Philosophy of Ministry
I. The Pastor and his Call
Jeremiah 20:9; Matthew 9:36; Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 9:16; Ephesians 4:11-12
The call to be a pastor is a direct, specific, and clear direction that God, through the unction of the Holy Spirit, that is placed in the very heart and consciousness of a man that drives him to do that which he can do only and nothing else. Following the example of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, it is a call to compassion and caring. Following the example of Paul, it is a call to proclaim the truth of the gospel with great power and conviction. When God calls a man to this ministry, He also calls Him to a time of equipping.
II. The Pastor and his Church
Matthew 16:18; John 10:11; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25-27; 1 Peter 5:1-4;
The pastor must be fully aware of the identity of the Church which he has been called to shepherd. The Church is the Bride of Christ which He adores. Therefore, the pastor who looks to Jesus as His example in the shepherding ministry will share in the adoration of the Church. Secondly, the Church is the Flock of God. Just as Christ laid down His life for the Church, so too, the pastor is called upon to The shepherd that smells like the sheep is the shepherd who spends time amongst the flock, caring for them, loving them, guiding them; this is the relationship of the pastor to the Church.
III. The Pastor and his Office
1 Timothy 3:1; Titus 1:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
The office of the pastor is to be held in high esteem, regardless of the many abuses that have been witnessed throughout its inception. The pastor is the elder or overseer. Some church settings will have a plurality of elders, while others will view the pastor as the chief or ruling elder. Regardless of the church’s position, the office of pastor will be expected to have a major role in all decisions to be made in the church. This great responsibility should keep the pastor in a place of humility and accountability.
IV. The Pastor and his Prayers
Psalm 50:15; Psalm 62:8; Matthew 6:9-13; John 15:5; 1 Peter 5:7
Prayer is a key indicator of a pastor’s walk with Christ. A pastor who prays little is more dependent upon himself and his talents and abilities than on the enabling of the Holy Spirit to do allow him to do the work he has been called to do. A pastor’s prayer life should contain a healthy amount of adoration, thanksgiving, supplication and intercession. If the only time a pastor prays is during public opportunities, his ministry will suffer detrimentally and his congregation will soon see the gap in his public spirituality and his private spirituality.
V. The Pastor and his Deacons
Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 3:8-13
The New Testament deacon is a position of service. The New Testament church had grown to a point of demanding the constant attention of the apostles. This caused an interruption in their primary responsibilities: i.e. prayer and Bible reading. Therefore, the office of deacon was established. A healthy understanding of the office of deacon is one that views the primary responsibility of the deacon as servant, first to Christ, then to the pastor. His purpose in serving the pastor is to free him from good things that distract him from doing the best things.
VI. The Pastor and his Preaching
Mark 16:15; Romans 1:16; 10:15; 2 Timothy 4:1-2; 1 Corinthians 9:16
The pastor should view his primary task as the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for without it, all men and women are without hope of ever entering into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. The pastor must begin the task of sermon preparation on His knees in full dependence upon the author of Scripture. If the preacher is preaching something other than what has come from God, he should seek out another calling, for surely, his is not to preach.
VII. The Pastor and his Ordination
Exodus 29; Leviticus 8-9; Acts 13:2-3; 2 Corinthians 8:19; 1 Timothy 5:22; Titus 1:5
The concept of “ordination” has its roots in the Old Testament selection of the Aaronic priesthood. It is God Himself who calls a man to the ministry and qualifies him with the appropriate gifts. The members of the church recognize God’s clear leading and embrace it. In following the example of the early church, the church lays hands on him to demonstrate their commissioning. The ceremony of ordination is not dictated to us in Scripture, therefore, there is freedom in the ordering of the said service. The pastor would do well to understand the public eye that comes with ordination. A pastor may request not to be placed upon a pedestal, however, when a man becomes ordained, this is a natural occurrence that one must learn to live with.
VIII. The Pastor and the Ordinances
Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 1:9; John 14:15; Romans 6:3-4; Luke 22:19-20;
Jesus instituted the ordinance of baptism and commanded its observance by His followers. He set the example by being baptized Himself by John the Baptist in the Jordan. We are commissioned to make disciples of all nations and an important part of that process is baptism. Baptism is not essential to salvation, but it is essential to obedience and a life that pleases and honors the Lord.
The elements of the Lord’s Supper are symbolic of our Lord’s body, which was broken for us, and His precious blood, which was spilt for the sins of the world. The Lord’s Supper is limited to those who have received Christ as their Savior.
IX. The Pastor and his Visitation
Matthew 5:21-43; Luke 19:1-10; Acts 1:8; Romans 12:15
The effective pastor will take advantage of ministry opportunities outside of the church. Some of Jesus’ most memorable ministry moments happened in the homes of individuals; not in the synagogue or the temple. A pastor must make it a priority to live amongst his flock and he cannot do that from a lofty office behind closed doors.
X. The Pastor and his Evangelism
Matthew 28:16-20; Luke 4:18; John 4; 2 Timothy 4:5
The pastor cannot expect his congregation to live out the commands of the Great Commission if he, himself, is failing to do so. Every successful evangelistic campaign of a church has been so because the pastor led by example. While every pastor might not possess the spiritual gift of evangelism, he cannot navigate around the Great Commission, which holds all believers accountable for the expansion of His kingdom.
XI. The Pastor and his Family
1 Timothy 3; Titus 1; Ephesians 5:28-33; 6:4; Colossians 3:19; 1 Peter 3:7
The pastor’s ministry will not enjoy long-term success if his family life is not in order. A man is disqualified from the ministry if he fails in the administration and ministry of his home. His love for his wife and children and his administration of the home will be directly reflected in his leadership, or lack thereof, of the church. If a man’s wife and children do not respect him because of the double standard that they witness, it is likely that a congregation will soon see this flaw and his ministry will come to an end.
XII. The Pastor and his Ministry
Matthew 6:33; 1 Peter 5:2-4; 1 Thessalonians 2:6
The pastor must be careful to not seek the applause of men, but rather, the approval of God. He must seek the advancement of Christ’s Church first and foremost and the other things that often occupy his mind, will follow. The pastor is not to be a lover of money or have a view of ministry which promotes his advancement in the eyes of men. This advancement might come as a result of a fully consecrated life, however, it must not be the driving force behind his ministry.
The primary ministry of the pastor is the ministry of the Word. The pastor is called to a public proclamation and exhortation ministry from the Word. This is commonly known as his pulpit ministry. Additionally, the pastor should be prepared for the private proclamation and exhortation ministry from the Word as well. The pastor will have many opportunities to share the truth of God’s Word in love with individuals throughout the course of his private life in the community. Rather it be a hospital room, a coffee shop, or an individual’s living room, the pastor should always be ready to reprove, rebuke, and correct the people as instructed in 2 Timothy 4:2.
XIII. The Pastor and his Leadership
Mark 10:45; John 3:30; Acts 20:35; 1 Peter 5:3a; Hebrews 9:2
The leadership style of the pastor must be one of a servant. Just as Jesus took the towel to wash His disciples’ feet, so too must the pastor be poised in a humble position of service to those he is called to lead. It is this kind of leadership that earns the right to lead. The pastor, while an authority figure, must avoid becoming an authoritarian in the church.
XIV. The Pastor and his Example
1 Timothy 2:24; Titus 1:7-9; Hebrews 13:7; 1 Peter 5:3b
The pastor is to walk in a manner worthy of his call and his flock will expect no less of him. More importantly, Jesus expects no less of his pastors. The pastor must exemplify a life of devotion to the Lord in all areas of life. Not only those areas that are constantly on display, but in his private life as well. Integrity is of the utmost importance in the life of the pastor.
Jeremiah 20:9; Matthew 9:36; Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 9:16; Ephesians 4:11-12
The call to be a pastor is a direct, specific, and clear direction that God, through the unction of the Holy Spirit, that is placed in the very heart and consciousness of a man that drives him to do that which he can do only and nothing else. Following the example of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, it is a call to compassion and caring. Following the example of Paul, it is a call to proclaim the truth of the gospel with great power and conviction. When God calls a man to this ministry, He also calls Him to a time of equipping.
II. The Pastor and his Church
Matthew 16:18; John 10:11; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25-27; 1 Peter 5:1-4;
The pastor must be fully aware of the identity of the Church which he has been called to shepherd. The Church is the Bride of Christ which He adores. Therefore, the pastor who looks to Jesus as His example in the shepherding ministry will share in the adoration of the Church. Secondly, the Church is the Flock of God. Just as Christ laid down His life for the Church, so too, the pastor is called upon to The shepherd that smells like the sheep is the shepherd who spends time amongst the flock, caring for them, loving them, guiding them; this is the relationship of the pastor to the Church.
III. The Pastor and his Office
1 Timothy 3:1; Titus 1:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
The office of the pastor is to be held in high esteem, regardless of the many abuses that have been witnessed throughout its inception. The pastor is the elder or overseer. Some church settings will have a plurality of elders, while others will view the pastor as the chief or ruling elder. Regardless of the church’s position, the office of pastor will be expected to have a major role in all decisions to be made in the church. This great responsibility should keep the pastor in a place of humility and accountability.
IV. The Pastor and his Prayers
Psalm 50:15; Psalm 62:8; Matthew 6:9-13; John 15:5; 1 Peter 5:7
Prayer is a key indicator of a pastor’s walk with Christ. A pastor who prays little is more dependent upon himself and his talents and abilities than on the enabling of the Holy Spirit to do allow him to do the work he has been called to do. A pastor’s prayer life should contain a healthy amount of adoration, thanksgiving, supplication and intercession. If the only time a pastor prays is during public opportunities, his ministry will suffer detrimentally and his congregation will soon see the gap in his public spirituality and his private spirituality.
V. The Pastor and his Deacons
Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 3:8-13
The New Testament deacon is a position of service. The New Testament church had grown to a point of demanding the constant attention of the apostles. This caused an interruption in their primary responsibilities: i.e. prayer and Bible reading. Therefore, the office of deacon was established. A healthy understanding of the office of deacon is one that views the primary responsibility of the deacon as servant, first to Christ, then to the pastor. His purpose in serving the pastor is to free him from good things that distract him from doing the best things.
VI. The Pastor and his Preaching
Mark 16:15; Romans 1:16; 10:15; 2 Timothy 4:1-2; 1 Corinthians 9:16
The pastor should view his primary task as the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for without it, all men and women are without hope of ever entering into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. The pastor must begin the task of sermon preparation on His knees in full dependence upon the author of Scripture. If the preacher is preaching something other than what has come from God, he should seek out another calling, for surely, his is not to preach.
VII. The Pastor and his Ordination
Exodus 29; Leviticus 8-9; Acts 13:2-3; 2 Corinthians 8:19; 1 Timothy 5:22; Titus 1:5
The concept of “ordination” has its roots in the Old Testament selection of the Aaronic priesthood. It is God Himself who calls a man to the ministry and qualifies him with the appropriate gifts. The members of the church recognize God’s clear leading and embrace it. In following the example of the early church, the church lays hands on him to demonstrate their commissioning. The ceremony of ordination is not dictated to us in Scripture, therefore, there is freedom in the ordering of the said service. The pastor would do well to understand the public eye that comes with ordination. A pastor may request not to be placed upon a pedestal, however, when a man becomes ordained, this is a natural occurrence that one must learn to live with.
VIII. The Pastor and the Ordinances
Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 1:9; John 14:15; Romans 6:3-4; Luke 22:19-20;
Jesus instituted the ordinance of baptism and commanded its observance by His followers. He set the example by being baptized Himself by John the Baptist in the Jordan. We are commissioned to make disciples of all nations and an important part of that process is baptism. Baptism is not essential to salvation, but it is essential to obedience and a life that pleases and honors the Lord.
The elements of the Lord’s Supper are symbolic of our Lord’s body, which was broken for us, and His precious blood, which was spilt for the sins of the world. The Lord’s Supper is limited to those who have received Christ as their Savior.
IX. The Pastor and his Visitation
Matthew 5:21-43; Luke 19:1-10; Acts 1:8; Romans 12:15
The effective pastor will take advantage of ministry opportunities outside of the church. Some of Jesus’ most memorable ministry moments happened in the homes of individuals; not in the synagogue or the temple. A pastor must make it a priority to live amongst his flock and he cannot do that from a lofty office behind closed doors.
X. The Pastor and his Evangelism
Matthew 28:16-20; Luke 4:18; John 4; 2 Timothy 4:5
The pastor cannot expect his congregation to live out the commands of the Great Commission if he, himself, is failing to do so. Every successful evangelistic campaign of a church has been so because the pastor led by example. While every pastor might not possess the spiritual gift of evangelism, he cannot navigate around the Great Commission, which holds all believers accountable for the expansion of His kingdom.
XI. The Pastor and his Family
1 Timothy 3; Titus 1; Ephesians 5:28-33; 6:4; Colossians 3:19; 1 Peter 3:7
The pastor’s ministry will not enjoy long-term success if his family life is not in order. A man is disqualified from the ministry if he fails in the administration and ministry of his home. His love for his wife and children and his administration of the home will be directly reflected in his leadership, or lack thereof, of the church. If a man’s wife and children do not respect him because of the double standard that they witness, it is likely that a congregation will soon see this flaw and his ministry will come to an end.
XII. The Pastor and his Ministry
Matthew 6:33; 1 Peter 5:2-4; 1 Thessalonians 2:6
The pastor must be careful to not seek the applause of men, but rather, the approval of God. He must seek the advancement of Christ’s Church first and foremost and the other things that often occupy his mind, will follow. The pastor is not to be a lover of money or have a view of ministry which promotes his advancement in the eyes of men. This advancement might come as a result of a fully consecrated life, however, it must not be the driving force behind his ministry.
The primary ministry of the pastor is the ministry of the Word. The pastor is called to a public proclamation and exhortation ministry from the Word. This is commonly known as his pulpit ministry. Additionally, the pastor should be prepared for the private proclamation and exhortation ministry from the Word as well. The pastor will have many opportunities to share the truth of God’s Word in love with individuals throughout the course of his private life in the community. Rather it be a hospital room, a coffee shop, or an individual’s living room, the pastor should always be ready to reprove, rebuke, and correct the people as instructed in 2 Timothy 4:2.
XIII. The Pastor and his Leadership
Mark 10:45; John 3:30; Acts 20:35; 1 Peter 5:3a; Hebrews 9:2
The leadership style of the pastor must be one of a servant. Just as Jesus took the towel to wash His disciples’ feet, so too must the pastor be poised in a humble position of service to those he is called to lead. It is this kind of leadership that earns the right to lead. The pastor, while an authority figure, must avoid becoming an authoritarian in the church.
XIV. The Pastor and his Example
1 Timothy 2:24; Titus 1:7-9; Hebrews 13:7; 1 Peter 5:3b
The pastor is to walk in a manner worthy of his call and his flock will expect no less of him. More importantly, Jesus expects no less of his pastors. The pastor must exemplify a life of devotion to the Lord in all areas of life. Not only those areas that are constantly on display, but in his private life as well. Integrity is of the utmost importance in the life of the pastor.
