According to Bible scholar Dr. John McArthur, a pastor’s job includes the following: He rescues lost sheep by pointing people to the Good Shepherd, Jesus the Christ. He nourishes the sheep with God’s Word. He leads them from the front, not herding them from the rear. Only when he is upfront can they watch him and imitate his actions. The pastor protects people from error and from those who spread it. He comforts them by adjusting his counsel for their individual needs. God holds pastors responsible for the well-being of people. We learn from God’s Word to Ezekiel that He is concerned about anybody who serves in a leadership capacity. We read: “You shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, you abandoned my flock and left them to be attacked by every wild animal. And though you were my shepherds, you didn’t search for my sheep when they were lost. You took care of yourselves and left the sheep to starve. Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD. This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I now consider these shepherds my enemies, and I will hold them responsible for what has happened to my flock.” There are about 3.5 million Christian churches in the world today, so there would be a similar number of pastors—and many other church leaders. People who serve as leaders everywhere should faithfully serve those they lead. They must remember they are accountable to the Chief Shepherd.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
