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

III. Calling and Criteria for Pastors

Those square white stones which fitted exactly into each other, are apostles, bishops, teachers, and deacons, who have lived in godly purity, and have acted as bishops, teachers, and deacons chastely and reverently. ~ Hermas (c. 150, W), 12.14, Ibid., p. 158.

A. Pastors are called and gifted by God for their work of service in the Church.

1. Pastors are the gift of God to the Church, Eph. 4.11.

a. They are equipped with God’s own heart for the people , Jer. 3.15.

b. They are given spiritual gifts which allow them to nurture and nourish God’s people , Rom. 12.7.

2. The Holy Spirit himself selects the undershepherds who tend the flock of God, Acts 20.28.

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3. These undershepherds respond to the flock under the direct charge of Jesus Christ to care for his flock: the pastorate emerges from a call from Christ to protect and care for his own , John 21.16 - He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”

4. This tending is to be done with tender loving care and wisdom.

a. Acts 20.28: with special care and attention

b. 1 Pet. 5.4: willing, eager loving care not for monetary gain or to dominate over God’s people