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In the Pastor's Ministry, pastor and author Brian Croft looks to the Scriptures to determine the top ten priorities for a faithful pastoral ministry. These biblically rooted responsibilities help pastors determine how to spend their time, do what God desires for their daily tasks, and with greater discernment respond to the demands of the church.
List of contents
Introduction: God’s shepherds are to “shepherd the flock of God among you” (1 Peter 4:2). Shepherds are to watch over the flock as one who will give an account (Heb. 13:17) until the Chief Shepherd appears (1 Peter 5:4).
Chapter 1: Guard the Truth (1 Tim 4.6-7, 16; 6.20-21; 2 Tim 1.13-14; 2.1-2)
Chapter 2: Preach and Teach the Word (1 Tim 4:13; 2 Tim. 4:2; Acts 6.2)
Chapter 3: Pray for the Flock (Eph. 6:18-20, 1 Thess. 5:17; Acts 6.2)
Chapter 4: Set an Example (1 Tim 4.12; 1 Pt 5.3 cf. 1 Cor 11.1)
Chapter 5: Visit the Sick (James 5:14, Matt. 25:31-40)
Chapter 6: Comfort the Grieving (1 Thess. 4:13-17, John 11)
Chapter 7: Care for Widows (1 Tim. 5:3, Acts 6:1-7)
Chapter 8: Confront Sin (1 Cor. 5, Matt. 18, 1 Thess. 3, Titus 3)
Chapter 9: Encourage the Faint-Hearted (1 Thess. 5:14, Rom. 14:1)
Chapter 10: Identify and Train Other Leaders (Acts 6:1-7, 13:1-3; 2 Tim 2.2)
Conclusion
About the author
Brian Croft is Senior Pastor of Auburndale Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Brian is the founder of Practical Shepherding, a non-profit organization committed to equipping pastors all over the world in the practical matters of pastoral ministry.
Summary
Every pastor struggles with demands for his time, and how to determine priorities in ministry. Some choose to respond to the most urgent needs, while others seek a more balanced and intentional approach. But what determines these priorities? Where should a busy pastor look for wisdom in making decisions?
In the Pastor’s Ministry, pastor and author Brian Croft looks to the Scriptures to determine the top ten priorities for a faithful pastoral ministry. These biblically rooted responsibilities help pastors determine how to spend their time and with greater discernment respond to the demands of the church. Each of these priorities is rooted in a direct command of God’s Word, including:
- Guarding the Truth
- Preaching and Teaching the Word
- Praying for the Flock
- Setting an Example
- Visiting the Sick
- Comforting the Grieving
- Caring for Widows
- Confronting Sin
- Encouraging the Faint-Hearted
- Identifying and Training Other Leaders
To be successful
and faithful in pastoral ministry, every pastor needs to understand these core callings and make them part of his regular practice. These ten responsibilities guide how a pastor schedules his time, helping him to lay the foundation for a biblically faithful ministry in his church.
