Pastor's Top Five Tasks

As I sit here and think about the job of Pastor, and trying to whittle it down to a top five, I am struck by the enormity of it all. This job is an awesome, not in the 80’s sense but that of the literal definition, responsibility. There are so many things that are important, and a million details if left out can be devastating to someone in the parish. Before I tackle responsibilities, I must point out that the character of the Pastor must be above reproach (1 Timothy 3:1-7 and all of Titus). Paul understood this and gave fantastic instructions as to how we should live our lives. Is it possible to do this without falter? Perhaps it is, but it is great that the Lord has granted us grace through the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. This does not give us free reign, but does remind us we cannot do anything without Christ.

With that being said I offer my opinion of the top five tasks of a Pastor.

1. Teaching and Preaching (1 Tim 5:17-19, Acts 6:1-4). It is important for a Pastor to teach those he has been given the responsibility the word of God. The Bible is the only book, or collection of documents, given to us that provide the true words of God. Within this task settling doctrinal disputes is also implied (Acts 15:5-6).

2. Praying (Acts 6:4). Just as in the time of the Apostles we can be distracted from this important task. Praying is the most assessable way to have a dialogue with God. In the times of the early Church they were worried about charity. If only this were the only thing a Pastor had to worry about in this day and age. We must set aside time to talk to God and ask Him for help, instruction, encouragement, healing, etc…

3. Overseeing the Church (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:1-4). Pastors must safeguard the Church. They must oversee and keep the spiritual and moral purity of the church and those they Sheppard. God paid for the Church with the blood of His Son. It is also important that the Pastor do this because they love those whom they Sheppard and not because they feel compelled to lead.

4. Setting the Example (Titus 1:5-10, Hebrews 13:7). He who is a pastor should be someone that is worth imitating. They must live what they preach or face the consequences of their hypocrisy.

5. Administrating (1 Corinthians 12:28). If a Pastor is unable to perform administrative functions, as indicated by the listing of spiritual gifts, or is unable to properly delegate there will be problems. One could also say that Luke 14:28 points to administration. How can one lead people in the ways of Christ and faith if they cannot properly calculate the cost.

I think that about covers my thoughts on this subject. I can sit and write, or talk all day. Please give me grace for my ramblings and thank you for your time that was spent reading.