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

What is important to note as you discuss these principles and issues with the students is that there was tremendous fluidity and definition of these roles shortly after the Apostles died; the early Church used these terms fluidly and virtually synonymously. Look for the kinds of similarities and distinctions made among the terms as you explore their meanings with the students. In the questions below you will find the focus is upon mastering the data and the facts associated with the claims made in the first video segment. Concentrate on ensuring that the students understand the answers in light of the lesson aims of the first segment, especially on the care of pastors for those under their care. Gerald Hawthorne makes this point about the pastoral care that Paul had for those under his care: Paul was concerned not just for the corporate health of the churches in his care, but also for the well-being of individuals. People mattered to Paul. Hence in Romans 16 Paul takes the trouble of greeting over twenty-seven people by name. In 1 Thessalonians 2.11 Paul declared. “We dealt with each one of you like a father with his children,” implying that he had concerned himself with his converts on an individual basis. Similarly Paul emphasized the personal character of his work in Colossians 1.28 as he sought to promote individual maturity by “warning and teaching everyone in all wisdom.” All this is in line with Luke’s account of Paul’s speech to the Ephesian elders, which suggests that his normal practice was to combine preaching to the church at large together with the visiting of individual church members (Acts 20.20). Significantly, Paul commended this kind of pastoral care to the Thessalonians. Their mutual care for one another was to take place on an individual basis (1 Thess. 5.11).

4 Page 116 Student Questions and Response

~ Gerald Hawthorne. Dictionary of Paul and His Letters . (electronic ed.). Logos Library Systems. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1997. pp. 656-57.

As you discuss these issues with the students be aware that this ought not be an academic exercise only, but also a real litmus test of the kind of heart for we have, and our willingness to care for others in a practical and often costly manner. This is the heart of the pastoral ministry.