Where Have All the Shepherds Gone?

I have noticed an overwhelming amount of importance placed upon education for pastors. Some have a doctorate, other have graduated from "prestigious" universities etc. It is as though more credence is given to men of the cloth who have had theology class after theology class. It seems there must be a "Dr." attached to a Pastor's name in order for his words to have weight. It doesn't anger me, it saddens me more than anything else.

A Pastor is more than a Bible teacher, he is a shepherd. Shepherds do more than just feed the sheep. They tend to their flock. I think many pastors have forgotten this. They teach and preach and called it good but fail to tend to their flock. No caring, no weeping, no defending, no seeking their lost sheep.

Pastors, how's your flock?

 

Well, I posted it here because I felt it people other than just pastors should think about this question. Is their Pastor truly a Pastor or just a teacher? By placing it in the Pastor's Forum, it may not have been seen by all. I know I rarely, if ever, go to the Pastor's Forum.

Dave
(By the way, the name Dajuid is pronounced Dah-wheed. Long story. )

 

Faithfully tending his flock.

 

My intent was never to point fingers. However, I do not think it wrong to remind certain people of their obligations. I find myself doing the same thing regarding being a father. Am I being the kind of father that I should be? I have been fortunate enough to be pastored by two excellent Pastors. However, I have also spoken to, watched and listened to others who have shifted their focus away from their flock and onto other things.

No one is perfect, I know that all too well, but I find no problem in asking the question of Pastor's,nor do I think it an insult . If I felt my Pastor wasn't fulfilling his role as a Pastor, I would speak to him about it. If he takes offense to it, then I question his reasoning for doing so. What about the question is so offensive. Are they so above their flock that they do not have to answer to them? Are they above reproach? I would think a Pastor would welcome this question. Either to be able to give a testimony or as a way to inwardly reflect on what they are doing. (Oddly enough, I recall one of my pastors preaching on this very topic. Though not necessarily under that title.) I don't believe it is reserved for Pastors to ask this question of themselves. We should question our Pastors.

Brother Landis, I am sorry if you felt I was pointing fingers or trying to insult pastors. I realize that many Pastors are Godly men doing their best to tend to their flocks. However, I think from time to time the question does need to be asked by the sheep.
Dave

 

I'm not sure what you mean by "no education" but let me tell you about a pastor from my old church.

Growing up, he was what some would have called a "hellion". Although he was the son of a pastor, he rebelled hard. He grew up in the area I grew up in and was friends with my oldest brother. My Mother recalls him being a nice boy, but rather wild. Some would have called him a red neck.

After graduating from high school, he went to work at a paper mill. He was making about $70,000 + per year. (Trust me, in the economically depressed area where he lived, this was A LOT of money.) He married a high school sweet heart and had two kids. Although he went to church, he was still living in the world.

As he grew and matured, he became a deacon at the church. He went through the Churches Bible School and this has been his only "Biblical" Schooling. No doctorate, no college degree, nothing but a Local Baptist Church Bible School.

Tragedy hit when his daughter had to have a liver transplant when she was a very little baby, she was quite ill and it was only by the grace of God was she healed. As with anyone, this made him think long and hard. He spent time in prayer and heard the calling. He quit his high paying job and took over the pastoring of the local church. I believe making around $20,000. Even going without money when the church was doing poorly.

This man whom I’ve grown to respect and love has such a deep commitment to the Lord and his flock. His caring knows no bounds. However, he is not afraid to be firm and protect his flock from wolves. He knows the Bible better than anyone I’ve ever met and his sermons convict, teach and feed.

I do not believe education is a factor in pastoring. It doesn’t matter how many titles you have before and after your name, what matters is a genuine love for God, for people and settling for nothing less than the truth.
Dave