Study notes

Introduction

'I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd gives his life for the sheep' John 10:11.

Pastoral Ministry is for the care of those whom God has saved and baptised into His church. One of the great pictures of this ministry is found in the relationship between the Shepherd and his sheep Ps.23:1. If any man cares for those who belong to the Lord it follows that they know Him and that God has chosen them to become Shepherds responsible to the 'Chief Shepherd' who will teach those that serve Him how to care effectively.

The Heart of the Shepherd

It was said by Matthew of Jesus ‘But when he saw the multitudes he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted and were scattered abroad as sheep having no Shepherd’ Matt.9:36. The Flock Matt.18:12-13, Matt.25:32-33 Isa.53:6 John 10:1-18.

Who are the Pastors

As has been stated in our introduction he is the man God has chosen to care for the Church of God and those who are seeking to enter into such relationship. The Bible uses a number of words to refer to these men:

• Bishops 1 Peter 2:25, 1 Tim.3:1-2, Titus 1:7
• Elders 1 Peter 5:6
• Overseers Acts 20:28-30
• Shepherds John 10:1-16, Ps:23, Eze.34, Matt.26:31, Heb.13:20
• Pastors Jer.2:8, 3:15, 10:21, 17:16, 12:10, 2:22, 23:1-2, Eph.4:11