The Pastoral Office

Abstract

"Peter v, the Apostle speaks as a pastor to pastors. He was particularly fitted for this task, for he had experienced the pastoral care of Jesus as had no other Apostle. Three times had he denied his Lord and three times he had to face the question of the Risen One:" Lovest thou Me?". Only when Jesus is convinced that Peter is sincere in his answer and the unconditional confession implied in it, does he entrust him with the pastoral office over his community. And it is a unique commission thus imparted to him. From this commission the Apostle derived his authority to address pastors and to place them under obligation for the proper fulfilment of their office. He mentions the elders, to whom he shows the glory of their service, whom also he admonishes to fulfil their task properly. Peter knows that no pastor can dispense with his brotherly, pastoral service. Whoever does not himself receive pastoral care, cannot exercise any pastoral ministry. True, the pastor is under obligation to his divine Lord, but he constantly stands in danger of being isolated. The soul of the pastor needs the blessing of pastoral care. He needs a trusted brother before whose authority he bows, from whom he learns, receiving wisdom and help. He needs to unburden. his heart, and to orientate himself anew, and in united prayer to allow himself to be strengthened for his responsible service. He must receive correction and get counsel for his own troubles before he can minister to others"