It seems that in our churches today Pastors are asked to do way too many things. I believe that this multi-tasking, CEO mentality is destroying the biblical role of Pastor/Shepherd. What is the primary role of a pastor? If you surveyed 100 people, I would almost guarantee that a majority would say preaching. While preaching is a very important aspect of the pastoral calling, it is only a piece of a larger, more important role.
The primary role of a pastor is to teach and train disciples. This involves preparing God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up (Ephesians 4:12). Many pastor's today are great at what they do, but they are not preparing others to do what they do. If the saints are not being equipped to do the work of the ministry, they do not have a true pastor. The goal of every pastor (and church) is to generate disciple-making disciples. The goal is not to grow your attendance, increase participation in programs, make the budget, preach the best sermons or anything else. We must shift our mindset away from growing churches and towards growing disciples.
Click on the following link to read a short blog post about Billy Graham's approach to discipleship: If Billy Graham Had Been a Pastor
If you are interested in this topic, consider reading:
The Trellis and the Vine, by Colin Marshall and Tony Payne
The Master Plan of Evangelism, by Robert E. Coleman
Missional Map-Making by Alan Roxburgh
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