What Do Pastors Do and How? (Part 2)

We are still in “Pastor Appreciation Month.” Last Sunday we emphasized the importance of pastoral ministry in the local church. Pastor Vlad wonderfully presented the priority and role of the Church in the universe and in God’s plan of redeeming humanity and what role pastors play in that. In the previous article, we focused on the role of pastors in setting a good example to follow. Today we will continue to speak about the role of pastors in the church.

Looking ahead, I want to encourage all of you to pray for your pastors, and even more — during this month, find a way to show them your appreciation. They will not refuse if the church members, for example, invite them over for dinner or do something else along those lines. Again, this is simply an expression of appreciation for their labor; the reward itself will be given by the Lord Himself when they stand before His face. Now, let us talk about their role:

Pastors Care for the Spiritual Growth of the Flock

In several passages, the Bible teaches that one of the functions of pastors is to watch over the flock and oversee the proper spiritual growth of each member.

Pastors are engaged in providing every person under their care with sound spiritual nourishment, giving practical help in overcoming sins and sinful tendencies, and creating the necessary conditions for effective spiritual growth and strengthening in faith.

This is one of the primary meanings of the biblical call to: “feed, shepherd...” (John 21:17; 1 Peter 5:2).

Spiritual growth is a process that takes place individually in each person. Pastors cannot grow spiritually on behalf of their sheep. At the same time, God entrusts pastors with several practical responsibilities through which He accomplishes spiritual growth in those they shepherd.

1. Instruction

The first of these duties is to provide God’s children with sound spiritual food.
In his pastoral ministry, the apostle Paul devoted much time to teaching the Word of God.
 
Acts 20:20 — how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house.

Acts 20:26–27 — Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.

While training pastors, Paul repeatedly emphasized the importance of understanding sound doctrine and being able to teach it clearly and effectively.
 
Titus 1:7–9 — For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be... he must 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.

“Sound doctrine” means well-grounded, biblically faithful teaching.
A right attitude toward the Word and faithful teaching of it to people was the key element ensuring the spiritual growth of believers during Timothy’s ministry in Ephesus.
 
2 Timothy 1:13 — Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 2:15 — Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

2 Timothy 4:2–4 — Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

Pastoral instruction helps a Christian grow spiritually by strengthening his understanding of the practical significance of Scripture in various aspects of life. Instruction is not a one-time act; it is an ongoing process that ensures spiritual growth.
 
Malachi 2:7 — For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

2. Rebuke for Sin

It is not enough to provide a person with good spiritual nourishment. For effective spiritual development, a pastor must help people see and understand the areas of their lives where they are sinning.

A pastor must know how to rebuke.
 
Titus 1:7–9 — For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be... holding 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.

Constructive rebuke is not an act of punishment or revenge for wrongdoing. It is a loving attempt to show a brother or sister their sin in order to help them correct it. The motivation behind constructive rebuke must always be sincere love for one’s neighbor.

The essence of rebuke is to show the biblical assessment of a sinful action in order to help the person avoid the destructive consequences of sin.

Proper, constructive rebuke is of great value. It helps the sinner see his sin, overcome it, and be freed from it. It makes a person wise.
 
Proverbs 19:20 — Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.

The process of rebuke includes several elements:

• A good understanding of the real situation of the person being cared for
• A biblical evaluation of what is happening in their life
• Practical, constructive correction

It is not enough just to speak about spiritual matters. A true pastor strives to understand where his disciple truly is, to recognize problems in time, and to provide the necessary help.

This concerns not only sin itself but also sinful tendencies. A pastor must care enough to warn a person about potential sin.

All this flows from a pastor’s genuine concern for those entrusted to him.

3. Correction

A pastor’s responsibility is not only to show sin and its danger but also to point out the real path to restoration.
 
2 Timothy 3:16 — All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.

The goal of pastoral work is always the spiritual well-being of God’s children. A pastor is more like a coach than a judge. He is not only concerned about the existence of problems but also cares about the real steps to resolve them.
 
Galatians 6:1–3 — Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

The process of correction, like instruction, is a long process. It requires time, patience, persistence, and dedication.

Continue supporting the churches working among the people who have suffered from the war in Ukraine:

A request from elders: Dear Church, if you are sick or know of someone who is sick and cannot attend services and be in fellowship with other believers, please let us know so we can visit them.

"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