This is the Pastoral Philosophy of Dr. Richard J Lee, D.Min. who serves Ambassadors of Christ General Convocation as your Presiding Bishop. This document is shared with you, but is the exclusive property of Dr. Richard J Lee, with all rights reserved.
Introduction:
Pastoral ministry is a sacred trust, a divinely ordained stewardship through which God actively engages in the transformation of human lives. It is the faithful execution of the means by which the Almighty extends His gracious invitation, drawing individuals out of spiritual darkness and into the marvelous light of salvation. This profound work encompasses not only the initial call to redemption but also the ongoing spiritual formation and development of believers, nurturing them from spiritual infancy into mature children of God. Every facet of this arduous yet immensely rewarding endeavor is directed towards the magnanimous purpose of exalting and glorifying His most holy name.
Given the weighty significance of this calling, it is absolutely essential for anyone contemplating or undertaking this work to possess a profound and unwavering grasp of its essence and aim. Without a clear and biblically informed understanding of the intrinsic nature of pastoral ministry, one risks superficial engagement, misdirection, and an unfaithful discharge of duties.
Understanding the profound weight and eternal implications of pastoral ministry serves as an indispensable cornerstone for faithful service and exemplary leadership. It instills a deep sense of responsibility, humility, and unwavering devotion. This comprehension compels a minister to labor with diligence, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the truth, always prioritizing the spiritual well-being of the flock and the honor of God. When the profound gravity of this divine commission is truly apprehended, it empowers ministers to navigate challenges, endure hardships, and lead with integrity, all for the singular and ultimate glory of God.
Given the weighty significance of this calling, it is absolutely essential for anyone contemplating or undertaking this work to possess a profound and unwavering grasp of its essence and aim. Without a clear and biblically informed understanding of the intrinsic nature of pastoral ministry, one risks superficial engagement, misdirection, and an unfaithful discharge of duties.
Understanding the profound weight and eternal implications of pastoral ministry serves as an indispensable cornerstone for faithful service and exemplary leadership. It instills a deep sense of responsibility, humility, and unwavering devotion. This comprehension compels a minister to labor with diligence, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the truth, always prioritizing the spiritual well-being of the flock and the honor of God. When the profound gravity of this divine commission is truly apprehended, it empowers ministers to navigate challenges, endure hardships, and lead with integrity, all for the singular and ultimate glory of God.
The Essence of Pastoral Ministry
Pastoral ministry, a cornerstone of Christian faith and community, is intricately defined and richly described within the sacred texts of the Bible. Key passages, such as 1 Peter 5:1-5 and Acts 20:28, serve as foundational pillars for understanding the multifaceted role of the spiritual leader within the church. These scriptures consistently identify the leader as an “elder” or “pastor,” titles that carry significant weight and convey a profound sense of responsibility and spiritual stewardship.
The central work of the pastor, as depicted in these biblical accounts, is beautifully and powerfully encapsulated in the metaphor of “shepherding God's flock.” This imagery evokes a sense of nurturing care, vigilant protection, and diligent guidance. Just as a shepherd tends to their sheep, leading them to green pastures, protecting them from predators, and caring for the wounded, so too is the pastor called to provide comprehensive oversight to the souls entrusted to their care. This “oversight” encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including spiritual nourishment through the teaching of God's Word, compassionate pastoral care for those in need, wise counsel in times of struggle, and firm yet loving discipline when necessary. The pastor's role is not merely administrative; it is deeply spiritual, relational, and transformative, aimed at fostering the spiritual growth, well-being, and unity of the congregation.
Pastors are those who have been called by God to preach the gospel to others by methods deemed foolish in the eyes of the world in order to bring them to salvation and lead them in their sanctification. Therefore, one can define pastoral ministry as such: the pastor is the man or woman who has responded willingly to God’s call and entered into pastoral ministry by the will of God to propagate the Gospel and oversee the souls of his or her apportioned flock with the purpose of leading them through their sanctification to bring them to their glorious eternal home.
The central work of the pastor, as depicted in these biblical accounts, is beautifully and powerfully encapsulated in the metaphor of “shepherding God's flock.” This imagery evokes a sense of nurturing care, vigilant protection, and diligent guidance. Just as a shepherd tends to their sheep, leading them to green pastures, protecting them from predators, and caring for the wounded, so too is the pastor called to provide comprehensive oversight to the souls entrusted to their care. This “oversight” encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including spiritual nourishment through the teaching of God's Word, compassionate pastoral care for those in need, wise counsel in times of struggle, and firm yet loving discipline when necessary. The pastor's role is not merely administrative; it is deeply spiritual, relational, and transformative, aimed at fostering the spiritual growth, well-being, and unity of the congregation.
Pastors are those who have been called by God to preach the gospel to others by methods deemed foolish in the eyes of the world in order to bring them to salvation and lead them in their sanctification. Therefore, one can define pastoral ministry as such: the pastor is the man or woman who has responded willingly to God’s call and entered into pastoral ministry by the will of God to propagate the Gospel and oversee the souls of his or her apportioned flock with the purpose of leading them through their sanctification to bring them to their glorious eternal home.
Work Involved in Pastoral Ministry
Acts 6 offers a clear illustration of the foundational principles of pastoral ministry. The apostles, by delegating practical duties to deacons, emphasized the critical importance of the pastoral commitment to the ministry of the Word and prayer. These two activities are essential for effective oversight. A profound understanding of their significance, especially in connection with diligent study, is crucial from the very beginning. Grasping the value of studying the Word illuminates how these core pastoral functions are achieved through thorough preparation. This philosophy will be examined in the sequence it appears in the text.
1. Prayer
Prayer serves as the pastor's vital act of intercession for their congregation, an essential source of divine power for their work, and a means of seeking vision for the church's overall progress and mission. It is through disciplined prayer that a pastor uplifts those not yet fully grounded in salvation. The heart of pastoral ministry lies in fervent supplication for the church's health, unity, and its mission to spread the gospel to a dying, hostile world. Here, the pastor can personally uplift individuals within the body, praying for the well-being of their souls. Beyond these crucial aspects, prayer, when offered sincerely, is an act of profound praise to God. As Psalm 50:15 states, "Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me." Even the most desperate, heartfelt cries of childlike faith in prayer are, in God's eyes, the highest form of praise. Prayer is the expression, in myriad words, of a single profound truth: "Apart from me [Christ] you can do nothing" (John 15:5).
This singular activity, when a pastor casts "all anxiety on [God]" (1 Pet. 5:7), humbly demonstrates their utter dependence on God to navigate difficult situations that would be insurmountable without divine intervention. It is a declaration of one's helplessness to produce spiritual fruit in oneself or in God's people apart from God's direct involvement. This is the essence of prayer within pastoral ministry.
2. Ministry of the Word
Paul concisely defines the ministry of the Word in 2 Timothy 4:2, exhorting his protégé Timothy to “preach the Word, be ready in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, [and] exhort, with great patience and instruction.” This summary encapsulates the scope of this vital aspect of pastoral ministry. Without the consistent preaching and teaching of the Gospel, and the faithful admonition of the church, the body will not experience proper growth, if any at all. Furthermore, Paul's example in Acts 20 highlights the necessity of preaching the entirety of the Word, regardless of whether it challenges the pastor or the congregation. He also states that he taught the church “publicly and from house to house,” revealing two primary avenues for the ministry of the Word: public and private teaching and preaching. In contemporary terms, this translates to preaching in the church and engaging in small group ministry.
Through the church's pulpit ministry, the pastor systematically unveils the truth of the Gospel to the entire congregation, proclaiming the whole counsel of God to bring healing to brokenness and to awaken those who either do not know God or are living without authentic devotion to His glory. Preaching is a demanding task, yet it is a powerful means for the pastor to serve as an example to God's people. As Baxter wisely states, “For it is no small matter to stand up before a congregation and deliver a message of salvation or judgment as from the living God, doing so in the name of the Redeemer. It is no easy matter to speak so plainly that the ignorant may understand us. Or to preach so seriously that the deadest hearts may feel us. Or to reason so convincingly that those who are argumentative may be silenced” (Baxter, 77).
The second crucial aspect of proclaiming the Word is through small groups or discipleship groups. This ministry represents the “fine-tuning” of the essential elements of God's Word. Through private ministry, the pastor can speak into the lives of God's people in a more profoundly transformative way, guiding them through the triumphs and struggles of living a holy life. Baxter, once again, articulates this beautifully: “Make it your great and serious business to teach the fundamentals of the faith to all members of your congregation by these private tutorials. For I perceive that the life of work under God lies in the prudent, effectual ministry of searching men’s hearts, and setting there the saving truths of faith. I fear most those ministers who preach well, and who are unsuited to the private nurture of their members” (Baxter, 78).
This is the primary work of involved in ministry, and its importance cannot be understated. The reason for this is twofold, as can be found in both Paul and Peter’s writings. Paul says, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths” (2 Tim. 4:3-4). The “they” here is the church, and Paul says this because he knows that as man hears the Word and is confronted by it, he is naturally going to oppose what he hears and go elsewhere to hear something that will make him feel good about himself and his sin. Furthermore, suffering is going to be an inherent part of the Christian life.
One finds in 1 Peter 4:13 that believers are not only told they must persevere in suffering, but they must also rejoice in it “to the degree that [they] share the sufferings of Christ . . . so that also at the revelation of His glory [they] may rejoice with exultation.” If believers are going to be kept from following their natural sinful inclinations and be encouraged in their suffering, then they need pastors who will fulfill these priorities in the work of pastoral ministry.
This is why it is so crucial that a pastor understand the God-given call to shepherd the flock of God by providing oversight willingly according to God, by eagerly serving the church in their needs, and by using his God-given authority to give an example to people on how to live (1 Peter 5:2-3). Without this humble service, the flock will do exactly what Paul said it would do in 2 Timothy 4.
1. Prayer
Prayer serves as the pastor's vital act of intercession for their congregation, an essential source of divine power for their work, and a means of seeking vision for the church's overall progress and mission. It is through disciplined prayer that a pastor uplifts those not yet fully grounded in salvation. The heart of pastoral ministry lies in fervent supplication for the church's health, unity, and its mission to spread the gospel to a dying, hostile world. Here, the pastor can personally uplift individuals within the body, praying for the well-being of their souls. Beyond these crucial aspects, prayer, when offered sincerely, is an act of profound praise to God. As Psalm 50:15 states, "Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me." Even the most desperate, heartfelt cries of childlike faith in prayer are, in God's eyes, the highest form of praise. Prayer is the expression, in myriad words, of a single profound truth: "Apart from me [Christ] you can do nothing" (John 15:5).
This singular activity, when a pastor casts "all anxiety on [God]" (1 Pet. 5:7), humbly demonstrates their utter dependence on God to navigate difficult situations that would be insurmountable without divine intervention. It is a declaration of one's helplessness to produce spiritual fruit in oneself or in God's people apart from God's direct involvement. This is the essence of prayer within pastoral ministry.
2. Ministry of the Word
Paul concisely defines the ministry of the Word in 2 Timothy 4:2, exhorting his protégé Timothy to “preach the Word, be ready in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, [and] exhort, with great patience and instruction.” This summary encapsulates the scope of this vital aspect of pastoral ministry. Without the consistent preaching and teaching of the Gospel, and the faithful admonition of the church, the body will not experience proper growth, if any at all. Furthermore, Paul's example in Acts 20 highlights the necessity of preaching the entirety of the Word, regardless of whether it challenges the pastor or the congregation. He also states that he taught the church “publicly and from house to house,” revealing two primary avenues for the ministry of the Word: public and private teaching and preaching. In contemporary terms, this translates to preaching in the church and engaging in small group ministry.
Through the church's pulpit ministry, the pastor systematically unveils the truth of the Gospel to the entire congregation, proclaiming the whole counsel of God to bring healing to brokenness and to awaken those who either do not know God or are living without authentic devotion to His glory. Preaching is a demanding task, yet it is a powerful means for the pastor to serve as an example to God's people. As Baxter wisely states, “For it is no small matter to stand up before a congregation and deliver a message of salvation or judgment as from the living God, doing so in the name of the Redeemer. It is no easy matter to speak so plainly that the ignorant may understand us. Or to preach so seriously that the deadest hearts may feel us. Or to reason so convincingly that those who are argumentative may be silenced” (Baxter, 77).
The second crucial aspect of proclaiming the Word is through small groups or discipleship groups. This ministry represents the “fine-tuning” of the essential elements of God's Word. Through private ministry, the pastor can speak into the lives of God's people in a more profoundly transformative way, guiding them through the triumphs and struggles of living a holy life. Baxter, once again, articulates this beautifully: “Make it your great and serious business to teach the fundamentals of the faith to all members of your congregation by these private tutorials. For I perceive that the life of work under God lies in the prudent, effectual ministry of searching men’s hearts, and setting there the saving truths of faith. I fear most those ministers who preach well, and who are unsuited to the private nurture of their members” (Baxter, 78).
This is the primary work of involved in ministry, and its importance cannot be understated. The reason for this is twofold, as can be found in both Paul and Peter’s writings. Paul says, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths” (2 Tim. 4:3-4). The “they” here is the church, and Paul says this because he knows that as man hears the Word and is confronted by it, he is naturally going to oppose what he hears and go elsewhere to hear something that will make him feel good about himself and his sin. Furthermore, suffering is going to be an inherent part of the Christian life.
One finds in 1 Peter 4:13 that believers are not only told they must persevere in suffering, but they must also rejoice in it “to the degree that [they] share the sufferings of Christ . . . so that also at the revelation of His glory [they] may rejoice with exultation.” If believers are going to be kept from following their natural sinful inclinations and be encouraged in their suffering, then they need pastors who will fulfill these priorities in the work of pastoral ministry.
This is why it is so crucial that a pastor understand the God-given call to shepherd the flock of God by providing oversight willingly according to God, by eagerly serving the church in their needs, and by using his God-given authority to give an example to people on how to live (1 Peter 5:2-3). Without this humble service, the flock will do exactly what Paul said it would do in 2 Timothy 4.
Qualifications of A Pastor
Charles Bridges cogently observes, concerning the profound and sacred work of pastoral ministry, that “We cannot suppose the Lord to send unqualified laborers, however willing, into his vineyard: and none, but he can qualify them" (Bridges, 99). This assertion underscores a fundamental truth: the arduous and weighty responsibilities inherent in pastoral service are not to be undertaken by just anyone, nor can one entertain the notion that the Almighty would haphazardly dispatch unprepared individuals to fulfill such a critical and far-reaching role. Instead, the divine pattern reveals that God Himself initiates a specific calling, drawing certain individuals into this sacred vocation, and, crucially, He supernaturally qualifies them for it. To qualify them means to imbue them with the precise abilities, spiritual gifts, and character traits indispensable for the successful accomplishment of this divine mandate.
The essential qualifications for those called to pastoral leadership are not left to human conjecture or arbitrary selection. Rather, these vital characteristics are clearly delineated within the inspired Scriptures, notably in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. In these Pauline epistles, the Apostle Paul, acting as a seasoned mentor, lays out for his two spiritual protégés, Timothy and Titus, what is not merely advisable but urgently and fundamentally required of those who would shepherd God's flock. He presents these qualifications through two distinct, yet complementary, lists designed to aid in the discerning selection of elders and overseers.
Across both lists, a singular trait emerges with striking prominence, appearing to be the most emphasized and foundational requirement: a minister must be "above reproach." This irreproachable character is demanded not only in the intimate sphere of the church but also in the broader public arena of the world. Paul's insistent repetition and emphasis on this quality suggest his earnest desire for both Timothy and Titus to grasp the absolute necessity of an elder's blameless reputation. If an elder is to effectively lead his congregation, serving as a moral compass and spiritual guide, and if he is to credibly and powerfully proclaim the Gospel to a skeptical world, his life must be free from legitimate accusation or scandal. This blamelessness forms the bedrock of his authority and the credibility of his message.
Beyond this paramount requirement, other significant traits are highlighted, such as humility and respectability. These virtues are intrinsically linked to the concept of being “above reproach.” A pastor who embodies genuine humility will resist the insidious pull of pride, which so often leads individuals to seek undue attention for themselves. Such self-aggrandizement invariably risks bringing reproach upon the pastor personally and, by extension, upon the church he serves and the Gospel he represents. Similarly, respectability speaks to a demeanor and lifestyle that commands honor and trust, preventing any behavior that could bring disrepute.
Fundamentally, the underlying theological point of these scriptural passages, concerning the multifaceted demands of pastoral ministry, is that the pastor who demonstrably possesses these divine qualifications and cultivated traits will be uniquely equipped for the critical task of standing firm against theological error and the pernicious inroads of heresy. This robust spiritual and moral fortitude is essential for the protection of his church, shielding the congregation from false teaching and safeguarding their spiritual well-being. Furthermore, the pastor's irreproachable character and spiritual maturity extend their protective influence to his own family, ensuring that his household remains a healthy example of Christian living and a bulwark against spiritual compromise. In essence, these qualifications serve as a comprehensive, catch-all statement that encapsulates the very heart and profound aspiration of what true pastoral work desires to achieve: the faithful shepherding, protection, and edification of God's people, all for His glory.
The essential qualifications for those called to pastoral leadership are not left to human conjecture or arbitrary selection. Rather, these vital characteristics are clearly delineated within the inspired Scriptures, notably in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. In these Pauline epistles, the Apostle Paul, acting as a seasoned mentor, lays out for his two spiritual protégés, Timothy and Titus, what is not merely advisable but urgently and fundamentally required of those who would shepherd God's flock. He presents these qualifications through two distinct, yet complementary, lists designed to aid in the discerning selection of elders and overseers.
Across both lists, a singular trait emerges with striking prominence, appearing to be the most emphasized and foundational requirement: a minister must be "above reproach." This irreproachable character is demanded not only in the intimate sphere of the church but also in the broader public arena of the world. Paul's insistent repetition and emphasis on this quality suggest his earnest desire for both Timothy and Titus to grasp the absolute necessity of an elder's blameless reputation. If an elder is to effectively lead his congregation, serving as a moral compass and spiritual guide, and if he is to credibly and powerfully proclaim the Gospel to a skeptical world, his life must be free from legitimate accusation or scandal. This blamelessness forms the bedrock of his authority and the credibility of his message.
Beyond this paramount requirement, other significant traits are highlighted, such as humility and respectability. These virtues are intrinsically linked to the concept of being “above reproach.” A pastor who embodies genuine humility will resist the insidious pull of pride, which so often leads individuals to seek undue attention for themselves. Such self-aggrandizement invariably risks bringing reproach upon the pastor personally and, by extension, upon the church he serves and the Gospel he represents. Similarly, respectability speaks to a demeanor and lifestyle that commands honor and trust, preventing any behavior that could bring disrepute.
Fundamentally, the underlying theological point of these scriptural passages, concerning the multifaceted demands of pastoral ministry, is that the pastor who demonstrably possesses these divine qualifications and cultivated traits will be uniquely equipped for the critical task of standing firm against theological error and the pernicious inroads of heresy. This robust spiritual and moral fortitude is essential for the protection of his church, shielding the congregation from false teaching and safeguarding their spiritual well-being. Furthermore, the pastor's irreproachable character and spiritual maturity extend their protective influence to his own family, ensuring that his household remains a healthy example of Christian living and a bulwark against spiritual compromise. In essence, these qualifications serve as a comprehensive, catch-all statement that encapsulates the very heart and profound aspiration of what true pastoral work desires to achieve: the faithful shepherding, protection, and edification of God's people, all for His glory.
The Aim of Pastoral Ministry
The objective of pastoral ministry is best understood through Paul's words in Colossians 1:25-29. He states, "I became a minister of this church according to God's stewardship granted to me for your good, to fully proclaim the word of God. This is the mystery hidden for ages and generations, now revealed to His saints. God willed to make known to them the glorious riches of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone complete in Christ. For this very purpose I labor, striving by His power which works mightily within me" (NRSV).
The ultimate aim of ministry is to diligently guide and instruct each individual under its stewardship, employing the complete wisdom of the Gospel. This endeavor seeks to present every person as whole in Christ. The supreme objective is to lead each individual, through the precepts of the Word, to the divine throne, so that they may stand flawless and perfected before Him on the Day of Judgment, as a result of their faithfulness to the Gospel.
This may appear to be an ambitious objective, but the profound truth of Colossians 1:29 offers pastors a comforting reminder: they do not undertake this work in isolation. Paul states, "For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me." The pastor's ability to preach, reprove, correct, admonish, and encourage originates solely from Christ. It is Christ who enables the pastor to address individuals' most fundamental needs, leading the flock toward perfection and completeness. This realization should be a significant source of encouragement for the pastor. This passage underscores that even if one is a humble, sinful individual, Christ can utilize that minister to achieve remarkable accomplishments that would be impossible through human effort alone.
The ultimate aim of ministry is to diligently guide and instruct each individual under its stewardship, employing the complete wisdom of the Gospel. This endeavor seeks to present every person as whole in Christ. The supreme objective is to lead each individual, through the precepts of the Word, to the divine throne, so that they may stand flawless and perfected before Him on the Day of Judgment, as a result of their faithfulness to the Gospel.
This may appear to be an ambitious objective, but the profound truth of Colossians 1:29 offers pastors a comforting reminder: they do not undertake this work in isolation. Paul states, "For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me." The pastor's ability to preach, reprove, correct, admonish, and encourage originates solely from Christ. It is Christ who enables the pastor to address individuals' most fundamental needs, leading the flock toward perfection and completeness. This realization should be a significant source of encouragement for the pastor. This passage underscores that even if one is a humble, sinful individual, Christ can utilize that minister to achieve remarkable accomplishments that would be impossible through human effort alone.
Conclusion
This is my basic philosophy of pastoral ministry. I believe that the means by which God calls a people to salvation and develops them into a nation for the praise and glory of his name is through the faithful fulfillment of this work. By providing oversight through prayer and the ministry of the Word with a humble attitude. A pastor can accomplish the goal of presenting every individual to God as perfect and complete in the Gospel. These are the guidelines by which pastoral ministry should be conducted. The manner of accomplishing this work may vary depending on the context of the pastor or ministry. In the end, I pray that pastors in this day may be reminded of the true definition of ministry that they may lead by it instead of tempting worldly methods.
Bibliography
Baxter, Richard. The Reformed Pastor, A Pattern for Personal Growth and Ministry. Ed. James M. Houston. Vancouver: Regent College, 1985. Print.
Bridges, Charles. The Christian Ministry, With an Inquiry into the Causes of Its Inefficiency. London: Banner of Truth Trust, 2001. Print.
Holy Bible New Revised Standard Version. Nashville: Abingdon, 1987. Print.
All scripture quotation unless noted otherwise are taken from the New Revised Standard Version if the Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the Nati
Piper, John. Brothers, We Are Not Professionals. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2003. Print.
Bridges, Charles. The Christian Ministry, With an Inquiry into the Causes of Its Inefficiency. London: Banner of Truth Trust, 2001. Print.
Holy Bible New Revised Standard Version. Nashville: Abingdon, 1987. Print.
All scripture quotation unless noted otherwise are taken from the New Revised Standard Version if the Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the Nati
Piper, John. Brothers, We Are Not Professionals. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2003. Print.
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