Like anyone else appointed to “pastor” a church, I need to clearly understand the nature of my “pastoral ministry”. I can’t do everything people ask of me. I have to apply priorities into choosing what to do, delegate or leave undone. What is my role as a “pastor”? When I consult books about ‘pastoral ministry’ and ‘pastoral care’ I find considerable confusion and very broad definitions ranging from management techniques to pastoral counselling. Many people speak of “pastoral ministry” as a caring or counselling ministry; leaders are often described as strong teachers but weak pastorally or vice-versa. But when we turn to the Bible we discover a radically different and refreshingly clear view of “pastoral ministry”.
The LORD pastored his people by leading them into his kingdom.
The image of the LORD leading his people of Israel like a shepherd or pastor leading his wayward and vulnerable sheep is very common in the Old Testament. In particular, the LORD leading Israel out of Egypt to his kingdom in Canaan is described as his “pastoral ministry”: “he brought his people out like a flock; he led them like sheep through the desert (Ps 78). Even the LORD’s personal pastoral care is about leading to the heavenly kingdom; “The LORD is my shepherd…he leads me beside quiet waters…he guides me in the paths of righteousness…and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. (Ps 23). When Israelites were taken into exile far from the kingdom of God, Isaiah promised them a future pastoral ministry from the LORD; He tends his flock like a shepherd: he gathers the lambs into his arms and carries them close to his heart” (Is 40). The “pastoral ministry” of the LORD was to rule and lead his people into his kingdom.
The LORD appointed pastors for his people who repeatedly neglected them.
Rulers were appointed by God to pastor his people, e.g. David was told “You will shepherd my people Israel and you will become their ruler” (2 Sam 5). But the various kings and prophets repeatedly abandoned Israel to serve themselves, e.g. “woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves” (Ez 34) and “woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture” (Jer 23). It is instructive to observe in Ezekiel 34 that they were condemned for neglecting the weak and ruling harshly. So God promised to come and shepherd his people personally by rescuing them (searching, rescuing and gathering v11-13), caring for them (feeding, restoring and healing v13-16) and ruling them (with justice under one shepherd like David v17-23). Clearly the LORD sees genuine pastoral ministry as rescuing his people from exile and bringing them to his kingdom to enjoy his caring rule. When would God arrive to pastor his people?
The LORD sends his Christ to pastor his people.
The New Testament describes Jesus Christ as “the great shepherd of the sheep” (Heb 13), “the shepherd and overseer (bishop) of your souls” (1 Peter 1), and “the chief shepherd” (1 Pet 5). Jesus describes himself as “the good shepherd” who “lays down his life for his sheep”, who “calls his sheep by name and leads them out”. He states that “my sheep listen my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life” (John 10). Mark observes that Jesus “had compassion on [the large crowd], because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began to teach them…” (Mk 6). The pastoral ministry of the Chief Shepherd who died for his sheep was to call and lead people to eternal life by teaching them. Indeed he likened himself to a shepherd finding his lost sheep in bringing sinners to repentance. (Lk 15).
The LORD gives pastors to teach his people.
Jesus sent his apostles to continue his pastoral ministry “to the lost sheep of Israel … preaching this message ‘the kingdom of God is near’” (Matt 10). He asked Peter to show his devotion by feeding (i.e. teaching) his sheep (Jn 21). Once ascended he gave gifts to “pastors and teachers (one ministry) so that they might prepare God’s people for works of ministry” (Eph 4). This is an authority to be exercised as servants (‘ministers’). “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers” (1 Pet 5). It is a teaching ministry that involves refuting false teaching. “Be shepherd of the church of God … savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from you own number men will arise to distort the truth” (Acts 20).
In conclusion, it is plain from Scripture that Christ still shepherds his flock. He searches for his lost sheep, calling and leading them into his kingdom as his voice is heard when the scriptures are taught by pastor teachers given to govern his people and protect them from the savagery of false teaching. A “pastoral ministry” is a Bible teaching ministry through which the Good Shepherd leads his sheep. All Christians are required to counsel and care for each other. But this is only “pastoral ministry” when the shepherd’s voice is heard as the Bible is lovingly taught.
Richard Coekin (Minister at Dundonald Church, Wimbledon and The Bible Talks, Mayfair)