The Pastor's Primary Tasks

1. Preaching and Teaching

This is one of the primary ministries of the pastor to the local congregation. In fact, Paul tells Timothy in I Timothy 3 that the elder must be “able to teach” (I Tim. 3:2). Paul charges Timothy in his second epistle to “preach the Word” (2 Tim. 4:2). This is one of the primary means of ministry from a Pastor to his congregation because it is through the expositing of the Word that God’s people are edified.

2. Shepherding

This is another important ministry of the pastor toward his congregation. Peter exhorts elders to “shepherd the flock of God” (1 Peter 5:2). This involves the oversight and protection of the body. Oversight involves directing the Church’s affairs and general progression in Godliness. Protection involves making sure that the teaching is sound and keeping those who are under his care safe from false prophets, who can be very deceptive in their attempts to lead the flock astray.

3. Admonishing

This aspect of Pastoral Ministry deals with problems which may assault the Church both within and without. Admonishing involves warning the flock of the dangers of belief in false doctrine, and of the deceitfulness of sin. It is important because the flock is often easily deceived, and it is the shepherd’s responsibility to protect them by warning them of impending dangers. Paul labels this as a duty of the elders in I Thessalonians 5:12, “respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you”.

4. Rebuking/Correcting

This aspect of ministry deals with problems concerning members within the local Church. Paul told Titus that elders should, “hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.” (Titus 1:5) Problems of sin or false belief within the congregation must be met with firm rebuke and correction when necessary. The flock of the local shepherd must be rebuked when they are following things which are contrary to sound doctrine or practice.

5. Prayer

James tells his readers that if they are sick, they should “call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” (James 5:14) Prayer is one of the greatest ministries of the pastor toward his congregation, because it is the ministry which connects the Pastor to God through the intimacy of communion with Him. Along with the Preaching and Teaching ministry, this ministry of prayer brings fellowship between the Pastor himself and the Lord, while He intercedes for others in his congregation. It offers him a great way to minister for each person individually, being able to bring each person before the throne room of Heaven in order to receive grace.