The True Role of a Pastor

When one thinks of a pastor and the example he/she portrays, does that person see an exemplary pattern to follow or one that leaves a question on their mind?  The first feeling that should become apparent is; “now there is a person whose footsteps I would love to follow; I have never observed a better example of leadership than this person has shown.” 

Who is the best person that we can exemplify in that role than Jesus Christ.  Remember when He encountered ten lepers on the border between Samaria and Galilee (Lk. 17: 11-19).  Jesus did not question if all were Jews, or if there were any foreigners among the group.  Of course, the incident is used to show His concern for Samaritans since this occurs in Luke’s Gospel (where women, sinners, and Samaritans always take center stage) and He makes a critical point in God’s love for all His people.  However, this healing also brings out the pastoral relationship Jesus shows for everyone; not putting just certain persons ahead of others.  

Another wonderful example of the pastoral position Jesus portrays is when He calls Zacchaeus down from a Sycamore tree to sup with him that evening.  Of course, again here is a tax-collector and in Luke’s Gospel, but the more poignant point is this is very pastoral wherein He could have called someone else; but then it wouldn’t fit the theme of Luke.  However it is pastoral.  

A last example I wanted to add is that day on Calvary, wherein the most beautiful and judicious manner, Jesus bled to death on a tree and did it for everyone, forevermore.  The role of a pastor giving himself over for His followers; you and me.

The next person whom I would want to follow as a very good example of a true pastor is Pope Francis.  Since his inception as Pontiff he has done nothing but make pastoral moves which puts all of us in a position of feeling like; “here is a leader who places his flock first, and even though some of the moves may appear controversial, he is leading as a Pontiff who places people as Jesus did, first.”  

This brings me to the main focus of this article as to many men and/or women who function in the role of pastors may not be fulfilling their role in a leadership position.  It is too easy for those to not feel secure enough to delegate a lot of ministerial duties to others, who may be very capable of performing their functions, and instead do it themselves, either because of feeling threatened or insecure about delegating the work load.  If I was just writing this as a metaphor, it wouldn’t be viable as a complete article for scrutiny.  However, I have seen this scenario in and out of the Church and it doesn’t do well for those persons who are gifted in many areas and are rejected with the excuse; “we don’t need anyone else in your category since we already have too many.”   

Another example may very well be; “I might be outdone by this person, or I really am threatened as this person will be better than I.”  

As a deacon, who is among those ordained to service, we also can be challenged when a second deacon arrives at the parish and may place my position in a precarious situation.

I once interviewed for a teaching position at a parish in Phoenix, AZ where there were already three deacons.  One was strictly a hospital chaplain, and the second was an addiction counselor.  But the third was just the parish deacon and I could tell he was already on pins and needles about my coming for a full-time position, especially since I was from the Eastern part of the country (Pittsburgh).  The day of the interview, I sat down with him and his wife for breakfast and assured them I was not there to take his job.  You could see the relief as we continued breakfast.  However, I didn’t get the position but acted in a purely pastoral manner.  We all, no matter what our position in life, be it ministry or secular work, must always be alert to the possibility of not acting in a pastoral way and hurting someone in the process.

One person recently asked her pastor to be allowed to try out for the role of a cantor.  The answer was;”we already have enough.”  She was in tears and probably will be looking for another parish, at best.  Hopefully she keeps the faith and will allow this to pass.  That is one real example of not being in the role of pastoral ministry.  We have to remember our role is not something that just happens, but God has a lot to do with the positions;  If we don’t believe that our idea of Church is affected.