Journal: Chafer Theological Seminary Journal
Volume: CTSJ 09:2 (Fall 2003)
Article: The Shepherding Aspect Of The Pastoring And Teaching Ministry
Author: Tod Kennedy

---

CTSJ 9:2 (Fall 03) p. 35

The Shepherding Aspect Of The Pastoring And Teaching Ministry1

Tod Kennedy

Introduction

Pastors seem to face a common occupational hazard: they teach and shepherd people who, like sheep, tend to wander off and get lost after professing great interest in living the Christian life. There is a story about three pastors who got together for coffee one day and found all their churches had bat infestation problems. “I got so mad,” said one, “I took a shotgun and fired at them. It made holes in the ceiling but did nothing to the bats.” “I tried trapping them alive,” said the second. “Then I drove 50 miles before releasing them, but they beat me back to the church.” “I haven’t had any more problems,” said the third. “What did you do?” asked the others, amazed. “I simply baptized and confirmed them,” he replied. “I haven’t seen them since.”

The unrealistic expectations the people in the pew place on their leadership are another problem that pastor-teachers face.

Somewhere between the call of God and the heart ward of the local hospital there exists a specialist in everything, variously called a “minister,” a “preacher,” a “pastor,” a “clergyman.”

He is a hero to his wife, a stranger to his children, a fine boy to his mother, an “easy touch” to down-and-outers, a name on the mailing list of hundreds of agencies and organizations, an an example to his flock.

… to some he’s a guy who has nothing else to do but get ready for a twenty-minute sermon once a week. To some he’s the person in whose presence you must not cuss, drink, or smoke.

To others he is a dear friend, a “johnny-on-the-spot” when death’s angel hovers near; he’s the one whose ministry continues when the medics have done all they can do; he’s the man who can mend marriages, but who can’t find time to fix his wife’s toaster; he’s the nice man at church who pats the babies’ heads, even though he’s not running for a political office. He’s the one who marries young lovers, prays with the sick, and buries the dead.

He is a financial expert, a public orator, janitor, errand boy, typist, file clerk, writer, public relations expert, poor golfer, professional tea-sipper and punch-drinker, journalist, reformer, evangelist, pastor, business executive, counselor, prophet, bookworm, diplomat, human being,

CTSJ 9:2 (Fall 03) p. 36

sinner, … bass, tenor [whichever is needed], planner, and a tee-totaler … .2

The Role of the Pastor and Teacher

All of the above a...

visitor : : uid: ()