Elders graze church members to help them grow in Christ. The elders care for the flock in such a way that believers develop from spiritual childhood to total maturity in the likeness of Christ. Bishops struggle in the hope that sheep will move from childhood to needy and self-centered Christianity as adults to serve Jesus and bring others to Jesus.
Paul identifies Christian maturity with the reason why Jesus gave several leaders to the church, including pastors (i. e. , those who care for sheep):
- And he himself gave one to the apostles.
- Others to the prophets.
- Others to the evangelists.
- And others to pastors and teachers.
- In order to perfect the saints for the fulfillment of their service.
- For the building up of the body of Christ.
- Until all came to the unity of faith and to the full knowledge of the Son of God.
- To human perfection.
- Tailored to the stature of Christ’s fulness (Ephesians 4:11-13).
When the elders do their homework well, the believers will be “like children,” but instead they will grow up “in all that is the head, Christ?”(Vv. 14-15). The elders must say with Paul, “We proclaim [Christ], admonishing all and teaching all wisely, that we may present every perfect man in Christ” (Colossses 1. 28).
In other words, the purpose of parenting is to make mature disciples. What do the disciples do, but help people progress toward maturity in Christ?
Therefore, as pastors of the church, the elders must lead the way and set the pace for making disciples. All believers are called to the task of making disciples, but the elders have general responsibility for the discipleship of the congregation.
When the elders understand the purpose of pastoral care as they make disciples and mature disciples, this will transform their ministry. Consider how the goal of training mature disciples should have an impact on five common aspects of an elderly man’s pastoral work.
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