God – the True Shepherd
The word Pastor comes from Latin word shepherd. Pastoral Ministry
is Leading God’s people. A leader’s roles and responsibilities are to educate
people through the word of God and provide Christian counseling in a
therapeutic environment.
The idea starts with God himself, God Shepherds and governs the Nation
of Israel and Leads his people through a wilderness experience to a land
with much promise and provision a place of stability and safety .
Pastoral Care comes from the most famous description Psalm 23. The Psalm
the Shepherd leads, guides, feeds, comforts and protects his sheep. The true
Shepherd ensures the eternal security of his sheep.
In John 10:27-28 We can see this ultimately in the true Shepard
illustrates his people his followers his sheep in verse 27 My
sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:28 And
I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man
pluck them out of my hand.
This exhibit of a True shepherd that cares for the sheep is also
applied to Israel’s leaders. They are to lead, guide, feed, comfort and protect
the people by teaching and living out the Word of God among them. Israel’s
failure on this front through disobedience and idolatry. Warned of God by the
prophets raising day and night introducing a law of God to take heed.
False Teachers on the other hand
flee when they see an enemy wanting to devour the sheep. This denotes leaders accountable
for this action and are hurling and do not care for the sheep, God himself,
will replace these oppressive shepherds. God will act to save his sheep and
provide for them (Ezekiel 34:7–11).
The Prophets of Old, Prophesied Gods promised and liberation to Israel
and God himself will provide a Atonements for Mankind. To destroy sin once and
for all through the new covenant of his blood, the Messiah from the line
of tribe of Judah King David will rule over all and become the Author or
captain of our salvation and to govern his people (Ezekiel 34:23–24).
The Good Shepherd
God’s fulfils his promises made through Ezekiel. He is the King of Kings
and the Lord of Lords, the Good and true Shepherd who rescues this sheep (John 10:14–16). He will not only gather in the
lost sheep of Israel, but also people from all nations where they were
scattered and unite them together under himself, this amazing thing about the
true Shepherd is instead of slaughtering the sheep because of sin, he allows
himself to be slaughtered in their place. And Christ himself becomes the
sacrificial lamb.
Gods plan is saving and caring for his sheep this extends to all
generations and to the utmost place of the earth. As we find in John 1:12 Kinjg
James Version (KJV) Verse 12 But as many as received him, to them gave He power
to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.
Church Governance structure and leadership as in heaven so on earth,
Jesus provides this authority by commandment. Jesus the true shepherd has
always remained matchless and a Great model to follow.
Shepherds/Pastors and teachers of the Law.
The book of Acts introduces the beginnings of Christian pastoral
ministry and church age. the gospel spreads and churches begin to grow through
the teaching of the Apostles the 12 of Jesus Christ, leaders are installed as
oversees of the flock congregations.
The Apostle Paul spent three years pastoring the church in Ephesus, and
he uses the name called of God another name of shepherd or pastor when
encouraging the Ephesian elders to continue his work (Acts 20:28–32). The church is precious to God. It
is purchased with his blood. It belongs to him. Pastoral care is of utmost
importance.
Knowing this, Paul urges the Ephesian elders to teach God’s word of
Grace, to see the church growing and harvest into maturity, standing firm
against false teacher also called gain sayers, an example of Paul ministry was
much had devoted by his responsibility and revelation while on his way to
Damascus (Acts 9) .
With the spread of the gospel and the establishment of churches, people
being equipped and appointed to oversee and care for these congregations also
being filled with the Holy Spirit as a sign of their initial conversion (Acts
1:5). Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus are particularly helpful in
understanding pastoral ministry. In fact, they are often described as the
Pastoral letters. Paul is looking toward the future, raising up leaders,
shaping their priorities, emphasising both life and doctrine, character and
teaching. working toward ensure the gospel remains a central part to the life
of the church. Through patient’s diligence gathering their fruits unto eternal
life.
The Apostle Peter Meaning of "Rock" In the original Greek the
word translated as "Peter was given by Christ to Peter (Luke 22:32) I have
prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted,
strengthen thy brethren also encourages pastoral care in the churches. He is
concerned about the heart of the pastor or under Shepard’s and calls his fellow
elders to allow the gospel to shape their attitude and ministry. They are also
to be willing, generous, and eager to serve as they exercise their pastoral
ministry among the flock in the local community, all the while looking forward
to the return of the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
Pastoral Care
From this brief overview Pastoral Care and its importance is to
facilitate Christian education, helps mystery in the Spirit of servant hood.
- God is the ultimate the true shepherd of the sheep who promises to lead people into eternity with him and provide a safe haven away from all sickness and immorality.
- Jesus is God and has appointed the under shepherds or overseers who give a life of service and servant hood to bring people into relationship with God and service.
- Pastors lead by example and obedience to the gospel-shaped to the teaching and modelling application of God’s word of Grace in their lives.
Senior Pastor
Rymon Rizk
Ark of Truth Christian Fellowship
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