What do Pastors Do?
Shepherd in Ankara, Türkiye. Photo by Ahmet Hakan Solak
Sometimes I’m asked what I do as a pastor, aside from leading our worship on Sunday.
Here’s what you can expect from me as your pastor.
We pray
Pastors pray for their church, the people God has entrusted to their care, and the world. I will pray with you about jobs and job interviews, relationships, pregnancies and new babies, and new homes. But I will also pray with you when life is tough: when you lose a job, or a pregnancy, or you are anxious, afraid, or unwell.
Sometimes it is just helpful to have someone share your joy or to pray with you when you are too tired or sad or confused to pray for yourself.
We listen
We all want to be heard and a pastor should offer a particular type of listening that is non-anxious, compassionate, and attentive to where God is at work in your life. When people feel heard, they often begin to find healing, clarity, or a deeper sense of God’s presence. That is hopefully what you will experience when you share your story with me.
Perhaps you have a story you have held deep inside you for a long time - perhaps a story of shame or misplaced shame; perhaps you have battled with a long-term addiction or an area of brokenness in your life. Please know that I will hold your story as precious and accompany you whether you need an advocate or a chance to repent and make amends for a failure to love.
Jesus offers forgiveness to all who turn to him, but sometimes it can be helpful to hear the words of forgiveness spoken over you. I am authorized by the church to hear your confession, offer counsel, and remind you that you are forgiven by God and part of his church (we call this absolution).
We counsel
Most pastors aren’t licensed counselors, but I am trained to offer spiritual guidance on your relationship with God. That means we can talk about things like:
How to talk to God, or even just be with God, and hear his voice (we call this prayer),
How to read the Bible and translate it to our daily life
What do Christians believe–including what is God like and what does it mean for humans to be created beings
What is God asking you to do or not do and how do you make decisions that lead you closer to God
And if you need the help of a counselor, ask me for a recommendation.
We help you prepare
I am here to walk with you and prepare you for all the milestones of the Christian life–baptism, confirmation, marriage, ordination, and the end of life. I am always happy to talk through these decisions and point you toward classes or resources that I think would be helpful.
So what do pastors do? We’re here to love and care for the people God has placed in our care, to walk with you through the joys and challenges of life, and to help you grow closer to Christ—just as we’re learning to do, too.
