Essential Roles of a Pastor

[PastorMark]

The survey of pastoral traditions and leadership in the Bible presented by Laniak demonstrates that metaphorical shepherding was a multi-faceted endeavor. In contrast to reductionist understandings of shepherding as, for example, strict accountability or pastoral care among the sick and needy, Laniak asserts that “the Bible promotes robust, comprehensive shepherd leadership, characterized as much by the judicious use of authority as by sympathetic expressions of compassion” (p. 21). I find this emphasis a needed and welcome corrective to the common limiting images of what the shepherding metaphor entails.

Out of the rich range of activities and responsibilities involved in pastoring, Laniak singles out protection, provision, and guidance as the essential roles of shepherds. In my estimation, these functions do seem central to the work of shepherding. I can imagine the work of literal shepherds involving protection (from natural threats), provision (of food, water, and shelter), and guidance (leading sheep to pasturelands). That being said, I found myself wanting to see more clearly how Laniak arrived at selecting these three terms to summarize the tasks of a metaphorical shepherd (pastor of a church). It would have been helpful to see more of the scriptural basis for this summary.

Furthermore, to which of the three categories do the various individual pastoral tasks belong? In my mind, the category of protection relates to responsibilities such as refuting false doctrine, defending the faith, exercising oversight, administering church discipline, and in general ensuring the safety of the flock. I think of the category of provision as involving feeding the congregation the Word, providing encouragement, and other forms of care. I associate the category of guidance with tasks such as giving pastoral counsel and spiritual direction, as well as leading and casting vision. How accurate is this understanding of how the various pastoral tasks fit into these three broad categories?

Furthermore, are there other major categories involved in pastoring that should be added to the three primary areas suggested by Laniak? Finally, on a large church staff team with multiple pastors, there is often specialization among them within one of the three areas. For example, one pastor might focus on teaching, another on pastoral care, and yet another on executive leadership and administration. Is this division of labor legitimate and effective? Or is it essential to the role that all pastors be involved in each of the three key areas of protection, provision, and guidance?

I do have some working assumptions regarding these things, but would value partaking of others’ reflections.
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Mark Carlsson