I – The Pastoral anointing and The office of The Pastor.
The Pastoral anointing is explained in this conversation between Jesus and Peter:
“So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, you know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.” John 21:15-17.
The Office of The Pastor has been misquoted and abused in the church. Today, the word Pastor designates all church leaders, and that is incorrect. The Greek word for Pastor is ποιμήν (poimḗn), which means “one who tends sheep or cares for flocks.”
Later on, Apostle Peter wrote to The Church about the office of The Pastor :
“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” 1 Peter 5:2-4.
Among the Apostles, the word pastor is found only in Ephesians: “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,” Ephesians 4:11.
Elsewhere in the New Testament, other words are used: “Shepherd,” “Elder,” and “Overseer.” A Minister with a Pastoral anointing will have a special interest in leading the new believers to grow in the knowledge of Christ Jesus. He will care about the flock’s personal needs, and he will develop relationship networking in the local church.
II- Independent Pastoral anointing.
When the Pastoral anointing is not connected to other anointings, Pastors become long term leaders of the same sheep. People will congregate around the pastor and focus mostly on their personal earthly needs than the needs of The Kingdom of God.
Connection to an Apostolic anointing will help the Pastor function within a higher vision from The Lord for His Church’s growth. The Pastor can then see beyond his local church, the needs of the kingdom, and the need for more spiritually gifted people, to participate in the Vision of The Church of Christ. The Pastor will be able to look forward to identifying Spiritually gifted believers within the flock and encourage them to pursue their calling for the church as a whole.
We can read how Eli helped Samuel to disconnect from him and connect to his calling and God’s plan for Israel:
” Then the Lord called yet again, “Samuel!”. So, Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” He answered, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” 7 (Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, nor was the word of the Lord yet revealed to him.) 8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you did call me”. Then Eli perceived that the Lord had called the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.’ ” So, Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.” 1 Samuel 3:6-10.
The Pastor will nurture the sheep and help them grow to become spiritually mature, independent, and able to use their spiritual gifts to participate in the vision that God has for them for The Church.
