What Do Pastors Do and How?

When calling pastors, God made sure that they clearly understood what is expected of them. Entrusting pastors with the greatest treasure in all creation—His Church—Jesus Christ set before them specific tasks. He detailed every aspect of this important ministry. All that remains for pastors is to diligently study the biblical principles of shepherding and, bowing before the Chief Shepherd in humility of heart, learn to bring every part of their life and ministry into submission to the goals and methods of Jesus Christ.

The apostle Paul emphasizes that the most important task of every pastor is to be faithful to his Master, the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 4:1–2 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

In this passage, Paul presents himself and other pastors as “servants” and “stewards.” Both of these terms are crucial for understanding the nature and purpose of pastoral ministry.

The word “servant” (ὑπηρέτης) refers to one who acts under the command of another or carries out the will of another. It was used for slaves who served as rowers on Roman galleys. Their task was to execute the orders of their commanders precisely and diligently.

The word “steward” (οἰκονόμος) literally means a household manager—someone entrusted with the care or administration of a household or estate.

Thus, we can conclude that pastors are servants of Jesus Christ, carrying out His commission in the management of His household—the Church. To be faithful to the Chief Shepherd means to be faithful to His Word in one’s practical ministry.

Pastors Demonstrate a Practical Example of Spiritual Life

The spiritual life is designed in such a way that the most effective means of transmitting it is by personal example. That is why pastors must be spiritual leaders—those who by their own lives show what it means to know God and to obey Him.

To establish the Church, God did not merely send information from heaven in the form of a book or special revelation. He became incarnate and demonstrated a real example of true life.

In establishing the pastoral office as an instrument for building up the Church, Jesus Christ determined that one of the main tasks of pastors is to provide an example of spiritual life for those under their care.

1 Peter 5:1–3 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:
shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;
not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

Imitation is a very effective form of learning. Most of what you know and can do has been acquired through imitating someone.

Scripture contains many examples of shepherding through imitation, as well as several direct commands to imitate pastors.

1 Corinthians 11:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

Paul calls others to imitate him to the extent that he imitates Christ.

The biblical principle of imitation is not limited to Paul or the apostles alone. In another text, Paul calls believers to imitate those who walk according to the example they have in the apostles.

Philippians 3:17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

Another passage teaches the same truth:

Hebrews 13:7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

The importance of imitation in the process of pastoral care is one of the reasons Christ entrusted the work of shepherding to people rather than assigning it to angels.

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"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." Hebrews 13:7