The Role of the Pastor
“And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding” Jeremiah 3:15
Pastors are called of God, and not of man. A man can recognize your gift and even ordain you, but the true call comes from God.
“Ye have not chosen me but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit shall remain…” (John 15:16).
Jesus reminded His disciples that He had called and loved them from the beginning. Thus, the term called always denotes God’s choosing on one’s life. Hence, a pastor’s calling is not based upon his or her talents, skills, gifting, education prowess, or pedigree, but through God’s sovereignty (His ruling).
Terms to know
Shepherd means to watch over God’s sheep. David made this term famous in the 23rd Psalm when he penned “The Lord is my Shepherd.”
Pastor is synonymous with the term shepherd. The term pastor derived from the word pasture—for it was the pasture where the shepherd led the sheep to graze.
Shepherds should be able to do
Shepherd you out of trouble
Know your voice (emotional voice & spiritual voice)
Be able to teach (and not necessarily to your liking or choosing)
Correct and comfort with the rod
Release blessings over you and your family
What you should receive from your shepherd
Love and patience (1 Corinthians 13:1-13)
Encouragement and wisdom (Hebrews 3:13)
Relevant messages that come from the Holy Spirit (2Tim.4:2)
Impartation of your gifts (Ephesians 4:11-12)
Restoration and healing (James 5:14-16)
Preparation for community and worldwide service (Eph. 4:12)
Pastoral care at his calling or at your request
Accessibility (for counsel & prayer) (Jeremiah 3:15)
Counsel and good preaching/teaching (2Tim.4:2)
Rebuke and reproof (2Tim.4:2-4)
Shepherds private life
Worship, Study & Prayer
Physically exercising and/or relaxing
Leading his family
Remaining upright in the community
Listening for God
What to expect from your shepherd
He or she should live a life of integrity and holiness at all times
He or she should honor his spouse and children in private and public
He or she should be a good spiritual provider for their family and the church family
Common mistake parishioners make when following their pastor
They look for a particular teaching style that suits their ears. (2Tim.4:2-4)
Tend to devalue the anointing on their pastor’s life. (John 6:42)
Tend to despise rebuke and correction. (2Tim4:2-4)
Some develop itchy ears! (…want to hear something else) (2Tim.4:2-4)
One of the hardest things to get from your shepherd is Rebuke and Reproof and if you can get pass that then you are ready to learn and grow in the things of God. Another thing if you can't accept Rebuke & Reproof from ur pastor then your also not willing to listen to God.
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