The Pastor As Shepherd

For one of my pastoral ministry classes last semester, I wrote a paper on understanding the role of the pastor in leading change in a congregation. The main basis for this was that understanding the role of the pastor as shepherd was key to the rest. What follows is excerpted from that paper. 

I would appreciate any input by those engaged in pastoral work on how the biblical portrayal of the pastor as shepherd has been applied in past or current ministries, as well as any other words of wisdom regarding pastor as shepherd.

The Pastor as Shepherd

It is necessary to explore the biblical commands and characteristics related to this idea of the pastor as shepherd. The main idea supplying the outline for this section of the paper is Peter’s exhortation to the elders in his first letter. He exhorts the elders to “shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2-3).[1] An examination of several key Old Testament and New Testament texts will be applied so that a clear picture can emerge as to the role of the shepherd of God’s flock.

Revival! March 10-14, 2013

Two years ago, I participated in Southwestern's Revive This Nation program. I am doing it again this year.

I have changed in the last two years. Growing in knowledge, thanks to both seminary classes with great professors and my own personal study. But I have also been able to practice preaching thanks to the graciousness of the church I grew up in (Quitman United Methodist Church, LA) and the church family that sent me to seminary (First Baptist of Ruston, LA).

I pray that the Holy Spirit will work through me and work in the congregation as I am preaching.

The overall theme for me for this year's revival is "Living By Faith."  As I was studying and outlining my sermons, two verses jumped out at me, demanding my attention, and so I have made them my theme verses for the revival.

R.O.Y.A.L.: 5 Characteristics of a Life Lived "In Christ," Part 3

We've seen that for the believer a life lived in Christ is reflected in our reliance upon Him and our obedience to His teachings. A third characteristic of this kind of life is that:

We are to be YIELDING.

The believer is to be yielded to and yielding to God. What this means is that every single day, we are to yield, give ourselves over, to God. James writes this: “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:7-8).