Foundations of Christian Leadership, Mentor's Guide, MG07

/ 9 7

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

The Christian Leader as Pastor Poimenes

page 331 1

Welcome in the strong name of Jesus Christ! After your reading, study, discussion, and application of the materials in this lesson, you will be able to: • Define and outline the meaning of the pastor, rehearsing both the OT and NT contexts of the idea of the pastorate, moving to the definition of the Greek term for pastoring, and tracing historically the development of the idea of a formal office of the pastorate. • Detail both the calling of individuals to the pastorate, and highlight the criteria for representing God as an undershepherd of the flock. • Lay out the NT contours of the authority and role of the pastor viewed through the lens of the various forms of church government (episcopal, monarchical, and congregational). • Recite the functions of the godly biblical pastor as outlined in the NT and Church history. • Elaborate the three biblical models and analogies of what a pastor does in relationship to the flock of God, i.e., the pastor as nurturer and care giver, as protector and guardian, and as leader of the flock of God. • Give evidence of the particular perils and promise for fulfilling the pastoral role in the inner city, as well as the specific ways we may equip urban pastors for their important duty. • Discuss some of the more important principles in the practice of pastoring the urban congregation, as well as the wonderful promises associated with the pastoring of the flock of God.

Lesson Objectives

3

An Unusual Occupation

Devotion

John 10.10-18 - The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. [11] I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. [12] He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches

page 332 2