Cornerstone Curriculum, Official Certification Edition

LESSON 2 | FOUNDATIONS OF CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP: THE CHRISTIAN LEADER AS PASTOR / 295

phenomena has created the reality of the “non-pastoral Pastor,” a person who is called the “pastor” of the church, but in fact, does virtually no pastoral ministry with actual families or individuals. What do you think of these kinds of trends in the church? Is the nature of the pastoral call to ministry to specific individuals and families or can you in fact pastor a congregation of 3,000, 5,000, or even 10,000 members? It is legitimate to delegate virtually all pastoral responsibility to others, while retaining the title of “pastor”? Brother X on Television Is My Pastor In a corresponding way, many now associate their spiritual authority and pastoral oversight to presenters on various religious broadcasts on television or radio. It is not uncommon today to meet believers who claim that their primary spiritual input and authority comes from this, that, or the other television preacher. They purchase their materials, religiously “attend” their presentations on the radio and television, and identify with their emphases, perspectives, and initiatives. They give to their ministries, and associate with their fellow followers. Is it possible or desirable to claim that a person who teaches on radio, television, or on the web is your spiritual authority, and to see that person as your pastor? A Lost Art An entire generation of urban pastors who were mentored in the art of offering care for the poor and the oppressed is about to be lost. We are speaking here of those faithful shepherds who have given themselves selflessly on behalf of little, anonymous congregations who needed the faithful guidance of a spiritually mature servant who was willing to pour out their lives for the sake of Christ’s little ones in the city. Many of these dear pastors never received any formal theological training, yet served small urban congregations for little or no remuneration, and usually were forced to work another job in order to pastor their flocks. Still, in spite of hardship and sacrifice, these servants poured out their lives for others. What is interesting to note is that most of these pastors who served in this ways were mentored in this role, that is, they learned this art from others who had given the same kind of service for the poor. It is becoming increasingly rare to find those willing to give themselves with this level of selflessness and sacrifice, especially on behalf of congregations who can offer little in terms of financial support. How do we recover this “lost art” of equipping pastors who will care selflessly for congregations which will never be able to afford their full salary, benefits, and perks known in larger churches?

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C hr i s t i an M i n i s t ry

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