According to Calvin Theological Seminary, Pastoral leadership is the general term for the marks of effective pastors, encompassing Christian teaching, discipleship, and congregational guidance. While there are many forms that pastoral leadership may take, specific themes are consistent in every ministry that is biblically based.
Preaching and teaching. Through a vigorous exposition of the Word of God, verse by verse, line upon line, and precept upon precept, the full counsel of God is made known. “I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Tim. 4:1-2).
Pastoral Care. People do not care what a pastor knows, until they know how much the pastor cares for them as a person. Far too many ministries use individuals to meet an organizational need, and then discards whoever is not proving to be useful. “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another” (Rom. 12:10).
Evangelism and outreach. There was a time when conservative Christian made a conscious effort to introduce others to Christ in fulfillment of the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20. Pastors must model personal evangelism, and then find ways to train others to go into the “highways and byways” through home visitation, art, literature, social media, and private conversations. The idea of lifestyle evangelism is not enough. Furthermore, outreach ministries must be done without resorting to worldly promotional schemes or creating a carnival atmosphere. A sense of urgency must be cultivated in the hearts of God’s people to evangelize the lost. The urgency of the gospel has propelled missionaries to go to every part of the earth, often at sacrificial cost to their own lives, employment, and family.
“Rise up, O saints of God!
Have done with lesser things;
Give heart and soul and mind and strength
To serve the King of kings.”
~William Pierson Merrill
Discipleship. Jesus called His disciples to be with Him to be like Him. A study of the life of Christ in detail will enable Christians to be more like Jesus. The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy and exhorted him to disciple others. “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2).
Visionary. Effective pastoral leadership demands a vision from God. Study the visions of the Bible, and ask God for wisdom to lead His people. It may be the Lord will give a particular vision for missions, education, evangelism, Bible distribution, child evangelism, apologetics, visitation, counseling, discipleship, prayer, or prisons. What is certain is that without a vison, where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint and everyone one does that which good in their own sight.
Organization. The biblical mandate is to do things decently and in order. Care must be taken to encourage the people of God to seek to a towel for service and not a title to flaunt. When every believer uses their spiritual gift within the body of Christ, function will follow form. Teach God’s people to co-operate with one another and not compete. A well-informed congregation is a happier congregation. Find those who have the gift of administration and use them without lording it over them, or feeling threatened. Study 1 Corinthians 14:40
Stay Focused. It is easy today for the Church to lose focus. Where crusades for Christ were once the focus of attention, social needs have overshadowed spiritual realities. Where an army of God was once raised to preach the gospel ,while feeding the hungry and clothing the poor, only the sound of a bell soliciting donations can be heard. The clarion call of the gospel is lost in the noise of Vanity Fair.
Consider
The apocryphal story is told of Thomas Aquinas (c. 1225 – 1274) who found the pope of his day in the Vatican counting the coins of donation from God’s people. “Look Thomas,” said the pope. “Never again can the Church say, ‘Silver and gold have I none.’” “No,” replied Thomas, “Neither can the Church say, ‘Rise up and walk.’” Effective pastoral leadership does not divert the focus of the Church to become unduly enamored with and engaged in political controversies, or culture movements. An effective biblical pastor will stay close to the people, and keep them focused on the Bible and Christ for then, all shall be well.
