Cornerstone Curriculum, Official Certification Edition

304 / CORNERSTONE CURRICULUM STUDENT WORKBOOK

5. Let’s rediscover the elegant simplicity of the early Church to equip undershepherds for the urban flocks around us.

a. Authentic courage from compassionate servants

b. Defenders of the apostolic tradition: the Nicene Creed

c. Concentration on the essentials: laying one’s life down for the sheep , John 10.11

6. Place calling and gifting before credential and education.

a. God has raised up pastors for the body, Eph. 4.11-12.

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b. A single true call of God is worth 10,000 lesser endorsements, Rom. 11.29.

III. Principles and Practice of the Pastoral Ministry

Do not receive any stranger – whether bishop, presbyter, or deacon – without commendatory letters. And when such are offered, let them be examined. ~ Apostolic Constitutions (compiled 390, E), 7.502. Ibid . p. 156.

A. Recognize the importance of the pastoral office.

1. No pastor, the sheep will be scattered and feasted upon, John 10.10-13.

2. No pastor, fierce predators will devour the sheep, 1 Pet. 5.8-9.

3. No pastor, no flock at all!