THE ROLE OF THE PASTOR

The role of the pastor is three-fold; to feed the flock, to lead the flock, and to protect the flock. (Acts  20:17-35; 1 Peter 5:1-4)

To feed the flock is to provide spiritual food, to declare all the counsel of God. The pastor must "study diligently" to  show himself approved unto God. The pastor must be a "workmen that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). So the teaching ministry of the pastor requires diligent study. The pastor must approach his study of the Word as a workmen, as one who hones his skill of handling the word of God, of rightly interpreting the scriptures (Hebrews 5:10-12; 1 Corinthians 4:1,2; 2 Corinthians 2:17; 2 Corinthians 4:1,2).

To lead the flock is to provide spiritual direction, firstly through the teaching ministry of the Word of God, and secondly as a priest for the flock as a whole and for individuals, to help them in their spiritual life. The entire fellowship is directed through the teaching ministry of the Word of God and the corporate spiritual practices that are set in place for building up of the entire body of Christ. The individual member is directed through an on-going relationship of confession, repentance, and prayer (James 5:16-20; 1 John 1:4-10).

To protect the flock is to identify false teachers that may arise from within the fellowship and the "grievous wolves" that would enter in (from the outside) among us, "not sparing the flock". The pastor must (1 Timothy 1:3-8) (1 Timothy 6:3-10) (2 Timothy 4:1-4) (2 Timothy 2:16-18) (Titus 3:9-11)protect his people from false doctrine.

The pastor must pray. He must keep his own "rule of prayer" diligently, taking heed to himself. Being careful to save himself so that others may be saved (1 Timothy 4:13-16). The pastor must intercede in prayer for each member of the fellowship, doing spiritual combat for the salvation of each member.

The pastor must "do the work of an evangelist" (2 Timothy 4:5), spreading the seeds of the gospel everywhere he goes. And if God wills, he may be graced with the healing and miracle ministry of Philip the Evangelist (Acts 8:5-13; Acts 21:8). This is our prayer.

"Where are the men sent from God?"