Cornerstone Curriculum, Official Certification Edition

308 / CORNERSTONE CURRICULUM STUDENT WORKBOOK

good job at protecting a local congregation from predators and other things that may want to harm them? 4. What are the different kinds of things involved in providing overall leadership and direction for a local congregation? In what way should a pastor lead a congregation, and what kinds of things are emphasized in that leadership? What is the best way to help pastors learn how to lead others in the church? How can you tell if a pastor is not fulfilling this crucial role in the body? 5. Name three unique challenges of the urban community that makes nurturing, protecting, and leading an important ministry for Christian leaders in the city? How can urban churches identify, train, and release pastors who will nourish, protect, and lead urban disciples of Christ to mature in Christ and give witness to the Kingdom of God in the city? 6. How have modern views and models of management deeply impacted the way in which many churches have come to understand the pastoral ministry? Have these changes been healthy for the Church? Why or why not? 7. According to 1 Peter 5.1-4, what are the specific duties God requires for elders who are called to shepherd God’s flock? How may these instructions be applied today specifically to shepherding small, poor congregations in the city? 8. What are the specific promises given to those who fulfill the high calling of shepherding the flock of God with integrity and excellence? This lesson focuses upon the nature and meaning of the pastorate, that duty to shepherd the flock of God. The need for godly, dedicated, and well-equipped pastors is as great today as any time in the past, and perhaps even more necessary in urban communities which, for whatever reason, do not attract many who are willing to come and nurture, protect, and lead the people of God there. Review these foundational truths, making certain that you have a good grasp of the content of the statements, as well as their biblical support. • The Word of God provides three clear models and analogies of what a pastor does as care giver to the people of God as his flock: the pastor as nurturer, as protector, and as leader.

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

CONNECTION

Summary of Key Concepts