The only way a pastor can avoid the many distractions of life and stand firm throughout his life and ministry is to know what God really called the pastor to do. The pastor’s call is not to run crowd programs. The pastor’s call is not to do whatever it takes to please everyone in his church. God’s call to the shepherd is different and clearly described in the Word of God. The Apostle Peter urges the elders/pastors (same office) to an undisputed task:
Shepherd the flock of God among you, not by coertion, but spontaneously, as God wills; not out of sordid greed, but out of goodwill; nor as dominators of those entrusted to you, becoming rather models of the herd. Now, as soon as the Supreme Shepherd appears, you will receive the must-see crown of glory (1 Peter 5:2-4).
- Peter’s exhortation to the shepherds can be summed up as follows: “Let the flock of God pacie under your care until the Supreme Shepherd manifests himself.
- “Peter is very clear about what.
- How and when.
- From the true biblical vocation of the pastor:.
What: Shepherd God’s flock
Who: The herd between you.
How: not out of shame, but spontaneously, as God wills; not out of sordid greed, but out of goodwill; nor as dominators of those entrusted to you, becoming rather models of the flock.
When: Until the supreme shepherd, Jesus Christ, returns to his flock under your care.
The pastor’s true biblical call is to guide the souls of God’s people in a humble, spontaneous and voluntary manner and in the name of the supreme pastor. It was the call for those who ran the local church in Peter’s day, and it is the same call for pastors occupied in the 21st century.