An Assignment On

Biblical images of a pastor

Submitted To

Rev. Leela Grace

In Partial Fulfillment for the Requirement of the Course:

“Pastoral Theology”

Submitted By

V. Anil Kumar

M. Div

Church On The Rock Theological Seminary

On

29th July 2020

 Contents

Introduction

1. Pastor as shepherd
2. Pastor as priest

3. Pastor as an ambassador of Christ

4. Pastor as a prophet
5. Pastor as an apostle

Conclusion

Bibliography
Introduction

Pastors are responsible to lead, have been gifted by God to do so, and will give an account for
the flock (Hebrews 13:17). When God rebukes His people through the prophet Malachi, he
begins first with the priests in Malachi’s day. God knows that as the leaders go, so go the people.

1. Pastor as shepherd

The imagery of shepherd is intimately tied to pastoral ministry. In fact, some would argue that
the metaphor of shepherding is the primary picture from which we should develop our
understanding of pastoral leadership (See Tim Laniak’s Shepherds After My Own Heart). The
ancient practice of animal husbandry consisted of the roles of provision, protection, and
guidance, The beautiful thing about the shepherding metaphor is that it instructs us on the nature
of pastoral leadership with deep emotive insight. In many ways, this is why the Biblical writers
employed the shepherding metaphor for pastoral ministry..1

2. Pastor as priest

a man discerns that he is called to be a priest, he must go through a process of discernment that
involves a lot of different people and a significant amount of schooling. It is never to be
understood as “his call,” as much as “God’s call” and, because of that, a good number of people
who are part of the body of Christ are a part of that discernment.2

3. Pastor as an ambassador of Christ

1
https://ftc.co/resource-library/blog-entries/the-pastor-as-shepherd/
2
https://faithmag.com/priest-pastor-nun-brother-how-are-these-roles-different
The ambassador is a representative, a spokesman for somebody else. Malta's ambassador in
London is chosen and appointed by the Maltese government to represent the nation in a foreign
country. In this capacity he is expected to speak the Maltese's government's mind to England.
Going beyond this is not only irresponsible but also shows an arrogant spirit. He does not invent
the policy; he simply explains what it is. He relays what he himself has received.3

The pastor is commissioned by a higher authority. It is the Lord of heaven and earth who places
his hand upon him and tells him to go. Indeed he is conscious of his weakness, he is simply an
earthen vessel, but this is for the very purpose so that when the ambassador accomplishes
something, the power may be known to be from above and not intrinsically his. In this way God
is glorified.

4. Pastor as a prophet

A prophet shares God’s intent. But there is more to it than that. In 2 Peter we learn that a
prophet does not share based on his own understanding or initiative, but from what the Holy
Spirit reveals (2 Peter 1:20-21). Today’s pastors should use this passage as a reminder that true
visionary leadership does not emanate from the pastor’s intellect, research, personal values, or
planning. Those are not bad things, but they are poor substitutes for Holy Spirit revelation.
Pastors are wise to read scripture, pray, engage in godly conversations, and notice circumstances
where God is at work – four behaviors that turn one’s ear and heart to God, allowing the pastor
to hear from God and to be challenged to share God’s message.4

5. Pastor as an apostle

Apostle: Defined as “one sent.” Special mention is here made of this gift as it has been sent and
used by God through ages of the gospel day to begin great moves of His Spirit to progressively
restore truths lost in the great falling away, and in this evening time of the gospel day, not only to
complete the restoration of all truth, but also to lead in and oversee the gathering together of the
members of Christ’s body into one fold (1 Cor. 12:28).5

Conclusion

3
http://www.tecmalta.org/tft267.htm
4
https://transformedblog.westernseminary.edu/2012/10/30/pastor-as-prophet/
5
https://www.churchofgod.net/articles/marks-of-a-true-messenger-of-god/
Leadership in the Kingdom is about sacrifice, not position. It’s filled with humility, not
domination. It’s marked by greatness through serving. Thus pastors are challenged to not lord
their authority over others, but to be humble examples, and to serve others as the Chief Shepherd
has served us. With the model and foundation for church leadership being the way Jesus has
served us, pastors must not neglect their role as leaders and churches must embrace their pastors
as their leaders.

Bibliography

https://ftc.co/resource-library/blog-entries/the-pastor-as-shepherd/
https://faithmag.com/priest-pastor-nun-brother-how-are-these-roles-different
http://www.tecmalta.org/tft267.htm
https://transformedblog.westernseminary.edu/2012/10/30/pastor-as-prophet/
https://www.churchofgod.net/articles/marks-of-a-true-messenger-of-god/