As we embark on another session of the Pastoral Training Course we are indebted to the Father for this opportunity to train and release more pastoral servants and laborers into the harvest field.
Throughout the Bible, God’s shepherd-heart for His people is revealed. He wants them cared for effectively and compassionately. Inevitably, pastoral work often involves helping people to solve life issues. It is also one of the five-fold ministries of Ephesians 4:11-16 designed to equip God’s people to function effectively as members of Christ’s body. The aim of the course is to help equip pastorally-gifted and servant-hearted motivated individuals to reflect God’s heart through a foundation of pastoral theology, an awareness of significant issues, and a selection of practical pastoral tools.
Peter challenged the elders in his correspondence (1 Peter 5:2-3 / NLT) to “care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.”
This course is certainly for local elders, but also as much for those who serve as extensions of those leaders in various capacities of ministry and care throughout the local church. Whether the care given is to an individual or to a group, the heart of the Father is for His sheep to receive the loving and personal care that reflects His heart for them.
Don & Cheri’ White
Part of the C2C Pastoral Team