Caring For The Flock

 

            Out of all the books I have read in attending pastoral theology, David Larsen’s Caring for the Flock stands out as an invaluable resource in the practice of what it means to be a shepherd of the flock of Christ. While I feel called to be involved in pastoral ministry, it comes with deep fears of inadequacies that leave me wondering how I might ever steward such a great task as leading God’s people. Nevertheless, through this book I was encouraged that although pastoral ministry is no small commitment, God provides both the spiritual and the physical resources accomplish what He has preordained us to do.

            I responded with Larson in how “our Christology shapes our ecclesiology…All Christians are to be walking the way of the cross in self-giving, bearing the marks of the crucified Christ”. In the consumerism of North American culture, commitment, ownership and sincerity to the death and life in Christ is often neglected due to the idolatry that divides such a commitment. Spirituality and being identified with Jesus becomes popular and usually the most expressive and brilliant minded people rise to the top while not truly possessing a love and devotion to Jesus. “We must beware of an elitism which will only deal with cutting-edge people”. If our view of Christ is not that we have been crucified to our own, self-driven pursuits, we will miss the true identifying factor in what it means to be a disciple of Christ. Walking the way of the cross entails a daily commitment to a death of self, a conscious, intentional devotion and obedience to Jesus in hearing the voice of His Holy Spirit. Achieving success in the ministry does not hinge on numbers but on obedience. As a pastor, am I willing to suffer and see little to know obvious growth in my ministry as my portion in obedience to the crucified Christ? On the other hand, am I willing to be crucified with Christ in the midst of God’s blessing and success in the ministry? How we see Christ is absolutely important to how we approach church. It is imperative that the church reflects Christ while also remembering, “He is the foundation and chief cornerstone” who promises to build His church.

            One thing I am growing to appreciate is that “structure is unavoidable; effective structure, like effective form, can greatly enhance function and content”. While some have become opposed to such a structured, program orientation to church thinking it is sucking the Spirit-led, organic intention out of the church, I agree that it is impossible to have church without structure. While I sympathize with those who criticize the churches liturgy that have become dry and meaningless, we cannot dismiss the necessity of handling our churches with responsible order. As pastors we need to be constantly seeking the Lord as to whether our structure is enhancing the environment for the Spirit of God to move or if it is becoming routine and does not point the Christian to Christ. Structure is a useful tool in which to divert the attention off the Christians scattered and busy lives towards intentional focus on Christ and God’s Word. I like how Larson summarized the dangers of either leaning towards the “invisible church” the results in an under-emphasis on structure and “visible church” which might result in an overemphasis on structure. The pastor needs to carefully consider how much space he is giving the Holy Spirit while responsibly administrating a proper framework for the church to be in.

            I disagree with Larsen in where he concludes that the pastor-teacher “has no higher responsibility than the faithful and dutiful preaching and teaching of the word of God” and that “the feeding of flock of God must be at the head of his agenda”. Paul clearly expresses in 1 Timothy 3 that the pastor-teacher must pursue integrity in all aspects of his life not only in the obvious roles of pastoral ministry. While I agree that preaching the Word of God is an enormous and essential responsibility, the pastor-teacher must reflect the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3. Too often, especially in the lives of many prominent historical figures such as John Wesley and A.W. Tozer, the family is neglected while their preaching is exceptional. This is unacceptable and, in my mind hypocritical. The pastor-teacher must be concerned with “the whole Christian education enterprise” and be “dependent on the enabling of the Spirit of God” but must also practice that which he preaches. Finally, I do not dismiss the author but am cautious in using language that implies the pastoral roles must be elevated over all else.

            To defend the author in my previous statement, Larsen does devote an entire chapter on The Pastor and the family in which I greatly appreciated. I wholeheartedly agree that, “Christian ministry in the church is always for and within the context of God’s purpose for the family”. In a time of complete destabilization of the family unity, no more must the pastor model a healthy, unified and cared-for family relationship. Husbands, including pastors, must love their wives and take the supreme responsibility of spiritually impacting the lives of their children. Pastors must advocate that “congregations need to be a rich resource centers for family development”. Children scarred by the effects of divorce should find church to be a place of healing and full of godly parent figures as well as adults who have divorced should find church to be a place where they are loved, accepted and led into a biblical understanding of a marriage and parenting commitment.

            Church discipline is also an issue Larsen addresses that I found helpful. “The pastor-teacher has the solemn responsibility of raising awareness levels through the teaching ministry and fostering a climate in which discipline can be courageous and constructive”. In this point I agree that the pastor must set the standard for a disciplined spiritual life. I am against pastors who take a moderate concern for the people and focus on running the functions of the church. The pastor must be thinking about his flock and the various life-situations they are found in so that he might have compassion and know how he might lead them. Prayer and a radical belief that God is working amongst his people should mark a pastor’s life. This involvement in his congregation’s lives is what gives him the compass in which to preach and lead from. In knowing the particular issues, sins and struggles his people face, he will be better equipped to supply the flock with the right biblical food. Corrective discipline is not a begrudging process but should be invited as a natural part of growing in holiness. Pastors need to be more intentional and less afraid of confronting the flock if he truly expects them to become more like Christ.

            Overall, I believe this book will be a priceless resource in pastoral ministry. A word I noticed repeated throughout the book is the word “responsibility.” Pastor-teachers must take responsibility for the flock just as a father cares for his children. There is no room for laziness or passivity. God is always working and people’s lives are messy. We need the spiritual eyes of prayer and resources such as Larsen’s book to administer the functions of being the church in the world.