Foundations of Christian Leadership, Student Workbook, SW07

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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

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Readings on Pastoral Care Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis

Pastoral Care Demands Spiritual Discernment

The pastor was becoming greatly concerned that things were not “happening” in the church as he believed the Lord wanted at this critical time of the church’s growth. Seeking the counsel of one of his leading deacons, the pastor asked, “What is wrong with our church? Is it ignorance or apathy ?

The deacon responded, “ I don’t know , and I don’t care! ”

Pastoral Care Focuses on Growth to Maturity

Paul’s vision of the church and its ministry works against the trends of the past century . Because his ecclesial vision is apostolic , it stands in judgment of our pastoral methods and offers to any generation a foundation for church and ministry appropriate to any person, church, or era. While our pastoral work involves an incredibly wide variety of tasks and responsibilities, and while our role in the church and community offers us many opportunities to use our gifts and abilities, all our labors are merely means to a divine end . We ourselves are a means God uses to accomplish a divine purpose. God calls pastors to grow or to build the church. When I came to my current pastorate, I joined a long line of pastors who serve the same end. We are all different, and we have different emphases, opportunities, gifts, and results; but our goal is singular: We exist to build the temple of the Holy Spirit. We are called to grow Christ’s church . It is easy to confuse means and ends. Every individual and church does it. Yet the result can be tragic.

~ David Fisher. The 21st Century Pastor . Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996. p. 192.