As a college student, I find that the one question asked of me most frequently is, “What is your major?” At first I thought it was quite normal to respond that I was pursuing a pastoral major at Moody Bible Institute. But after going through this routine a hundred times, I have come to the conclusion that no one has any idea what I am talking about when I use the word “pastor”. The responses are extremely varied. “You mean you’re gonna be a priest?” or, “There’s a school for that sort of thing?” or, “You’re already a pastor, we’re all pastors in the Lord” and even, “Your father must have been a minister, right?” Clearly, this world has become very confused about the role and nature of the pastor.

The previous conversations were mostly with unbelievers, and I think we can cut them some slack on their ignorance of the church. It would be my hope that when we turn our attention to the church, we would find a better understanding of who the pastor is to be. But as many know, this is far from the truth. It seems that every church I walk into has a radically different definition of the word pastor. At first I was tempted t

A. Qualifications and Ability - This is the area where I am being tested the most now. I have the abilities. I have most of the qualifications. But I fail to be temperate at times, and I am drawn away by various s and passions. Based on what is found lacking in me, if I was offered a pastorate today I would have to turn down the offer. But this is far from anything like despair or ultimate disqualification. I have seen clearly that my time in college is where God is developing my character and refining me, that I will by His grace, be blameless when the time comes to shepherd His flock.

The benefit in this research has been tremendous to myself, a shepherd in formation right now. I have a new sense of purpose, and a better foundation upon which to base my calling and qualifications for pastoral ministry. It would be good to examine my own “possessions” in regard to the ministry now, according to the six point outline which was used for this research.

There is confusion with some about the various titles of authority in the church. One that is clear, is deacon. This office is introduced in Acts 6. Although the word for deacon is not used there, it is clear that the office was established at that time. It is helpful to our discussion to see that deacons were chosen because, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables” (Ac. 6:2). The deacons were appointed in order that the apostles could give themselves completely to prayer and to the ministry of the Word (Ac. 6:4). I find this to be evidence against commissioning “pastors” to every work of the church ministry. Biblically I think they should be considered deacons, and that the distinction is important in placing greater honor on the pastoral role. But even in the case of deacons, their identification is valuable, because they are not merely volunteers, they are given an office with authority to carry out their part of the ministry.

This list could undoubtedly go on and on. I think that it is more important to focus on who and what the shepherd is, than what he does. If we have a firm understanding of the basis for the pastoral role, I believe that whatever ministry flows out of that should be seen as normative. But do take note, the emphasis of the pastor’s work is to God and to people. I think that too many pastors have neglected to see this. Many pastors busy themselves with so many things which have no direct correlation to God or people, and I think that they are neglecting their duty in this.

Some topics in this essay:
Shepherding Church, Word Ac, Bible God, Robert Saucy, Looking Psalm, Jesus Lord, Timothy Titus, Marriage Divorce, Bible Institute, Peter Testament, pastoral ministry, pastoral role, flock god, word god, “shepherd flock, “shepherd flock god, pastoral office, sheep” jn, pet 52, jn 2116, “shepherd sheep”, “shepherd sheep” jn, flock god …, sheep” jn 2116, office personal gain,