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Ministry Gift of a Pastor

Definition:

Someone who has the ability to care for, feed, and protect the spiritual needs of individuals in the body of Christ. This ministry equips the saints and moves them toward spiritual maturity. Pastors oversee local congregations, instruct with teaching and preaching the Word of God, manage and develop church leadership, counsel and advise, and facilitate body ministry.

Biblical References:

• Ephesians 4:11-12
• John 21:16
• 1 Peter 5:1-3
• John 10:1-18
• 1 Timothy 6:20

Typical Ministry Characteristics:

1. A sincere love and compassion for people. Find enjoyment in being around people and interacting with them. More people-centered than task-centered in their approach to ministry. Derive great personal strength from helping and supporting others. Tend to be very sensitive to the needs and feelings of other people.
2. Passionate about teaching and preaching the Word of God. Desire to instruct and encourage believers on issues related to their spiritual development and personal maturing. Strongly motivated to see others grow in their understanding of the Bible. Can discover important connections and useful precepts in Scripture and communicate them clearly to others.
3. Ability to discern true and false doctrine. Sense when something being said or done is not quite right. Unwilling to allow false teachings or ideas to go unchallenged. Genuinely excited about finding new ideas or information related to Scriptural truth.
4. Excellent leadership skills. Can create a vision and purpose for church ministry. Able to organize and direct others towards a common goal. Adept at managing and administrating various programs and activities in a church.
5. Interested in developing other people's ministries. Strong ability to encourage and facilitate body ministry. Able to match people's skills and calling with the opportunities that may exist in the local body. Desire to mentor and develop other leaders in their church.
6. Desires to care for and protect the flock they are given. Able to counsel and advise people regarding various personal issues. Willing to come along side_and support those experiencing a major life crisis. Defend and help wkfifr someone « in trouble. Steer people toward God and away from evil and sin.

General Information

The Greek word for pastor is poimen, which means shepherd. Those called to be pastors relate to the church much like a shepherd does with his flock. Jesus calls hjimself a shepherd (John 10:11), and is called a shepherd by early Church leaders (1 Pet 2:25; Heb. 13:20).

Pastors Preach The Word Of God

Pastors are first and foremost called to the ministry of preaching and teaching the Word of God (2 Tim. 4:1-2). Timothy, a pastor to the church at Ephesus, is commanded by Paul to devote himself to this ministry area (1 Tim. 4:13). Titus, another pastor, is continually instructed by Paul to teach others (Tit. 2:1,2,9,15). Jesus, who was the great Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4), ministered to others through His preaching and teaching (Mark 6:6), and is confirmed as a teacher by the rulers of Israel (John 3:2).

Pastors Hold A Key Leadership Position

Scripture indicates pastors were also called bishops (Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:5) and elders (Tit. 1:5; 1 Tim. 5:17-18). The books of Timothy and Titus suggest that pastors did not oversee local congregation all by themselves, but worked in close cooperation with other church leaders (elders & deacons). However, their leadership role was clearly predominate, evidenced by the fact that they appointed and mentored other leaders in the church (Tit. 1:5).

The style of leadership pastors should exercise in the local church is one of servanthood. Pastors are called to shepherd and lead their flock by example and vision that conies from the Lord. It is a sacrificial leadership that is given primarily for the benefit of the local church, not for the benefit of the pastor. He is not just the chief, he is the chief servant.

Pastors Have Special Responsibility For The Church's Welfare

Pastors are also responsible for the spiritual welfare of their church. As shepherds, they are called to lead their flock to "green pastures". The Bible indicates they are given special authority to watch over those under their care. This includes the areas of doctrine (Tit. 2:1), moral conduct (2 Tim. 2:14), ministry (Tit. 1:5) and discipline (1 Tim. 5:1).

The pastor's real authority, however, comes from the Lord, not from organizational position. While church structure is helpful in clarifying the responsibilities and constitutional authority of a pastor, it is the anointing of the Lord that inspires people to trust and follow him.

Key Traits Of A Pastor

Pastors who are truly called of God also possess a shepherd's heart. They care deeply about the circumstances and problems being faced by their flock. Jesus illustrates this type of heart felt motivation in the parable about the lost sheep (Luke 15:4-7). Timothy is instructed to become involved in this kind of work (1 Tim. 5:3), as is Titus (Tit. 3:13).