The Primary Role of a Pastor

[ITS]

What is the primary role of a pastor, and what daily priorities contribute to that role? How do other good things get in the way of this best thing?

[carlson_75]

What is the primary role of a pastor, and what daily priorities contribute to that role? How do other good things get in the way of this best thing?

The primary role of a pastor is to always be ready to preach the Word, correcting, rebuking, according to that truth. All of this is to be done with great patience and careful instruction or doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2). Constant study and devotion to prayer and the word of God will continually renew the above charge. One that stops learning will stop teaching, for one cannot provide careful instruction, unless one has been instructed. We are to remember that this learning process is so that preaching is done with careful instruction, not turned into the accumulation of knowledge for ones own desire to seem wise.

[Rich]

I believe the he primary role of a pastor has two facets. First is to instruct others in good doctrine (1 Tim 4:6-8) which combines both Law and Grace (1 Tim. 1:3-20) and also combines conduct and doctrine (1 Tim. 3:14-15). As one who instructs, the pastor must avoid false doctrines and handle persistent heretics (Titus 3:8-10). One specific instruction on how to carry out this duty is that the church publicly read Scripture (1 Tim 4:13). All these aspects of instructing relate to guarding the good doctrine. The second role is establishing leadership in the church (Titus 1:5).

The daily priorities that contribute to the pastoral role are first, the personal study and submission to scripture (1 Tim. 4:1-5). The second is to insure that he is putting into practice what he is studying and teaching (1 Tim. 4:15). The third is to guard his relationships (1 Tim. 5:1-12). As he goes through these daily priorities it is essential that he keeps a clear conscience (1 Tim. 1:6) because if he does not he will stray into error and take others with him away from the truth.

Administration, counseling and welfare needs of a pastor?s congregation are good things that can get in the way of the best thing that a pastor should be doing. These actions are all related to caring for people. As shepherd, the pastor will provide care for the Lord?s flock, and these items are genuine ways of caring for others. In caring for the flock, he must make sure he does so without impinging on his primary responsibilities noted above.

[Rich]

I was especially impressed with Dr. Stott's emphasis in the lecture that for right doctrine to be kept it is extremely important for the pastor to keep his conscience clear. I had never heard that key point emphasized and I think that it bears application especially when we think of the first roles of a pastor as preaching, correcting and rebuking. Keeping a clear conscience orients my thinking toward personal confession, repentance and reconciliation. A pastor who executes these duties without a clear conscience is exteremly distasteful. I believe it is extremely important to keep the strong connection between "talk" and "walk" especially in the crucial role as a pastor, therefore pastors must be intentional in keeping a clear conscience.



What is the primary role of a pastor, and what daily priorities contribute to that role? How do other good things get in the way of this best thing?

The primary role of a pastor is to always be ready to preach the Word, correcting, rebuking, according to that truth. All of this is to be done with great patience and careful instruction or doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2). Constant study and devotion to prayer and the word of God will continually renew the above charge. One that stops learning will stop teaching, for one cannot provide careful instruction, unless one has been instructed. We are to remember that this learning process is so that preaching is done with careful instruction, not turned into the accumulation of knowledge for ones own desire to seem wise.

[Chuck Hedges]

What is the primary role of a pastor, and what daily priorities contribute to that role? How do other good things get in the way of this best thing?
The primary role of a pastor is to be an example to believers, help equip them for the ministry (works of service) and to be an example of hope to non-believers. A key ingredient to this is to keep one's conscience clear by allowing the word of God to be meditated upon and to keep an attitude of prayer. Keeping an attitude of prayer keeps the presence of God in the forefront of one's thoughts and actions.

[Brad Kesler]

The primary role of the Pastor is to equip God's people for works of service (Eph. 4:12). This is accomplished in multiple ways. Of utmost importance is the teaching of right doctrine and the conduct that fits it (Titus 2:1). It is also important to be a good example for the people in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity (1 Tim. 4:12). We will make a greater impact on people when we not only speak words of instruction, but allow our lives to be living epistles to those in our church and community. As our lives are imitated, it makes us realize the importance of watching our lives and doctrine closely.

There are many good things that can take up our time. There are many details that Pastors concern themselves with that could just as easily be delegated to others.

[Brad Kesler]

It is indeed an important task of the Pastor to establish leadership in the church. Without leaders, the church will not succeed. Paul spends a good bit of time in the Pastoral Epistles defining the qualifications for overseers and deacons. It is not reasonable to expect people to automatically possess these qualifications. They must be taught and exemplified. This is the task of the Pastor: to raise up leadership by teaching doctrine, along with right conduct. By doing this, along with being a Godly example, the Pastor will be preparing people for the noble task of Biblical leadership.

[rwilliams91]

What is the primary role of a pastor, and what daily priorities contribute to that role? How do other good things get in the way of this best thing?

The primary role of the pastor in the Pastoral Epistles is to preach the sound doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul stated this a number of times to both Titus and Timothy. This thought culminates in the last chapter Paul wrote, 2 Timothy 4. Many do not want to hear the word of God preached, persecution might come because of the word of God being preached, but the message is clear; keep on preaching. Secondly, the pastor is to get others prepared to preach the Word (2 Tim. 2:2). Pastors will come and go, but the Word will remain. Thirdly, combat false doctrine, there are many warnings in the pages of these letters.

There are many things that beg for the pastor's time, some important, some not so important. The daily workings of the job, answering the phone, meeting people needs that are in your realm and those that are not all beg for your time. The problem is that they become the squeaky wheel that gets all the attention. Paul says major on the teaching of the eternal words of Jesus Christ.

[rwilliams91]

I believe the he primary role of a pastor has two facets. First is to instruct others in good doctrine (1 Tim 4:6-8) which combines both Law and Grace (1 Tim. 1:3-20) and also combines conduct and doctrine (1 Tim. 3:14-15). As one who instructs, the pastor must avoid false doctrines and handle persistent heretics (Titus 3:8-10). One specific instruction on how to carry out this duty is that the church publicly read Scripture (1 Tim 4:13). All these aspects of instructing relate to guarding the good doctrine. The second role is establishing leadership in the church (Titus 1:5).

The daily priorities that contribute to the pastoral role are first, the personal study and submission to scripture (1 Tim. 4:1-5). The second is to insure that he is putting into practice what he is studying and teaching (1 Tim. 4:15). The third is to guard his relationships (1 Tim. 5:1-12). As he goes through these daily priorities it is essential that he keeps a clear conscience (1 Tim. 1:6) because if he does not he will stray into error and take others with him away from the truth.

Administration, counseling and welfare needs of a pastor?s congregation are good things that can get in the way of the best thing that a pastor should be doing. These actions are all related to caring for people. As shepherd, the pastor will provide care for the Lord?s flock, and these items are genuine ways of caring for others. In caring for the flock, he must make sure he does so without impinging on his primary responsibilities noted above.

I believe the pastor is always trying to decide what is the best way to spend his limited number of hours. Time in the study of God's Word and prayer are essential parts of the pastor's day. Sunday is coming and the pastor needs to ready inside and out.

People needs are abundant as the pastor seeks to shepherd his flock. Great discernment is needed in prioritizing these needs. Realizing at the end of the day, some in the flock are going to feel that their needs are not being met. Even, Jesus did not meet the expectations of the crowds. The frustration for the pastor lies in knowing he is not meeting the expectations of all his people. We must be careful not to have a job description so big that not even a “super pastor” could perform it.

[JimC]

The primary role of the pastor from what Paul is writing to Timothy is to preach and teach the gospel. In doing so, the primary role involves study; as Paul writes diligent study, boldness and defending the faith by confronting false teaching. It also involves a mentoring relationship. Although not written specifically in the letters, Paul is mentoring Timothy and Titus at the time of the writing and instructing them to install men in positions of leadership in the church. These positions of pastors and deacons will need follow up and instruction with large doses of encouragement, not unlike what Paul is showing in his life and relationship with these he is mentoring.

[JimC]

It is indeed an important task of the Pastor to establish leadership in the church. Without leaders, the church will not succeed. Paul spends a good bit of time in the Pastoral Epistles defining the qualifications for overseers and deacons. It is not reasonable to expect people to automatically possess these qualifications. They must be taught and exemplified. This is the task of the Pastor: to raise up leadership by teaching doctrine, along with right conduct. By doing this, along with being a Godly example, the Pastor will be preparing people for the noble task of Biblical leadership.

I agree that the Pastoral Epistles were written for pastors in Paul's day and for us in our day. Thye give us instruction on how to fulfill our calling. We need guidelines and Paul has indeed set these out before us in these three letters. Teaching leaders will involve study and mentoring. Paul not only wrote these critcal truths for Timothy and Titus, but he lived these truths before his followers everyday. That is what makes a pastor effective in his/her leadership and fulfilling their first priority in ministry. Jim Caruso

[bruinjeff11]

In light of so many key passages in the Pastoral Epistles, it's difficult to pinpoint just one "primary role" for a pastor. If pressed, I would suggest that the pastor's single focus should reflect the title of his office as pastor-teacher (Eph 4:11). Primarily, he should be one who shepherds his flock and teaches them sound doctrine. As I review the Pastorals, I actually see seven key areas: (1) being diligent and disciplined in one's personal spiritual life so as to serve as an example to the flock (2) giving proper attention to preaching, teaching, and instruction (3) exhorting proper conduct in the body of Christ (4) Shepherding the flock with a balance of gentleness and discipline (5) ensuring that those who lead and teach are spiritually qualified (6) rebuking false teachers and protecting the flock from false doctrine (7) equipping other qualified individuals to lead and teach. There are many things which can get in the way of living out God's vision for the local pastor. In my experience, the most common distraction is getting too deep into administration within the church. Too often, we lose sight of our high calling and get bogged down with the details - details which are best delegated to either lay volunteers or other staff members. We need strong elder boards who will protect the pastor's time and energies and help him direct his efforts toward his high calling![/b]

[bruinjeff11]

I believe the he primary role of a pastor has two facets. First is to instruct others in good doctrine (1 Tim 4:6-8) which combines both Law and Grace (1 Tim. 1:3-20) and also combines conduct and doctrine (1 Tim. 3:14-15). As one who instructs, the pastor must avoid false doctrines and handle persistent heretics (Titus 3:8-10). One specific instruction on how to carry out this duty is that the church publicly read Scripture (1 Tim 4:13). All these aspects of instructing relate to guarding the good doctrine. The second role is establishing leadership in the church (Titus 1:5).

The daily priorities that contribute to the pastoral role are first, the personal study and submission to scripture (1 Tim. 4:1-5). The second is to insure that he is putting into practice what he is studying and teaching (1 Tim. 4:15). The third is to guard his relationships (1 Tim. 5:1-12). As he goes through these daily priorities it is essential that he keeps a clear conscience (1 Tim. 1:6) because if he does not he will stray into error and take others with him away from the truth.

Administration, counseling and welfare needs of a pastor?s congregation are good things that can get in the way of the best thing that a pastor should be doing. These actions are all related to caring for people. As shepherd, the pastor will provide care for the Lord?s flock, and these items are genuine ways of caring for others. In caring for the flock, he must make sure he does so without impinging on his primary responsibilities noted above.

I mentioned administration as the biggest distraction for a local pastor, but I agree with Rich that counseling can become another HUGE stumbling block preventing the pastor from fulfilling his primary obligations. While counseling is sometimes a necessary part of shepherding, we can easily allow it to overwhelm us. Let's face it - relationships in the church today are messy and a pastor can spend a great deal of time counseling marriages in crisis. In the past I have agreed to meet with some couples for up to two sessions but then I refer them out to Christian therapists who are more equipped to handle long-term issues. Similarly, when someone in the flock has obvious psychological burdens, pastors need to be very careful about taking such projects on - referring them out to professionals is often the best course of action. I also believe that elders need to take some of the counseling burden off the shoulders of the pastor so that he doesn't get bogged down - this is another way a supportive elder board can assist the pastor in staying focused on his calling.

[GTK]

The primary role of a pastor can best be described in the image of a shepherd. The pastor's primary role is to feed the flock, meaning to teach God's people His Word. This is the first and foremost role and this is what makes an elder (overseer) different than a deacon. In teaching people God's Word the hope is that they may know Him personally and to equip them for service to the Lord and His church. The second role is to lead the sheep in the direction God desires to take them. The third role is to protect the flock from false and destructive teachings that may lead people away from the cross of Christ. The fourth role is nurturer of the flock. A pastor who loves, encourages, and cares for the people. And all of this can only be accomplished if a pastor is being nurtured by the Almighty Shepherd himself. There are many daily things that need to be done such as emails, administration, calls, meetings, but pastors must remember to choose what is best amongst all the good things.

[GTK]

In light of so many key passages in the Pastoral Epistles, it's difficult to pinpoint just one "primary role" for a pastor. If pressed, I would suggest that the pastor's single focus should reflect the title of his office as pastor-teacher (Eph 4:11). Primarily, he should be one who shepherds his flock and teaches them sound doctrine. As I review the Pastorals, I actually see seven key areas: (1) being diligent and disciplined in one's personal spiritual life so as to serve as an example to the flock (2) giving proper attention to preaching, teaching, and instruction (3) exhorting proper conduct in the body of Christ (4) Shepherding the flock with a balance of gentleness and discipline (5) ensuring that those who lead and teach are spiritually qualified (6) rebuking false teachers and protecting the flock from false doctrine (7) equipping other qualified individuals to lead and teach. There are many things which can get in the way of living out God's vision for the local pastor. In my experience, the most common distraction is getting too deep into administration within the church. Too often, we lose sight of our high calling and get bogged down with the details - details which are best delegated to either lay volunteers or other staff members. We need strong elder boards who will protect the pastor's time and energies and help him direct his efforts toward his high calling![/b]

I completely agree with Jeff that a pastor must have capable men and women who serve as deacons and who can take care of the details of administration. The apostles saw this truth in Acts as they delegated some to take care of the tables and the daily distributions. There are times when pastors don't let go of some of these responsibilities because of our pride. We just don't trust that it will get done in the way "I want it." May we be humble and equip others to serve alongside of the elders. But the one warning for pastors is to not isolate ourselves in our offices so that we forget the touch and pulse of God's flock.

[mchap]

The primary role of a pastor is to shepherd God's people so that they will become all that God has chosen them to be. A minister's daily priorities are to nourish the faith, knowlege of truth, and hope of eternal life in the believers under his stewardship by preaching and teaching and by prayer and fellowship. Other good things that may get in the way of this role are those that pertain to a pastor taking heed to himself. He can not be so engrossed in teaching others that he neglects self. A pastor must allow time for self and for God by applying the text to self not only to others. God's salvation is not bestowed mechanically; it has to be preached and appropriated, obeyed and lived out.

[mchap]

GTK does a commendable job on identifying the primary role of a pastor. Nourishing the flock must be the primary role. Dr. Stott provides a report card for the pastor to use in determining how well he is fulfilling this role. With regards to the believers under his stewardship, the pastor must ask himself: what is their attitude towards God, are the apprehending Him by faith? What is their attitude towards the truth that leads to godliness, are they apprehending this by knowlege? What is their attitude on eternal life, are they apprehending this by hope?

The primary role of a pastor can best be described in the image of a shepherd. The pastor's primary role is to feed the flock, meaning to teach God's people His Word. This is the first and foremost role and this is what makes an elder (overseer) different than a deacon. In teaching people God's Word the hope is that they may know Him personally and to equip them for service to the Lord and His church. The second role is to lead the sheep in the direction God desires to take them. The third role is to protect the flock from false and destructive teachings that may lead people away from the cross of Christ. The fourth role is nurturer of the flock. A pastor who loves, encourages, and cares for the people. And all of this can only be accomplished if a pastor is being nurtured by the Almighty Shepherd himself. There are many daily things that need to be done such as emails, administration, calls, meetings, but pastors must remember to choose what is best amongst all the good things.

[rouvinez]

What is the primary role of a pastor, and what daily priorities contribute to that role? How do other good things get in the way of this best thing?
The primary responsibility of a pastor is to care for and nurture his flock. Spiritual growth is sustained through careful instruction, exhortation, encouragement and if needed, rebuke. A pastor’s leadership role depends not only on the correct handling of Scriptures but also on being sound in speech and practice so as to exemplify spiritual maturity and dedication to the Lord. The development of an ecclesiology that puts more emphasis on the organizational needs of churches has resulted in newer emphases imposed on the definition of the pastoral role. These include managerial abilities for senior pastors that seem to go beyond the concept of “care for the household of God,” the delivery of specialized counseling care and a greater emphasis on coaching and large audience oratory skills. These can be at the expense of a more immediate personal contact with the flock through visitation and personal discipleship.

[rouvinez]

The primary role of a pastor is to shepherd God's people so that they will become all that God has chosen them to be. A minister's daily priorities are to nourish the faith, knowlege of truth, and hope of eternal life in the believers under his stewardship by preaching and teaching and by prayer and fellowship. Other good things that may get in the way of this role are those that pertain to a pastor taking heed to himself. He can not be so engrossed in teaching others that he neglects self. A pastor must allow time for self and for God by applying the text to self not only to others. God's salvation is not bestowed mechanically; it has to be preached and appropriated, obeyed and lived out.
I totally agree with this assessment. Salvation cannot be severed from discipleship. It follows then that the pastor -- if he is to be a credible representative of God's work on earth -- must show that Christlike transformation is a reality and not just a textbook definition. As such, the pastor is first of all a believer, a disciple. As other disciples then, it is unthinkable that he should not nurture his own faith and pursue continued spiritual growth on a daily basis. It becomes a well of personal experience and credibility from which ministry combined with spiritual gifting and training can issue.

[rouvinez]

In light of so many key passages in the Pastoral Epistles, it's difficult to pinpoint just one "primary role" for a pastor. If pressed, I would suggest that the pastor's single focus should reflect the title of his office as pastor-teacher (Eph 4:11). Primarily, he should be one who shepherds his flock and teaches them sound doctrine. As I review the Pastorals, I actually see seven key areas: (1) being diligent and disciplined in one's personal spiritual life so as to serve as an example to the flock (2) giving proper attention to preaching, teaching, and instruction (3) exhorting proper conduct in the body of Christ (4) Shepherding the flock with a balance of gentleness and discipline (5) ensuring that those who lead and teach are spiritually qualified (6) rebuking false teachers and protecting the flock from false doctrine (7) equipping other qualified individuals to lead and teach. There are many things which can get in the way of living out God's vision for the local pastor. In my experience, the most common distraction is getting too deep into administration within the church. Too often, we lose sight of our high calling and get bogged down with the details - details which are best delegated to either lay volunteers or other staff members. We need strong elder boards who will protect the pastor's time and energies and help him direct his efforts toward his high calling![/b]

I completely agree with Jeff that a pastor must have capable men and women who serve as deacons and who can take care of the details of administration. The apostles saw this truth in Acts as they delegated some to take care of the tables and the daily distributions. There are times when pastors don't let go of some of these responsibilities because of our pride. We just don't trust that it will get done in the way "I want it." May we be humble and equip others to serve alongside of the elders. But the one warning for pastors is to not isolate ourselves in our offices so that we forget the touch and pulse of God's flock.

As a matter of fact, it is quite interesting to consider that it is MEN only who were selected to serve on tables in Acts 6 and even more so when we know that it was essentially to minister to WOMEN (widows). We must ask why. Clearly this ministry was distinguished from the ministry of the word and prayer of the apostles. Equally clearly, women are more suited to minister to women and generally more readily associated with this kind of service than men (though it is not necessary for it to be so). One may point to the ministries of Philip and Stephen and claim that these were clearly leaders (note also the basis on which they are qualified) but it is unlikely that all of them were evangelists for instance and it seems to have been above and beyond the requirements for this appointment. This is the kind of passage that can be useful in questioning some of our assumptions, like that concerning the reason the Lord selected men only as apostles. We need to look at the whole of the evidence in order to formulate a fair understanding of what Scriptures teaches and shows with regard to the gender debate role.

[Josh]

I believe that the primary role of the Pastor according to the Pastorals is to be the example. This means that the pastor is to hold on to the truth of the gospel. It also means that right belief must be shown by right practise. In our time we see so many pastors and leaders of the church fall into public sin and damage the church's reputation. All Christians need to make the Word of God central in their lives but pastors have to be especially intentional about it as people look to them. In the Pastorals, Paul is concerned mainly that Timothy/Titus be different from the heretics, that they lead by example, that they remember the truths of the gospel. While preaching and appointing leaders is important, it is secondary to the intent of the letters.
That being said, in order for the pastor to fill his role, he needs to be immersed in the Word, continually study and spend time with God. He needs to search out the truths of Scripture and constantly seek the Spirit's guidance. One thing that can get in the way of applying Scripture to one's life and allowing oneself to be changed by God is making everything an academic exercise. When we see words on the page but do not allow it to shake us, we cannot be effective pastors.

[Josh]

I am not sure that I agree with Rich in this. Although all the items that he lists are very much a part of the pastor's job, are they primary? For example, is it the pastor's role to appoint leaders? Timothy was not the pastor of the church but may have acted more as an overseer of house churches, in fact the overseers were more likely functioning in a pastoral role. If Paul is suggesting that the pastor's primary role is to appoint leaders, the Pastorals are a manual on how to set up a church! No, I think that Paul's concern for Timothy and overseers in general is to be people of God, holding onto right doctrine and acting in a way that befits a Christian especially in light of the heresy. The Pastor is to display this right doctrine and right living to the world.


I believe the he primary role of a pastor has two facets. First is to instruct others in good doctrine (1 Tim 4:6-8) which combines both Law and Grace (1 Tim. 1:3-20) and also combines conduct and doctrine (1 Tim. 3:14-15). As one who instructs, the pastor must avoid false doctrines and handle persistent heretics (Titus 3:8-10). One specific instruction on how to carry out this duty is that the church publicly read Scripture (1 Tim 4:13). All these aspects of instructing relate to guarding the good doctrine. The second role is establishing leadership in the church (Titus 1:5).

The daily priorities that contribute to the pastoral role are first, the personal study and submission to scripture (1 Tim. 4:1-5). The second is to insure that he is putting into practice what he is studying and teaching (1 Tim. 4:15). The third is to guard his relationships (1 Tim. 5:1-12). As he goes through these daily priorities it is essential that he keeps a clear conscience (1 Tim. 1:6) because if he does not he will stray into error and take others with him away from the truth.

Administration, counseling and welfare needs of a pastor?s congregation are good things that can get in the way of the best thing that a pastor should be doing. These actions are all related to caring for people. As shepherd, the pastor will provide care for the Lord?s flock, and these items are genuine ways of caring for others. In caring for the flock, he must make sure he does so without impinging on his primary responsibilities noted above.

[tcforchrist]

The primary role of a pastor is to teach the word of God to the people assigned to him. In addition, to teaching the word the pastor must be an example of godly living for his flock to follow. On a daily basis the pastor must consider the needs of his people in terms of spiritual growth and the needs of the community that surrounds the church. This will allow the pastor to prepare sermons that are relevant to the current situation that the people and the community are facing. The people need an answer from God. So the pastor must study and pray diligently so that he can have an understanding of scripture and accurately communicate it to the people. Strong biblical teaching will strengthen the people and equip them to go out and do ministry in the community.

[Ron R]

The primary responsibility of a pastor is to care for and nurture his flock. Spiritual growth is sustained through careful instruction, exhortation, encouragement and if needed, rebuke. A pastor’s leadership role depends not only on the correct handling of Scriptures but also on being sound in speech and practice so as to exemplify spiritual maturity and dedication to the Lord. The development of an ecclesiology that puts more emphasis on the organizational needs of churches has resulted in newer emphases imposed on the definition of the pastoral role. These include managerial abilities for senior pastors that seem to go beyond the concept of “care for the household of God,” the delivery of specialized counseling care and a greater emphasis on coaching and large audience oratory skills. These can be at the expense of a more immediate personal contact with the flock through visitation and personal discipleship.

I regards to your thoughts on managerial abilities, I completely agree that they often are the good things that get in the way of the best thing. In particular, I think you were quite right to list “large audience oratory skills” among these distracting abilities. I think that way too many Christians these days confuse good oratory with good preaching. How many evangelicals switch churches because such-and-such a church has a dynamic speaker, or because, “they didn’t like the pastor’s preaching?”

I came from a church where the pastor (now retired) would be the first to acknowledge that his oratory skills were not the best. And I came across several people in the community (usually ones who had left our church or had come from another church for a while and then moved on) who commented on this lack of oratory. Yet, I often wanted to ask them if they even made an effort to actually listen to what he was saying! His sermons were, without fail, exegetical, theologically sound, challenging, convicting or encouraging (depending on the topic) and were often able to bring Scripture to bear on contemporary events in the world around us and within the church body itself! What more could you ask for in a preacher?

Though his preaching was not dynamic, he mentored me (if not in a formal way), challenged me to serve in the church and to exercise my own gifts for the good of the body, and tested me as he brought me to the place where I could serve as a deacon. I have since gone on to pastoral ministry! I have talked to many others who, though not called into pastoral ministry, would say things along the same lines. What more could you ask for in a pastor?

[Ron R]

What is the primary role of a pastor, and what daily priorities contribute to that role? How do other good things get in the way of this best thing?

The primary role of pastor is that of a shepherd. Though the term is not found in the Pastoral Epistles, these letters outline for us a number of priorities—daily, weekly, monthly, yearly that contribute to the role of under-shepherding a portion of the Great Shepherd’s flock:
1. Teaching and exemplifying sound doctrine (1 Tim 1:18-19; 4:11-13; 2 Tim 2:14-15; Titus 3:4-8a)
2. Teaching and exemplifying sound conduct (1 Tim 1:18-19; 2:1-15; 3:14-15; 4:11-13; 5:1-22; 6:1-2; 6:17-19; 2 Tim 2:14-15; Titus 2:1-3:8; 3:14)
3. Preaching and publicly reading Scripture (how interesting it is that many churches no longer have a Scripture reading apart from the sermon text!) (1 Tim 4:13; 2 Tim 4:2
3. Identifying and/or training leaders (1 Tim 3:1-13; 2 Tim 2:2; Titus 1:5)
4. Negatively—combating heresy and those that teach it (1 Tim 1:3-11; 2:19-20; Titus 1:10-11; 1:13; 2:15; 3:9-11)
5. Positively—disciplining, rebuking and correcting those who have fallen into error (1 Tim 4:1-6; 2 Tim 2:25-26; Titus 2:15)
6. Persevering in the gospel and personal godliness and if necessary, suffering for these (1 Tim 4:7-8; 6:11-14; 2 Tim 1:8-14; 2:3-10; 3:12).
7. I would also add personal time in prayer for the ministry, though that is maybe not explicitly mentioned in the Pastoral Epistles.
I have probably missed some passages, and no doubt some of you would place some passages under different categories

As far as good things getting in the way of this best thing with its priorities, I would agree with many other posts that it is often managerial-type duties that distract from pastoral ministry. Ministry occurs in relationship, and it’s those relational “distractions” (people calling, or popping in to the office, etc) that get in the way of effective administration and efficient management that IS the ministry. As well, there are things that are more relational in nature that distract from ministry priorities: excessive counselling, dealing with “squeaky-wheels” when one’s time would be better spent in #3 above, etc.

[Chaplain]

To Pastor is to be the "Resident Servant" of the church. Just as in any other work, the "resident" Md., etc., is the "practicing" expert. So too, a Pastor is the "resident," practicing expert in his field. I submit that in his "residency," his primary role changes daily. If there is a sudden death, his primary role is to work with that family. If there is a sermon that needs preached, that is his primary role. Just as an MD can not neatly divide his day and define a "primary" task, a Pastor's primary function is his "residency." That is "to be there." Be available and ready to meet the need. Be the resident Pastor that can preach, teach, pray, counsel comfort, etc., as needed. He is "present" and he is "there." This is his primary function. Too much emphasis on any one task and he fails as "Pastor."

[Chaplain]

I understand an emphasis on "preaching" is important. However, the average Church has three services per week. People live their lives between those services. The epistles often address specific needs of the Community of God. If one's preaching is primarily "theology," or spiritual talk, it may be "right" but fail to establish a healthy community of God. I see that verse you quote emphasis "rebuking, correcting and instructing." If this is what you mean by "preaching," than I can accept that as primary. On the other hand, you quote this verse and then seem to respond or interpret it to mean that you should pray and study so you can "instruct" properly. Your emphasis seems to start with "you," move to "your" prayer and "your" study. Those are good but preaching in the new testament seemed more focused on individuals and there needs to build a "community of God." You very well may be there my friend. I merely point these things out to suggest that preaching is more than a theological "book report" but a meeting of the contextual need be it "food laws being debated," of a lack of unity, etc. In the end, our preaching is a part of our "serving" the people in a context that meets there need.

The primary role of a pastor is to always be ready to preach the Word, correcting, rebuking, according to that truth. All of this is to be done with great patience and careful instruction or doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2). Constant study and devotion to prayer and the word of God will continually renew the above charge. One that stops learning will stop teaching, for one cannot provide careful instruction, unless one has been instructed. We are to remember that this learning process is so that preaching is done with careful instruction, not turned into the accumulation of knowledge for ones own desire to seem wise.

[Jared H.]

What is the primary role of a pastor, and what daily priorities contribute to that role? How do other good things get in the way of this best thing?

The primary role of a pastor is to guard the true gospel of the grace of Jesus Christ with the help of the Spirit of God that lives in them (2 Timothy 1:14). This guarding of the gospel is accomplished by preaching and teaching the true gospel to reliable people, who will then be able to also teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). A pastor is also instructed to live a life of righteousness that serves as an example to those who maybe watching (2 Timothy 2:21). Finally, a pastor is to Preach the Word, in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2).
There are many things and priorities that can pull a pastor this way of that way, away from their primary role. The immediate needs of people and the overwhelming needs of church leadership can often overshadow the time and energy consuming ministry of guarding the gospel and passing that gospel on to others.

[Jared H.]

To Pastor is to be the "Resident Servant" of the church. Just as in any other work, the "resident" Md., etc., is the "practicing" expert. So too, a Pastor is the "resident," practicing expert in his field. I submit that in his "residency," his primary role changes daily. If there is a sudden death, his primary role is to work with that family. If there is a sermon that needs preached, that is his primary role. Just as an MD can not neatly divide his day and define a "primary" task, a Pastor's primary function is his "residency." That is "to be there." Be available and ready to meet the need. Be the resident Pastor that can preach, teach, pray, counsel comfort, etc., as needed. He is "present" and he is "there." This is his primary function. Too much emphasis on any one task and he fails as "Pastor."

I understand your point and the fact that a pastor in a church must be ready and willing to address the needs of the people in whom they are serving. However, in the midst of these circumstances, I believe the pastor should be intent on continually bringing people back to the truth of the gospel of grace in Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 1:9-10). It is in these relationships and in service to the community that the pastor has a great opportunity to guard the gospel by presenting it clearly and understandably to those in need, and it is those opportunities that provide for the transmission of the gospel to others.

[lackeyb]

After listening to Dr. Stott’s lecture, pertaining to his exhortation to Timothy, that answers how he was to exercise his authority in the church, it’s apparent that part of the primary role of a pastor is to exercise his authority as a representative of Christ, i.e. outwardly and actively exhibit the inward and personal relationship with God for others to see. With this authority, a pastor’s primary role includes taking responsibility for the spiritual maturation of others in leading worship, teaching sound doctrine, in fellowship, in evangelism, in prayer, and in discipleship. However, as Dr. Stott points out, in reference to the primary areas a pastor should focus on, other priorities that support a pastor’s authority include setting a good example, indentifying ones authority through public reading and teaching of scripture, cultivating and growing in ones gifting, demonstrating a dogged commitment to ones calling through a consistency of faith and works, and guarding ones relationships in both attitude and care. In response to the second part of this question—how other tasks can become a higher priority—one should first take a long look at two primary examples of this occurrence. First, the example of Jethro advising Moses regarding his leadership style—demonstrates how he needed help in remembering his own limitations as well as what directly pertained to his purpose to God’s people. Second, the gospels reveal an even more vivid portrayal of the difficulties a pastor faces from day to day, in looking to the life of Christ. One could argue that the many needs the people presented to Christ were overwhelming—mentally, physically, and spiritually draining—to say the least. The lesson to learn in both examples regarding priority of pastoral roles is that a continual dependence upon God’s spirit through prayer must take top priority, as Christ loudly affirmed in Matthew 26:41, saying “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit is willing the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Essentially, the best things are those actions and experiences which promote longevity—a longevity of a growing personal relationship as well as instilling a longevity in others towards faith and fruitfulness.

[lackeyb]

The primary role of the pastor in the Pastoral Epistles is to preach the sound doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul stated this a number of times to both Titus and Timothy. This thought culminates in the last chapter Paul wrote, 2 Timothy 4. Many do not want to hear the word of God preached, persecution might come because of the word of God being preached, but the message is clear; keep on preaching. Secondly, the pastor is to get others prepared to preach the Word (2 Tim. 2:2). Pastors will come and go, but the Word will remain. Thirdly, combat false doctrine, there are many warnings in the pages of these letters.

There are many things that beg for the pastor's time, some important, some not so important. The daily workings of the job, answering the phone, meeting people needs that are in your realm and those that are not all beg for your time. The problem is that they become the squeaky wheel that gets all the attention. Paul says major on the teaching of the eternal words of Jesus Christ.
In response to rwilliams91, I agree with the centrality of purpose—pastors are called to become a voice and a living being that facilitates a relationship with Christ for others. I affirm the summary rwilliams91 provided of the content within the pastoral epistles, and I would want to highlight the costs involved in proclaiming sound doctrine as well as instilling authority in others to do the same represents a timeless challenge. Timeless, in that the priority of pastoral roles seem to change depending upon the needs of the people as well as the gifting and burden of the pastor. What I find interesting regarding the primary role Paul emphasized is a greater realization for dependence upon God’s spirit as well as a sacrificial giving and receiving of love to sustain one each other towards a common calling. Specifically, what I hear rwilliams91 saying as well as the Apostle Paul, is an attestation to a dynamic that exists for pastors—pastors must learn the lesson of following in submission and obedience to Christ so that they can then show others of the same submission and obedience that varied ministerial challenges will demand.