The Pastor's Role

In my ministry i desire to please the elder board at FBC and my Pastor/mentor/boss Joe Flatt. In many regards this is a good desire.

I also hope to support the FBC families and students. I want to be a faithful shepherd and pastor to everyone.

I hope my alumni school is pleased with the way i live my life (after graduation) and the way I "do ministry."

But at the end of the day there is really only 1 Person's opinion who truly matters. God and God alone.

The role of the pastor/shepherd is clearly laid out in God's Word. These marching orders are from God. My job description, is in many ways, determined by God. He has given me the blue prints for ministry building. At the end of my life it is God that i will give a final accounting to (Heb 13).


2 Tim 4:1-4 is an amazing passage of Scripture. Verse 3 is a description of our day and age. This text is totally relevant.

PREACH the Word. "Preach" (define and understand this term) "the Word" (the content of that message)

Preach the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. When it is popular and when it's not. When it's received and when it is rejected. When it is loved and when it is scorned. PREACH THE WORD!!!!!

But then three other elements are added:

Reprove (OR Correct);
Rebuke (OR Confront); w/great patience
Exhort (OR Counsel);

You can not do these things well if you are not deeply involved in someone’s life. This type of ministry will be up close and personal. Pastor's are called to get into people's kitchens if you will. Cruise-control Christians won't like this kind of ministry. Privacy is viewed as a Christian virtue these days. A Pastor who follows 2 Tim 4:1-5 will have to "endure many hardships."


Titus 1:9, "holding fast the faithful Word"

Exhort in Sound Doctrine (Titus 1:9)
Refute those who contradict (Titus 1:10-13)


Hebrews 13:17 adds this element of responsibility.

--> Church leaders keep watch over your soul. What a statement!

FF Bruce adds this insight, "The leaders carried a weighty responsibility; they were accountable for the spiritual well-being of those placed in their care. No wonder they lost sleep over this responsibility. For the "watching" could well involve this as well as general vigilance- if some of their flock were in danger of straying beyond their control."


1 Peter 5:1-3;

Shepherd the Flock of God. Exercising oversight. Pastor's are under shepherds since Christ is the Chief Shepherd.

Think of all the tasks/responsibilities of a 1 century shepherd.....

The better a shepherd knows his sheep, the more faithfully he can fulfill his ministry.

This is why FBC has adult and teen FLOCKS. This is why our youth ministry breaks down into small groups on Wed. nights. Discipleship is a key component in this process. This is why churches have fellowship/social events.

But of course this, in many ways, is a two-way street. Which is why Paul (in 2nd Corinthians) set an example: He opened up his heart before the people and asked that they reciprocate that attitude before him.


2 Thess 2:10-13,

"Exhorting, encouraging, and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children."


Acts 20:28-30

Teach the FULL COUNSEL of God (In my opinion, expository preaching is the best way to accomplish this task).

Guard the Flock. Shepherd the Flock. Care for the Flock. Teach the flock.


Eph 4:11; "Pastor-Teachers"

This emphasizes the Shepherd's primary role: teaching and feeding the sheep.


For me it ultimately comes down to Hebrews 13:17, "Obey your leaders, and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you."


God help us all to faithfully follow your Word.