The Role of the Pastor/Elder

Dear friends,

A couple of times each month I send out a devotional email to the elders and deacons of JIBC called Light for Leaders. This week I sent the men an explanation of my philosophy for pastoral ministry. After some reflection, I thought it might be useful to share this with the whole congregation so you can have a better understanding of the role of the pastor/elder.

I have a narrow view of the task for the pastor of a church. It is summed up in this statement:

“My task is to glorify God through making disciples who love God and love others, by preaching, teaching, shepherding, serving, and leading with the Word of God.”

Let me dissect and apply it a little:

First, the purpose of pastoral ministry is to make God look great! Every pastor ought to strive to glorify the Lord above all things.

Second, the goal of pastoral ministry is to make disciples who really love God and others. This is of utmost importance. The fruit of a good ministry is authentic, genuine, saved souls, who are growing in maturity as they follow Jesus!

Third, the task of the pastor is anchored by the Word of God. This is where a lot of pastoral ministry goes awry. The job of the pastor is to bring the scriptures to everything - every business meeting, every fellowship, every service, every lunch, every counseling session, every event! This does not mean there needs to always be a sermon or formal teaching time. However, the pastor is a minister (servant) of the Word and ought to seek ways to incorporate it into church functions. We must never lose sight of this.

Fourth, the task of the pastor is primarily carried out in preaching and teaching. I try to spend more than half my work week focused on preparing and delivering messages from the Bible (sermon, theology lecture, Bible Studies, writing, etc.).

Fifth, the task of the pastor is also carried out in shepherding. That is to say the pastor watches out for the flock. He must be aware of what is going on in people’s lives and be ready to pray and provide spiritual counsel from the scriptures. I think this is best accomplished through availability. It is a futile task to try to chase everyone, but the pastor must create comfortable ways for people to approach him. This gets easier over time.

Sixth, the task of the pastor is carried out in serving. This is simply to say the pastor must always be willing to wash feet. There is not a task at the church which is “beneath” the pastor. A good pastor always tries to give ministry away when he can. However, there must be a constant willingness to do whatever needs to be done.

Seventh, the task of the pastor is carried out in leading. Remember, pastoral leadership is founded on the use of the Word of God. This is how the pastor leads best. The other elders and deacons at the church are often professional people who know better how to plan a budget, lease a building, or manage staff. This is God’s purposeful design in giving the church a plurality of leaders. The special leadership task of the pastor is to attempt to enlighten the decision making and leadership of the church with the full counsel of the Bible.

Finally, it is probably worth noting all the things the pastor is not and does not do! Aside from the above stated willingness to “do whatever needs to be done” the pastor is not typically an executive or manager. He is not a social director or party planner. He is not a therapist or professional counselor. He is not a wedding planner or programer. On and on this list could go. I have learned the hard way that the narrow view of pastor as “minister of the Word” is the best approach. More importantly is it firmly rooted in the scriptures (see 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus).

May God bless us as we serve together!

Your servant,

Stephen

Rev. Stephen St. John
Pastor/Elder