The shepherding model finds its perfect example, its ongoing strength, and its eternal security in the Chief Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, “who lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

When my son was in kindergarten, he brought home a biographical sketch he had completed at school. It included a self-portrait and basic information about himself and his family. One of the questions asked was, “What does your father do for work?”

I would have loved for his answer to be something like, “He’s a minister of the church,” “He preaches God’s Word,” or perhaps, “He tells people about Jesus.” But no—none of the above. Much to my chagrin, his response was simply, “He works on his computer and drinks coffee.”

While I trust that my son’s understanding of his father’s vocation has matured over the years, that humorous moment made me realize that the question “What does a pastor do?” might not be so easily answered, even by adults.

So, what does a pastor do?

A Distinct Calling

A pastor’s work, first and foremost, flows from his calling. The call to gospel ministry is distinct from the general call to salvation. The Apostle Paul reminds his young protégé, Timothy, of this distinct calling through “the laying on of hands,” describing it as a “holy calling” (2 Tim. 1:6–9). It is indeed a holy calling, for the minister is set apart by and through the church to represent the Lord Jesus Christ in word and deed as His ambassador who is entrusted with the authoritative keys of the kingdom (2 Cor. 5:20; Matt. 16:19).

This representational authority is never to be used for self-promotion (2 Cor. 4:5), nor to dominate those under one’s care (1 Peter 5:3). Rather, the pastor’s office is one of humble service, modeled after our Lord Himself, who washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:1–17). Those who serve in this manner, with this calling and purpose in view, are honored by the Lord—and are to be honored by the congregation under their care (1 Tim. 5:17).

From this calling flow three primary responsibilities.

1. Lead

The first is to lead the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. A pastor is a leader. But this leadership must not be confused with the kind seen in corporate America, where success is often measured by bottom-line results.

Leadership in Christ’s church is, above all, leadership by example—an example of godliness and Christlikeness. When Joshua led the people of God into the promised land, the Lord did not provide military strategies as the key to victory. Instead, He instructed Joshua: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Josh. 1:8).

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