The Minister as Shepherd: The Privileges and Responsibilities of Pastoral Leadership [Paperback]

Charles Jefferson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2006

In an age where too many see the pastoral ministry as obsolete, Jefferson declares that it is more needed than ever and issues a clarion call to return to the Biblical concept of the pastor as a shepherd.

Product Details

• Paperback: 141 pages
• Publisher: Christian Literature Crusade (February 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0875087744
• ISBN-13: 978-0875087740
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #718,956 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Minister As Shepherd, June 5, 2008

By 

Heidi L. Todd "Hydra" (Puyallup, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Minister as Shepherd: The Privileges and Responsibilities of Pastoral Leadership (Paperback)

Timeless encouragement to anyone taking on the role of a pastor. Clear, Biblical principals as to our role - what we're to be, what we're not to be. Beyond cultures and trends, this speaks to Christ-like servant leadership. Great read - I underlined the tar out of my first copy.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pastoral ministry by the book, February 24, 2011

By 

Mike Parks - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Minister as Shepherd: The Privileges and Responsibilities of Pastoral Leadership (Paperback)

In the contemporary culture, there exist multitudes of books and ideas regarding pastoral ministry. A significant number of books utilize pragmatic or market driven techniques as a means to carry out ministry. Charles Jefferson's approach to pastoral ministry is rooted and grounded in the word of God as the final authority on these matters. The proceeding review is an outline that I wrote for a class. I hope it helps you determine if you would enjoy purchasing this book.

Chapter 1: The Shepherd Idea in Scripture and History

Historically Bishop, Presbyter, Preacher, Priest, Clergyman, Rector, Parson and Minister were utilized to communicate the role of the Shepherd (7-9). The term Shepherd has withstood the test of time without loosing its meaning and Jesus utilized it for himself (10-11). The language and imagery of Shepherding is throughout the Scripture. It is seen in language as, "feed my lambs, tend my sheep, feed my sheep...tend the flock of God which is among you" (13-14). The Shepherding terminology is minimal within the works of men such as Athanasius, Jerome, Aquinas and Trindentine catechism, the Thirty-nine articles and Westminster Confession (17). When the idea of Shepherding the flock of God was lost, the concept of Priest took over (17-18). The concept of a Shepherd is much deeper then the concept of a Priest or a Preacher (21). A good Shepherd cannot truly serve over a couple hundred people, but will need a staff of Pastors to Shepherd properly a larger congregation (22). Youthful Pastors enjoy the spotlight, at times have low love for people, but should study Shepherding and allow Christ to strengthen them in that area (25-28). The greatest test for a pastor is his actions behind closed doors and if he feeds and tends the sheep entrusted by God (30-31).

Chapter 2: The Shepherd's Work

The concept of a Shepherd is greatly lost and narrowed down to baptisms, funerals, weddings and visiting the sick (33). To understand the concept of Shepherding one should look to the time where the metaphor originated (34). The work of Shepherding in Palestine was not a simplistic task, but diverse and labor intensive (35). There are seven distinct attributes of an Eastern Shepherd, which carry over into ministry. The first is a watchman, who watch's over and warns the flock of danger (36). The second is to guard and protect the sheep since the sheep cannot bite, scratch, kick and run slowly (38). The third is to guard the sheep and lead them, not drive them (40-41). The Shepherd is a physician who points people to Jesus, the healer of wounded hearts (44). He is a savior who reaches out to those who need rescue (46). The sixth primary task of the Shepherd is to feed the sheep (50). A good pastor will be a good Preacher and a good Preacher will pastor his sheep, one cannot exist without the other (53-54). The seventh and final mark is a Shepherd loves the sheep, which will bind all the others together (55-56).

Chapter 3: The Shepherd's Opportunity

Many speak as if the need for a pastor is outgrown and unneeded, but this is far from the truth (57-58). The need for Pastors is high and the modern mans education and degree does not change his need to be Shepherded (59-60). Unfortunately, many Pastors are shortening their pastorate when there is a need for the pastor to do life-on-life with his people (65-67). The idea of efficiency and conservation are infusing many and if churches want to get the most out of the soil, they must get into the lives of their people (76-78). Seeing pastoral ministry as individually focused can even make the smallest parish work great (82).

Chapter 4: The Shepherd's Temptations

There are two primary temptations which Shepherd's are drawn to, which are "the love of gain and the love of power: covetousness and ambition" (85). These temptations can often draw on a pastor's heart, since men who proceed into ministry enter into a "vow of poverty" (86). A Shepherd can receive power and stature, which are priceless to many modern minds (87). The Minister is not wealthy financially, but wealthy rewarded in other regards (87-88). Pastors should not seek the praise of men nor covetousness, which can lead into being careless, a coward, and even selfishness (92-95). The pastor who desires power will turn to force feeding the sheep and pushing his own agenda (103-105). A healthy pastor will look to the humility of Christ and not dominate his people, but feed the sheep with tender passion and care (107-110).

Chapter 5: The Shepherd's Reward

The first and highest earthly reward a man can receive is love, the faithful Shepherd will certainly receive an abundance of love from faithful hearts (113). Shepherding brings about a lasting reminder in the hearts of people, while preaching can often glimmer and be forgotten (114-115). There is great reward and gratification for the Shepherd who is able to pour his life into another (116-117). Rewards exist for being a good pastor and a good Preacher, one should not pit on against the other (121-122). Pastoral work does several things for a Shepherd, such as providing sermon material, providing insight into human nature, increases the form of his sermons, provides originality in preaching, and guards from delusion (123-132). The pastor also receives an ever-increasing spiritual character (135). The last and greatest of all rewards is fellowship with Christ and to receive a "crown of glory" (140).

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Phenomenal, challenging, humbling and encouraging., October 20, 2010

By 

C. Sicks (United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Minister as Shepherd: The Privileges and Responsibilities of Pastoral Leadership (Paperback)

One of the most helpful books on being a pastor. But be forewarned, this will challenge your socks off. Jefferson pulls no punches, painting a clear picture of the humble Good Shepherd and shattering any illusions we may have about the prestige and power of the pulpit. True shepherding is hard work that should be largely unknown to the world. If you want to truly serve the Lord and his people, read this and pray hard about applying it to your ministry.