A pastor is someone who __________________.
If you had to boil down the job description, in a way that’s charitable, how would you describe it?
I’ve found that filling out this blank evades a simple little answer. Or at least, is heavily context dependent.
Now typically, that word refers to someone who leads a church congregation. That is, if one were to answer “pastor” under “occupation” when filing taxes and such, we’d think this is what they are talking about. What that leading looks like may vary considerably among pastors - but usually they are guiding a body of people that are rallied around a common religious purpose.
What most of us would agree on is that this leadership, in order for it to be “pastoral,” needs to go beyond organizational leadership, decision-making skills, and public speaking ability. There is something about the way a pastor goes about leading or the kind of work they are doing that differentiates themselves from, say, your typical executive in the corporate world.
Yet when we start to articulate what that way is, we start to see similarities with other roles in society:
A pastor listens and advises - but is not a counselor or therapist.
A pastor teaches from scripture - but is not a professor or an academic scholar of religious texts.
A pastor addresses societal/world issues - but is not a journalist or expert in the relevant disciplines such as domestic and foreign politics.
A pastor cares for the downtrodden and needy - but is not a social worker.
A pastor often helps manage a sizable fund and organization - but does not have an MBA.
A pastor presides over weddings and funerals - but this tradition is falling out of fashion.
A pastor will share life with you - but so does a good friend.
Is the pastor the consummate jack-of-all-trades, master of none?
What is that thing that the role of the pastor can claim mastery on? Like the lawyer can with law, and the doctor with healing.
I’ve heard the intriguing, “a pastor is one engaged in soul care.” Our skeptic friends will want to know what in the world a “soul” is, and I’m sure there are some therapists or spiritual directors out there who may insist that pastors don’t have a monopoly on soul care. Yet, this definition does resonate with the experience I’ve had so far. Particularly, when I consider the fact that people can be gifted or act “pastorally” without being paid to do so by a church.
That is, there are many folks both in and outside the church, who are not pastors by occupation, yet exude a pastoral spirit about them. You’ve met them - you know what I’m talking about. There is a sense of genuine presence and concern they display toward the real you.
I’m leaning more and more toward this cultivation of genuine presence and care as the hallmark of pastoral work. Even if someone was extremely talented at preaching, studying scripture, leading an organization, fundraising, recruiting volunteers, and developing programs, if they are missing this “pastoral” component, then they best steer clear of being a pastor.
At the same time, that list is super important - you’d want your pastor to have those talents as well. But, at the end of the day, the bedrock of a passion for soul care, being present with people, and showing real concern and love is absolutely necessary to have a long and healthy time in pastoral ministry.
But, what do you think?
We’d love to hear from you! You can write in at mailbag@opentotruth.com and we can feature your question/comment (anonymously if you’d like) on our next mailbag episode.
This week we examine the various hats that pastors wear and how one can know whether they are cut out for pastoral ministry. You can watch it on Youtube or listen on your favorite podcatcher.
Stay Curious!