Quote:
Originally Posted by MissBrattified
That looks like a good study, but isn't it more interesting to read replies from the pastors on this board?  I think you learn a lot more when you listen to people speak from their hearts. One person's perspective on what should comprise pastoring is going to have subjective value, depending on the already established views of the reader. |
The problem is most 'pastors' on this board do not seem to match the biblical definition of 'pastor', in that most pastors on this board believe in and support the 'one man, one church' sole pastorship model rather than the biblical model.
As a result, their views as to what a pastor's job is, will likely be biased towards the particular model they are part of.
Brother Epley's response demonstrates his concern for the spiritual well-being of the people who look to him as their shepherd. However, I can't help but think that brother Epley has limited himself because of his views on the nature of eldership, oversight, church structure, etc.
My personal experience has been that 'pastors' generally are focused on two things - Doing good sermons, and making sure everybody in the church is paying tithes and not rocking the boat. The pastor has 'the vision' for the church, everybody else is a helpmate to achieve his vision. Anyone who has a different 'vision' is invited to find another church (or worse...). I have personally known pastors who are wonderful Christians, and others who seem to be nothing more than hired help, managers running a business, but I have never seen a church functioning Biblically, with a plurality of elders having the oversight and teaching house to house (ie spending time with each family or household teaching them sound doctrine).
As someone pointed out on the other thread... 'who pastors the pastor?'