The spiritual gift of Shepherd/Pastor is a unique ability given by the Holy Spirit to certain individuals, enabling them to provide spiritual guidance, care, and leadership to God’s people. This gift is also known as the gift of Pastoring or Elder.
The Chief Shepherd is Jesus Christ; those with the spiritual gift of Shepherd/Pastor are essentially “assistant shepherds” – Appointed by the Holy Spirit as overseers (Acts 14:23). Three of Paul’s letters, 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, are called “pastoral epistles”. They tell the shepherds how to watch over the flock. (Graham, 185)
“For a preacher must not only feed the sheep, so as to instruct them on how to be good Christians, but, besides this, must guard against the wolves, lest they attack the sheep and lead them astray with false doctrine, and introduce error with which the devil would not find fault.” (Luther, 205)
“A Preacher must be both solider and shepherd. He must nourish, defend, and teach; he must have teeth in his mouth, and be able to bite and to fight.” (Luther, 288)
The Heart of a Shepherd
Individuals with the gift of shepherding are characterized by their deep love and compassion for those under their care. They are not just spiritual instructors, but rather devoted guardians who stand by their flock through life’s joys and challenges, both within and outside the church walls. Their genuine concern for their members’ well-being motivates them to make sacrifices for the benefit of others.
Those with the gift of shepherding play a vital role in guiding the church in the administration of sacraments. They grasp the profound significance and power of these sacred institutions, recognizing the weight of responsibility that comes with them. As a result, they ensure that sacraments are used appropriately and timely, honoring their importance in the life of the church.
Here are the key aspects of the spiritual gift of Shepherd/Pastor:
Caretaking and Guidance: Shepherds are responsible for providing spiritual care, direction, and support to individuals within the faith community. They lead others toward spiritual growth, helping them navigate their relationship with God.
Protection and Oversight: Just as a shepherd protects the flock from dangers, a pastor ensures that the spiritual wellbeing of their congregation is safeguarded. This includes offering wisdom, counsel, and protection from harmful teachings or practices.
Teaching and Preaching: A key element of the shepherd’s role is to communicate God’s word clearly and accurately, often through preaching and teaching. This helps believers understand Scripture, grow in knowledge, and apply biblical principles to their lives.
Nurturing Relationships: Shepherds build strong, compassionate relationships with their flock. They are approachable, empathetic, and invested in the lives of those they serve, offering encouragement, prayer, and support through life’s challenges.
Equipping Others: Pastors or shepherds also focus on equipping others to serve in the kingdom of God. This involves mentoring, discipling, and helping believers discover and use their own spiritual gifts.
Servant Leadership: Shepherds lead by serving. They model humility, sacrifice, and selflessness, understanding that their role is not about being served, but about serving others with love and care.
Vision and Direction: Shepherds provide a sense of purpose and direction for their community. They help to clarify God’s vision for the church and guide members in fulfilling that vision, inspiring them to live out their faith in practical ways.
Compassion and Patience: Patience and compassion are central traits. Shepherds walk alongside their flock through struggles, offering comfort, understanding, and wisdom. They patiently guide individuals back to the right path when they stray.
This gift is often associated with a deep sense of calling to care for God’s people, leading them with love and humility while fostering spiritual growth and community.
Martin Luther on the Spiritual Gift of Pastor/Shepherd
Martin Luther, the German theologian and leader of the Protestant Reformation, held a high view of the spiritual gift of pastor/shepherd. He believed that pastors are called by God to care for the spiritual well-being of their congregations and to teach and guide them in the ways of the faith.
In addition to teaching and preaching, Luther believed that pastors are called to provide pastoral care to their congregations. He saw the gift of pastor/shepherd as involving a deep concern for the spiritual and emotional needs of others, and an ability to provide comfort, counsel, and support in times of need.
Luther emphasized the importance of pastoral care in the life of the church, and believed that pastors should be trained and equipped to effectively minister to the needs of their congregations. As a matter of fact, he believed that the gift of pastor/shepherd was not limited to those in formal pastoral roles, but could be exercised by any believer who had a heart for caring for others and a gift for teaching and counseling.
Overall, Martin Luther viewed the gift of pastor/shepherd as an essential part of the life of the church, and believed that pastors had a vital role to play in guiding and caring for their congregations. He saw the gift of pastor/shepherd as closely tied to the ministry of the Word of God, and emphasized the importance of both teaching and pastoral care in the life of the church.
John Wesley on the Spiritual Gift of Pastor/Shepherd
John Wesley viewed the spiritual gift of shepherd/pastor as a vital role within the church. He believed that those with this gift are called to care for and guide believers, helping them to grow in their faith and live out their discipleship.
Wesley emphasized the importance of pastors being spiritually gifted to preach, teach, and lead, but also to care for the spiritual and temporal needs of their flock. He saw pastors as spiritual fathers and mothers, responsible for nurturing and guiding their congregation.
Wesley also believed that pastors should be characterized by their humility, compassion, and willingness to serve. He encouraged pastors to be diligent in their study of Scripture, fervent in their prayer life, and faithful in their proclamation of the gospel.
Wesley also believed that the gift of pastor/shepherd was not limited to those in formal pastoral roles, but could be exercised by any believer who had a heart for caring for others and a gift for teaching and counseling. He encouraged lay people to take an active role in the ministry of the church, and saw the gift of pastor/shepherd as something that could be exercised by anyone who was willing to serve others in love.
Ultimately, Wesley saw the spiritual gift of shepherd/pastor as a calling to serve and care for the people of God, and to help them become mature disciples of Jesus Christ.
The Catholic Church on the Spiritual Gift of Pastor/Shepherd
The Catholic Church recognizes the spiritual gift of pastor or shepherd, also known as the pastoral charism. This gift is seen as a special ability given by the Holy Spirit to certain individuals to care for and guide the members of the Church in their spiritual journey.
In Catholic theology, the role of a pastor or shepherd is often associated with that of a bishop, priest, or deacon who has been ordained to the ministry of the Church. These individuals are called to imitate the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, by tending to the flock entrusted to their care, feeding them with the Word of God, and leading them to green pastures and still waters.
However, the gift of pastoral care is not limited to the ordained ministry. It can also be manifested in various ways among the laity, such as in counseling, spiritual direction, or other forms of pastoral outreach. The Church recognizes that some laypeople may have a special gift for caring for others and providing pastoral support, and encourages them to exercise this gift in service to the Church.
In all cases, the gift of pastoral care is understood as a charism that is exercised in love and humility, and in accordance with the Church’s teaching and tradition. Pastors and shepherds are called to serve as examples of Christ’s love and to shepherd the flock entrusted to their care with compassion, patience, and dedication.
People with this Gift:
- Extremely devoted to the care of “the flock” both spiritually and generally; almost a Parent/Child relationship
- Are especially good teachers
- Never exceed his or her powers as leaders, but administer to the benefit of the body
- Must be willing and eager to serve; not for money or personal gain
- Always a living example to the church
- Great responsibility in caring for those who believe and their teaching
- Pride is a danger to them as a sin
Bible References
| Ezekiel 34:1-10 | The Lord will be Israel’s Shepherd |
| Acts 14:23 | Paul and Barnabas appoint elders |
| Acts 20:28-31 | Keep watch over the flock |
| Ephesians 4:11-12 | Gift of pastor noted as a greater gift by Paul |
| 1 Peter 5:1-4 | Instructions to the elders for care of the flock |
| 1 Timothy 3:1-7 | Qualifications for overseers |
| 1 Timothy 4:1-16 | Paul’s instructions |
| 1 Timothy 5:17-20 | Elders are worthy of honor |
| Titus 1:5-16 | Appointing elders |
| Titus 2:7-8 | Set an example for others to follow |
- Graham, p.184-186
- Luther, p. 277-289
- Luther/Pauck, 5-6
Other Greater Gifts
- Spiritual Gift of Apostle
- Spiritual Gift of Prophet
- Spiritual Gift of Evangelist
- Spiritual Gift of Teacher
