Biblical models of pastoral ministry

 There are of course a number of different biblical terms and models for the minister (servant), presbyter (elder), bishop (overseer). 

Perhaps the most prominent is "pastor", so much so that we forget that it is a metaphor. Pastor means shepherd. Jesus is the Good Shepherd whom under-shepherds should always keep before them. 

Of course with any model we need to think about what the Bible means by it. We must avoid word association or illegitimate totality transfer. What you (rightly or wrongly) think of as Shepherdy may not be what the Bible has in mind.

The modern Australian shepherd who looks at his sheep from time to time from his vehicle, is rather different from the ancient near eastern shepherd who may have slept with his sheep at night, would have called them by name and led them to new pasture and so on. It is not often today that a shepherd has to fight off a wolf or a lion or a bear, and barbed wire is certainly a help in a way in which it was not in the ancient near east. 

It would be an instructive exercise to make a list of all the models, terms and descriptions of the ministry found in Scripture. 

Good ordination services may be a help. 

We would probably find that our thinking about ministry owes more to the business world and the secular leadership books than we would care to admit. 

The British Army has a surprisingly well defined leadership doctrine which despite its official and sensitive status is freely available online. Their concept of servant leadership and their stress on values and standards, respect, humility, followership, the power of example, discipline, obedience, loyalty, challenge and the maxim do as you would be done by no doubt owe much to a biblical tradition and Christian heritage. Things are not often literally exploding in Christian ministry, but the Christian is engaged in a spiritual battle. The LORD is a warrior. The Messiah has fought and triumphed. The minister must aim to please Christ his captain and must not entangle himself in civilian affairs.