Pastoral Ministry, Part 2: A Pastor’s Duty and Primary Role

While Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd is the head of the local church, He has ordained the pastor to be His undershepherd. As undershepherd, the pastor is responsible for the protection and feeding of the flock. This does not mean he spoon feeds them as perpetual babies in the Word, but instead ensures their proper growth and nutrition by equipping them with the tools necessary for maturity. He is to protect itching ears in his flock from turning to myths and worldly philosophies by attentively fulfilling his ministry and teaching sound doctrine.

Because of his duty as undershepherd, the primary role of the pastor is to devote himself to prayer and the exposition of Scripture. He is to be a man of fervent prayer because apart from God’s power and hand of blessing, he can accomplish nothing worthwhile. A man can generate enthusiasm, emotions, and attract a following using slick sales techniques and psychological manipulation, but only God can enable him to do the true work of a pastor. The pastor is to be an expositor of Scripture because apart from a firm biblical foundation, he is merely a motivational speaker, speaking dead words to dying people.