A Pastor's Purpose!
As God commands his people to gather in community, he also commands them to be led—led by men called and qualified as pastors. The Bible assures us that pastors exist to shepherd God’s people in local churches until Christ returns. The calling of the pastor is similar to that of a shepherd tending to his flock of sheep. As keepers of sheep, pastors are to protect, feed, lead, and care for the flock’s needs.
Pastors shepherd God’s people by protecting them. They confront ongoing, unrepentant sin and enforce church discipline. Pastors shepherd God’s people by feeding them. A shepherd not only protects his sheep from danger, but he also cares for them by feeding them. Pastors shepherd God’s people by leading them. Sheep are wandering creatures who are prone to wander out of safety and into all kinds of danger. They need a shepherd who will lead and guide them. In much the same way, Christians need pastors who will provide leadership. Leadership that better equips his "sheep" to fulfill the ministry to which God has called them. Pastors shepherd God’s people by caring for them. Sheep that are ill or in distress rely upon their shepherd to tend to them. And when God’s people are distressed or uncertain, they rely on their pastors to bring comfort, instill wisdom, and offer prayer.
We thank God for our Pastor.
