One of the first questions that any search committee should ask of any potential pastoral candidate should be in regard to the candidates theological perspective of Pastoring. After all the Bible has much to say about the local church as well as how it is to function.
There are three specific epistles that address the subject of Pastoring sufficiently and effectively. While men are trying to develop their techniques and programs God's Word stands fast and sure. Try and keep before you the thought that the church belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ and that we, by His grace, are simply under shepherds that simply care for His sheep til He comes. And mark it the chief shepherd will return for that which is His.
I am thankful to be a Pastor in His Kingdom but I am also thankful that He did not leave me to my own cleverness nor my own devices to Pastor His people. His word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Ah yes, the all sufficient Word of God is the manual to follow.
Please allow me to share the following definition of what I mean by the term "Pastoral Theology": "It is that branch of Christian Theology that deals with the office, the gifts, and the functions of the Pastor. Pastoral Theology seeks to reflect upon that self-disclosure of God witnessed to by Scripture, mediated through tradition, reflected upon by critical reasoning and embodied in personal and social experiences". (Thomas Oden)
From the definition alone you may realize the absolute necessity and significance of following the Word of God and implementing truths into practice in order to lead or Pastor His sheep in a way that is honoring and glorifying to the Lord Jesus Christ.
My challenge at this time is that we read and reread the book, particularly the epistles that deal directly with Pastoring. Paul did not leave Timothy and Titus to themselves to create a ministry that would be "user" friendly or a ministry that would attempt to Pastor the unchurched. God help our discernment in Pastoring.
What is your Pastoral Theology? Is it found to be in accordance to and in compliance with the instructions left for the good of the church and the glory of Christ Jesus?
Next blog I will be commenting on our Epistemology
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