I am on holidays and like always I meditate on the pastoral ministry. Here are my thoughts on what the pastoral ministry is. Perhaps a young man will be encouraged to take up this work.
The pastoral ministry is filled with great joy and trials; and it is a very great work in our world. But why? Here is my answer in summary. The purpose of a Christian pastor is this: the pastor is a servant of Christ and a shepherd of God's people, responsible for proclaiming the gospel and protecting the church from spiritual predators. His work is to declare the glory and power of God in preaching, teaching, and pastoral care. In all this he works for the salvation of the elect. But also in his work he brings Jesus Christ's lordship into the world as he tells of God's grace in Christ. Week after week, year after year in the empowerment of the Holy Spirit he serves people Jesus. Lastly his pastoral ministry is always done together with the rigorous study of Scripture, prayer, and preaching.
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