Pastoral Formation Forging Faithful Shepherds
One of the most needed forms of leadership is pastoral leadership. Not just an ordinary job, office, or career to explore to do life.
The pastoral role or office is divine. Therefore, it is crucial that one steps into this role with much sensitivity and the leading of God’s Spirit, and with mature leaders to champion this call that is fully divine. Growing in this call also requires ongoing formation. The key to being effective in pastoral leadership is not about the number of years we have been on the journey. It is not about how old we are to become effective pastors. Yes, time matters, but not all our eternity on the earth determines impact. What matters most is the right deposit in our daily routines.
Devotion to the Word is the primary method for personal growth. I have also found that every pastor should develop a strong life of intercession. Worship is another important asset in this formation.
We must also be open to sufferings with quietness and maturity, to digest it and not become surprised by it. It is often easy to lose the vision and passion for our calls. It often starts with a messy formation that becomes confused, hurt, or discouraged by persecution or suffering.
Both suffering and persecution are inevitable. They teach us much more than we could learn from other teachers. We need to embrace them and become their friends. This formation is unique, and at the same time, we must keep pressing towards the call and goal God has placed before us.
It is biblical:
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
Also, the practice of the secure core is critical. Pastors need closed, intentional groups where mission and friendships are forged by the divine and shaped with wisdom and protection. Most great pastors have this in common: they learn to have spiritual friendships.
Just like Jesus, who is the perfect model of forging His divine core of missional, authentic, caring friendship with Peter, James, and John. However, at some critical point, being left alone should not be a surprise, because at the crucifixion on the cross, Jesus was not with Peter, James, and John. Christ was alone, setting the most needed and transformative way to set humanity free from the curse of sin.
Yes, pastors are called in the same likeness. It is hard, but through devotion and formation in our spirit, we can make it happen.
The outcome of this formation would be multitudes free from the pain that stems from sin, entering into new life with peace, joy and hope.
Now by all means:
