the

pastor’s ministry

BIBLICAL PRIORITIES FOR FAITHFUL SHEPHERDS

Brian Croft

ZONDERVAN

The Pastor’s Ministry

Copyright © 2015 by Brian Croft

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ISBN 978-0-310-51659-0

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible. Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

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Cover design: Christopher Tobias/tobiasdesign.com

Interior design: Kait Lamphere

To Mark Dever and in memory of Jackson Boyett—

the two men who most deeply shaped

my understanding of pastoral ministry;

I owe a great debt to you both.

Contents

Foreword by H. B. Charles Jr.

Introduction

part one: foundation

Chapter 1: Guard the Truth

Chapter 2: Preach the Word

Chapter 3: Pray for the Flock

part two: focus

Chapter 4: Set an Example

Chapter 5: Visit the Sick

Chapter 6: Comfort the Grieving

Chapter 7: Care for Widows

part three: faithfulness

Chapter 8: Confront Sin

Chapter 9: Encourage the Weaker Sheep

Chapter 10: Identify and Train Leaders

Conclusion

Acknowledgments

Foreword

Have you heard the old story about the reluctant Civil War soldier? He couldn’t decide which side to fight for. So he went into battle wearing the dark blue pants of the Union army and the gray coat of the Confederates. Of course, when the confused young man showed up for battle, shots came at him from both directions.

Unfortunately, this is the reality many of us face as Christian pastors. We suffer from an identity crisis. Yes, we are called pastors, but what does that really mean? Without a doubt, the word of God gives a clear explanation of a pastor’s call and work. And throughout church history, the biblical role and responsibilities of a pastor have been clear. We are to be shepherds who lead and feed our flocks to spiritual maturity and fruitfulness in Christ. Christian pastors are to lead the congregation to be faithful in doctrine, holy in lifestyle, and united in fellowship. Our goal is Christ-centered, Scripture-based, gospel-driven congregations ...