CEO, Professional, Preacher, or Shepherd?
In some ways, the transliteration of the word “pastor” from the Latin has been unfortunate. It gives freedom to some to define the role of “pastor” as something other than a “shepherd”-the meaning of the Greek term translated in English as “pastor.”
For some, then, the modern role of the pastor must be “C.E.O.” He is the “mover and shaker” leading his congregation in vision casting and mission and pity the poor parishioner who gets in his way! For others, the role of the pastor must be “Professional.” His ministry is all about professional development, professional conduct, and professional distance from those whom he leads. For still others, the role of the pastor must be “Preacher.” His virtually only duty is to deeply study and proclaim the Word of God, appearing from the confines of his study Sunday morning and a scant few other times to announce the gems from God’s Word he has gleaned.
Based on his strong commitment to the Word of God and to preaching, you might expect Dr. John MacArthur to be in the camp of the “Preacher.” Thankfully, he is not! He is in the camp of the pastor as shepherd, as he writes recently in his blog dated January 25, titled “More Than Just a Preacher.” Just think about his title– “More Than Just a Preacher!” I commend this article to all pastors who wish to fulfill their God-given role.
MacArthur delineates the five central functions of a true pastor or shepherd. A shepherd is a rescuer, a feeder, a leader, a protector, and a comforter. According to MacArthur,
Church leaders are undershepherds who guard the flock under the Chief Shepherd’s watchful eye (Acts 20:28). Theirs is a full-time responsibility because they minister to people who, like sheep, often are vulnerable, defenseless, undiscerning, and prone to stray.
Those who are faithful to this enormous task will receive a rich reward from the Chief Shepherd Himself.
In my experience as a pastor, we must keep all five functions in balance. For example, we can easily give all our attention to feeding. Quickly, however, we then lose passion and zeal as we lose personal sight of the desperate needs of God’s sheep. If the shepherd gives attention to all, all functions work together to deepen wonderfully the ministry of the shepherd. A shepherd giving attention to all functions will soon realize his absolute dependence upon the Chief Shepherd.
Village Missions is looking for men who know their calling is to be a shepherd of the flock. We are actively working on ways to encourage them and support them in their role.
April 1st, 2008 at 11:54 am
I wonder if there is an element of pride that finds “religiously acceptable” expression when a shepherd takes the role of CEO, Professional or Preacher. Even in the most holy moments of ministry our old-nature tendencies can find was to be expressed. Praise God for His grace, and for working with imperfect people to communicate His perfect Good News!
April 1st, 2008 at 4:41 pm
It seems that as the “Emerging Church” model is entering in to more churches, Bible Schools and seminaries, that the Shepherding aspect is being set aside and the “pastor” is more of a promotor, facilitator and glad-hander, to those who attend their “services”. To some the main function is as a fund raiser, not a true pastor. They no longer need the solid Word of God, but use “feel good”, motivational talks from the platform. They don’t perform weddings, officiate at funerals, do baptisms, visit the sick and comfort the hurting. They are more interested in numbers in the “audience” than souls that are lost and needing the Lord Jesus Christ.
Brian, keep hammering home the need for all of us, in VM and out. to truly look to the Great Shepherd to guide us, His under-shepherds. I was never called to be the CEO of a church. I was called to be the missionary/pastor. We all need to remember what our calling is and work hard at fulfilling that calling.
April 2nd, 2008 at 10:11 am
Thank you Brian to remind us to stick to our basic calling as a pastor.