The role of a Pastor

            What exactly is the role of a pastor in today’s church?  They bible likens us (church members) to being sheep and pastors are like shepherds.   Shepherds are told to tend the flock.

“Be shepherds of GOD’s flock that is under your care.  Serving as overseers, not because you must, but because you are willing as GOD wants you to be, not greedy for money, but eager to serve.  Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”

~1 Peter 2-3.

            A pastor must be an example of Jesus and his love.   They must live their lives “above reproach.”    Above reproach means they are supposed to have high standards of living.   They are supposed to be the very essence of what a good Christian should be.   Pastors will makes mistakes, but there will be no scandals or false motives involved.   In Hebrews  13:7 it states: “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority.  They keep watch over you as men who must give an account.”   If a church leader sins against you or hurts you, they must be accountable to GOD.   We (Sheep) are the Children of GOD, and pastors have been entrusted to care for us.

            In John 21, Jesus tells Peter that his job is to “feed the sheep.”  This means spiritual nourishment.   In 1 Corinthians 3:2 “I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it.”   Milk is for new believers.   Meat or solid food is for mature Christians.   “Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.  But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” ~ Hebrews 5: 13-14.    A pastor should feed both milk and meat to members of his congregation.   This does not mean watered down Christianity.    Pastors must uphold the word of GOD with the great honor it deserves.   Pastors must ensure that they foster a spiritually healthy environment.

A pastor must also care about their flock.    “Be sure to know the condition of your flocks.   Give attention to your herds.” ~ Proverbs 27:23.   A pastor must put the interest of their sheep ABOVE their own needs, wants and agenda’s.  A pastor must be concerned about their sheep.    A pastor should never mistreat a member of the congregation and wrongfully use them.  

And most important a pastor must protect their sheep.   “Keep watch over yourself and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.  Be shepherds of the church of God, which he brought with his own blood.  I know hat after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.” ~Acts 20: 28-30.      The pastor must keep a watch over his church or groups to ensure that every member is protected from wolves.

The pastor has many responsibilities~ and they are held to a higher standard than the rest of us.  They must be held accountable for every action they take that might harm a sheep.   It is not easy being a pastor.    

~Sunny :D