Cornerstone Curriculum, Official Certification Edition

LESSON 2 | FOUNDATIONS OF CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP: THE CHRISTIAN LEADER AS PASTOR / 309

• The pastor is a nurturer who ensures that God’s people receive proper nourishment, feeding, tending, and care. • In addition, the pastor is a protector and guardian who guards the people of God against any predators or situations which would seek to harm or destroy them. • Finally, the pastor is a leader called to go before the people of God and lead them into the fullness of the will of God for their individual and corporate lives. • Because of the unique problems and challenges of urban communities, more than ever before the urban church needs 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. • God makes unequivocal promises to those who faithfully fulfill their work of shepherding the flock of God – they will receive the unfading crown of glory when the Chief Shepherd appears at the Second Coming. Now is the time for you to discuss with your fellow students your questions about the calling, criteria, and character of the pastoral ministry. Whether or not God has called you to be the pastor of a church or congregation, it is clear that, in some sense, God is calling all Christian leaders to be pastoral in their need to be nurturing, protecting, and guiding figures for those whom they mentor and lead. Now, list out your own particular questions about the nature of the pastorate that this lesson has unearthed for you, and address specifically any unresolved issues that remain for you on the nature of the pastoral ministry. The questions below are meant to spur your own questions about this important ministry. • Is it possible to be called to the pastorate even when in fact you don’t want to be a pastor? Explain your answer. • How specifically would you know that God wanted you to join the pastorate? Must this come from one’s own sense of calling, from your leader’s sense of your own gifting and ministry, or a combination of both? • Are women allowed to be in the pastorate? What are we to make of the many denominations which recognize pastoral authority for godly, mature women today?

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Student Application and Implications

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