This shared purpose underscores the importance of their roles in fostering a just, informed, and compassionate society, and by that, it is not false to say that we are all involved in shepherding the sheep.