Historically, there have been several titles for a pastor; “under-shepherd” being one of them.
Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task…Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 3:1, 13 (NIV84)
There are many aspects to the pastoral office. The office of the keys is one, but is not the property or responsibility of any individual, and it has as it’s ultimate goal to restore and keep souls from sin and sin’s separation from God.
Under any title, however, St. Paul considered “the pastoral office” a “holy ministry;” something set apart by God for God’s Church.
Christianity is not a spectator sport. Leaders are here to help you be successful, not necessarily happy or comfortable, as so many want to believe. Success, however, requires a team called by God to serve God’s will. Every Church leader (whether called, elected, or simply a recognized spiritual leader) is part of a divinely assembled team, with a God-given task of preparing all the Saints for their ministries.
The Church is the “living body of Jesus Christ on earth, or “the bride of Christ.” Everyone in Christ’s Church has a job. Together we “prepare…for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” The Church is the sum of all believers gathered around Word and Sacraments.
God created man to be the perfect reflection of God. Sin broke us completely; made us reject God’s image and purpose in favor of our own ideas.
The Bible reminds us, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
In Matthew 16:19 Jesus said, “I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.” The keys are the gospel; all God has done in Christ to pardon our sins and prepare our place in heaven for eternity. The forgiveness is already from God, purchased by Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.
Jesus Christ gave the gift and responsibility of the keys to heaven to His church.
Teamwork makes the dream work.
Scriptures
- 1 Timothy 3:1-13
