Pastors Leading--it's their job

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We all know the Biblical word we translate "pastor" is actually a figurative
definition of the word "shepherd".

So, what does a shepherd do?  Well, a shepherd feeds the flock when it's
time, shears the sheep when it's time, lets the sheep wander in the fields
when it's time, etc. etc.

Aside from that, what else?  We've all seen pictures of the "Shepherd" with
that long, hooked cane-type thingy...what is that for?  It is to guide the
sheep.  Not only does it help "herd" them in a given direction, but the
shepherd may also use it to keep one or two (or more) from wandering into an
area of danger.

Let's talk about areas of danger for a bit.  A shepherd, say, in West
Virginia, will have different areas of danger than a shepherd in Australia.
There are different specific predators, different geography, different flora
and fauna that may harm the sheep.  After a while, the sheep learn to know
their shepherd's voice and can tell what the shepherd wants from them, and
often, why the shepherd desires it.  Example:  a loud voice means "move
now", and could mean "danger is near".

Now, let's shift to the figurative translation we term "pastor".

So, what does a pastor do?  A pastor feeds the congregation when it's time,
oversees the administration of the church, etc.

Aside from that, what else?  A pastor, armed with the Word, guides the
congregation in the direction of salvation and Holy living, and a pastor
also uses the Word (or principles contained therein) to steer the church
away from areas of potential danger.

Let's talk about areas of danger for a bit.  A pastor, say, in rural Ohio
(I'm from Ohio), will have to deal with different specific dangers and evils
than a pastor in San Fransisco.  There are varying degrees of, and types of
sin and influences that these congregations will have to deal with.
Example: In San Fransisco, a pastor may ask his congregation not to wear
colors or other paraphernalia relating to certain gangs or the Chinese
mafia.  In rural Ohio, a pastor may ask his congregation not to wear a beard
because many "biker" gangs in the area sport long shaggy beards as their
identifying mark (and I live right around the corner from a "biker" bar,
I've seen it).  [PLEASE, do not dwell on the specific example, but grasp the
big picture here].  Are any of these in the Bible?  No.  But the
congregation knows the pastor's voice.  There are reasons for these requests
that do not relate necessarily to a particular pastor's own convictions, but
to the specific dangers or influences (or public perceptions) of a given
area.

Remember, they are watching for our souls and the integrity of the
congregation (unity), not trying to be militant tyrannical ogres who get
together at board meetings and joke about "guess what I got them to do this
week!!"


Just food for thought
Anneliese