The role of pastor is much more than that of a preacher. His duties may range from janitor service to conducting a television program. One source of enjoyment in pastoral work is the absence of monotony. There are few dull moments in a pastor's life. His responsibilities of a necessity are varied because of the wide interests of the work of God that must be maintained. Every department of the church comes under the supervision of the local pastor. He will constantly seek to strengthen the total witness of his church by energetically and wisely fostering all its departments.
The pastor should counsel with the nominating committee in choosing the leaders of the various departments of the church. His role is not that of a dictator but rather of counselor and adviser. Occasions may arise when the committee would appreciate the pastor's selection of an individual who would serve suitably in some special office. It is the pastor's duty to set before the committee the qualifications of character and talent needed for each office.
It should be understood that the pastor is not going to dictate to the newly elected officers and department leaders in the carrying out of their duties, neither is he to be expected to perform the work of their departments. Each leader is to be free to utilize his own talents in directing a cooperative program within the framework of the organization of the church. Pastoral counsel is to be available for any officer who feels the need. The pastor should make it known that he will support the department leaders and back them in performing their duties. Each leader should know that he has the full cooperation of his pastor, who has a personal interest in each department of the church. And each leader should reciprocate complete cooperation with the pastor and the church board for the general well-being of the church.
Pastoral Attendance at Various Services
The pastor should be present in the Sabbath school. He should come early enough to fellowship with his people as they come in. This is also a golden opportunity to become acquainted with the visitors and to observe what members are absent. It is important that the Sabbath school superintendent will have the backing of the pastor in the promotion of the various offerings and other projects of the school. The pastor will take an active interest in the Sabbath school council, contributing any helpful suggestions he may have for the betterment of the school.
The pastor should visit the various departments of the Sabbath school and let the leaders know their work is appreciated. It is not always easy to keep forty or fifty kindergarten or primary children peacefully and gainfully occupied for an hour and a quarter. A good word of encouragement and commendation for work well done will mean much to those earnest workers.
The young people should know by the pastor's attendance at the MV meetings that he is interested in them. He will give his support to the MV councils and will encourage the youth leaders in their work for the youth of the community. Many opportunities for youth leadership in Christian recreation, in temperance, in youthful hobbies, and in community youth movements for the betterment of both junior and senior youth of the area frequently present themselves. Youth groups can minister sunshine with live-wire youth programs in prisons, and old folks' homes, in missions and orphanages. They can conduct voice-of-youth efforts, and sponsor character development programs for the entire community.
Officers to Bear Responsibility
The pastor should not take responsibility from the officers of the church. He gives his full support to the home missionary leader, in promoting the conference Ingathering program, but the campaign should be under the direction of the missionary leader. The pastor will during his time of church promotion announcements (which for me is just before the ministers go on the platform) back up the current efforts of the department leaders. If, however, the pastor steps in and takes control of a project, then he will have it to do. The leader, sometimes too gladly, will take a back seat and do very little in actively promoting the campaign itself.
The pastor will cooperate very closely with the Dorcas leader in the welfare work of the community. He may in his pastoral duties get in touch with families now and then who need the help of the Dorcas, or with others who may have materials that can be used by the society. It would be well for him to look in occasionally on the Dorcas meetings to show his interest; also, as he visits the members of the church, he may encourage the ladies to participate actively in the work.
The temperance leader should know that he can depend on his pastor's help, particularly in times when the community faces special legislature issues on the subject and when temperance rallies are conducted.
The pastor will provide time in board and business meetings for a report from the leaders of the departments, and a consideration of their needs. The church should be conversant with the achievements, objectives, and responsibilities of each department and the leaders should know that the church is ready to help in every way possible.
Pastoral Attitudes
Above all, the pastor should manifest love, kindness, and consideration in his dealings with all the department leaders. If a leader neglects his job, a tactless scolding will do no good. It may lead to a resignation or at least may engender bitter feelings. The pastor should first tactfully find the reason for the lack of leadership. Financial or home problems may be monopolizing the leader's time and energies, so that he cannot give adequate attention to his church office. The pastor's wise counsel may save the situation both for the individual and for the church. A discerning pastor can bridge the gap and provide oversight and even leadership to the department in question if only a brief interim of readjustment is necessary.
Tact, understanding, and love are the essentials in fostering local church departments. A wise general is neither dictatorial nor indifferent. He will give his officers full authority and cooperation in caring for the work they have been chosen to do. He will be ever mindful of the fact that "ministry means much more than sermonizing; it means earnest personal labor."— Gospel Workers, p. 185. It requires "tactful work for the under-shepherd" when "he is called to meet alienation, bitterness, envy, and jealousy in the church; and he will need to labor in the spirit of Christ to set things in order."— Ibid, p. 185.
It is very important for the pastor to associate a great deal with his people. "A true shepherd will have an interest in all that relates to the welfare of the flock" (ibid. p. 190), ever remembering that "it is a great privilege to be a co-laborer with Christ in the salvation of souls" —(ibid,p. 191).
