f f f f f f f f f f f Several pastors today appear to indicate careful study in the Scriptures is not
required. This opinion is contrary to the position of the church historically. The early
Church Fathers indicated it was essential for the pastor to be studious in sermon
preparation; thus, it developed the opportunity to establish Biblical doctrine.[1] Also,
for most church history, it was the pastor, not the academic, that were the forefront
theologians of their day. f One formation of careful study is through ecclesial
exegesis, where the biblical “text is read and applied by both exegetical and
dogmatic reasoning.”[2]
f f f f f f f f f f f It is vital for pastors today to reemerge as studious workers of Scripture.
True, there are several “responsibilities” of a pastor in the modern sense; however,
many of these responsibilities may be delegated to others, allowing them to have
responsibility within the church. The pastor’s primary responsibilities include
defending and equipping their flock with sound doctrine (2 Tim. 3:16)[3]; protect
against gainsayers who teach unsound doctrine (1 Pet 2:1-3; 2 Tim 4:2-3); and being
the example by living the Word of God. f
f f f f f f f f f f f It is the responsibility of the pastor to prepare themselves for the challenges
that they live in. The flock will only be as ready and robust as the shepherd that
leads them. Many consider the church to be weak because many of today’s pastors
are weak. Many pastors have a superficial knowledge of God’s Word. They do not
know the context of the Scripture in light of its historical meaning. They do not
understand how the Bible works as a whole because they focus on one Testament.
Pastors must study not only Scripture but also history, psychology, science, and
rhetoric. They should be able to communicate verbally, as well as through the
written word. They should be able to utilize the many resources available today to
increase their biblical knowledge and understanding and ward off false doctrine and
vain philosophies.
f f f f f f f f f f f The pastor also develops their skills as a pastor-scholar, making fellow
pastors aware of doctrinal errors as they creep into the churches. Many churches
are now teaching prophecy is no longer vital to know and understand, or it is
permissible for congregates to live in the world and be like them, supposedly making
them more “in tune” with those in the world, yet unsaved. These and other teachings
are detrimental to the church. It weakens it. It does not give the church strength. f
The pastor’s first responsibility is to know and understand sound biblical teaching,
thus establishing sound biblical doctrine. f If the pastor-teacher fails in this regard,
they fail as a solid shepherd for the flock Christ has called them to watch over and
protect.
Word Count 445
f f f f f f f f f f f f [1] Kevin J. Vanhoozer and Owen Strachan,
The Pastor as Public Theologian:
Reclaiming a Lost Vision
(Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing Group, 2015), 71.
f f f f f f f f f f f f [2] Todd Wilson and Gerald Hiestand,
Becoming a Pastor Theologian: New
Possibilities for Church Leadership
(Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2016), 145.
f f f f f f f f f f f f [3] Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages referenced are in the
King
James Version.
