Foundations of Christian Leadership, Mentor's Guide, MG07

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F O U N D A T I O N S O F C H R I S T I A N L E A D E R S H I P

3. The purpose of these gifts is to equip God’s people for the work of the ministry .

4. This work results in spiritual maturity and reproduction.

5. Fluidity in the terms regarding spiritual leadership in the NT

a. Notion of pastor synonymous with “elder” and “bishop,” but places the focus on intimate personal loving care for the needs of the sheep

b. Jesus referred to as “Shepherd and Bishop” of our souls, 1 Pet. 2.25

c. Peter exhorts elders to shepherd the flock of God in the same way that Jesus the Chief Shepherd does, who will reward their faithfulness, 1 Pet. 5.1-4.

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E. Development of the pastoral concept in Church history

Innumerable commands like these are written in the Holy Scriptures, pertaining to chosen persons: some to presbyters, some to bishops, and some

1. A casual sketch of the NT reveals that the Apostles expected all Christians, in one way or another, to be involved in pastoral care for one another.

to deacons. ~ Clement of

2. All of the requirements of pastoral ministry are given, in varying degrees, to disciples of Jesus as they live in the Christian community (i.e., the “one anothers” in the NT).

Alexandria (c. 195, E), 2.294., Ibid., p. 156.

a. We are to love one another deeply, from the heart, 1 Pet. 1.22.