The Chief Shepherd was 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, were 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)
There in Good and Bad Times
In addition to gifted teachers, those with the gift of shepherding have great love and compassion for those in their care. They are not just lecturers at the pulpit on Sunday mornings. True shepherds are with their flock in good times and in bad, both inside and outside the walls of the church. They genuinely care for the members of their flock and will sacrifice for them.
Those with this gift lead the church with regards to all institutions of the sacraments. They understand the awesome responsibility and power the sacraments carry with them and thus they are accountable for their use in the body. They make sure they are used properly and timely.
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 were 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.
Luther saw the gift of pastor/shepherd as closely tied to the ministry of the Word of God. He believed that pastors were called to preach and teach the Scriptures, and to guide their congregations in the right understanding and application of God’s Word.
In addition to teaching and preaching, Luther believed that pastors were 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, the founder of the Methodist movement, believed that the spiritual gift of pastor/shepherd was an essential part of the life of the church. He saw pastors as called by God to care for the spiritual well-being of their congregations, to guide them in the ways of the faith, and to provide pastoral care to those in need.
Wesley viewed the gift of pastor/shepherd as closely connected to the ministry of the Word of God. He believed that pastors should be skilled in the interpretation and application of Scripture, and should be able to effectively communicate the truths of the faith to their congregations.
Wesley emphasized the importance of pastoral care in the life of the church. He believed that pastors should have a deep concern for the spiritual and emotional needs of their congregations, and should be willing to provide comfort, counsel, and support to those in need.
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.
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.
Gifted Teachers
Lastly, those with the Spiritual Gift of Pastor/Shepherd show a great gift of teaching through their preaching. Luther writes about the “properties and virtues” of a good preacher (Luther, 279):
- Teach Systematically
- Have a ready wit
- Eloquent
- A good voice
- A good memory
- He should “know when to make an end”
- Sure of his doctrine
- Engage in the sacraments
- “Suffer himself to be mocked and jeered of every one”
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 |
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- 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
