Images of My Pastoral Ministry

Response to an Assignment from my Spiritual Director
© September 15, 2006 by Norman Stolpe

Shepherd
This is clearly the controlling image to which all of the others attach. Some of the power of the shepherd is linguistic. The word “pastor” is the English rendition of the Latin base for “shepherd.” A shepherd pastor feeds, leads to safety and nourishment, tends the wounded, rescues the wandering, protect from threats. A shepherd pastor knows and loves the sheep.

Coach (pastor-teacher)
Ephesians 4 put pastor and teacher together as a single office that might be comparable to a modern coach. Teaching is not merely cognitive, it is affective; it changes people’s thinking, feeling, being, living. The coach motivates and guides people toward spiritual maturity, effective ministry, practical discipleship. The coach observes and guides in making adjustments, points people to beneficial resources and exercises, models the disciplines others can follow. The coach also builds cooperation and camaraderie among the team members, helping them appreciate the unique gifts each one brings to the team. The coach succeeds when the team and each member succeeds.

Pilgrim Guide, Accompanier, Companion, Partner (spiritual director)
Pilgrimage of journey is a common and helpful way of understanding the spiritual life. In this role, the pastor is the experienced guide who knows the path and the handholds on the cliffs firsthand. Besides giving direction, warning of danger, the pilgrim guide points out the inspiring views, the delightful discoveries of the journey. A wise guide knows that other pilgrims have valuable knowledge and insights to be shared. And the guide is not always “in charge” but accompanies with conversation, presence and partnership.

Old Man of the Mountains (story teller, poet, encourager)
As I am aware of my energy waning, I pray that the wisdom that I have come to accept as my spiritual gift is waxing. I have been blessed with a wide variety of experiences, relationships, interests and readings. As Jesus did with his parables, the “old man of the mountains” juxtaposes stories with peoples experiences, doubts, wounds, gifts, insights. The stories more that the “teaching” stimulate mind, heart and even body to stretch, challenge, comfort, encourage seekers and stumblers. The story teller’s voice leaves people relaxed and a peace. Unlike the images of shepherd, coach and guide, the “old man of the mountains” may not be directly involved in the activities of the listeners but provide a refuge for refreshment.

Odysseus Lashed to the Mast
Eugene Peterson uses this image to wrestle with calling, vocation and ordination. Regardless of how enticing the distractions, the pastor stays with the Church, and as much as possible the congregation. The responsibility for the spiritual well being of individuals and the congregation cannot be abandoned just because it is painful or difficult or because something else (even another congregation) is more attractive. This is a living model of the rich and joyful harvest of long term fidelity and commitment.