GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1. Statement of the Problem

There is a need of proper pastoral ministry for the smooth functioning of the Old
Riphyim Baptist Church because the pastoral functions are not carried out properly.

2. Elaboration of the Problem

Looking at the present scenario, the Old Riphyim Baptist Church is experiencing a
spiritual decline. Simultaneously, the advancement of technology, scientific
innovation and facilities has enticed the hearts of believers with the growing and
changing of our society today. Business, enjoyment, money, buildings, and cars the
so-called luxurious life has run into the minds of many church members and as a
result it affects the Church Growth. The management of time has been replaced by
social media; many believers have failed to understand the value of Christian living.
At the same time the role of Pastor as a spiritual care keeper has failed and the Church
is declining. Thus, having a closer look at Old Riphyim Baptist Church the
responsibility of a pastor for church growth is the need of the hour.

3. Purpose of Research:

The purpose of writing this thesis is to examine and understand the role of pastor and
implement it to Old Riphyim Baptist Church for effective ministry.

4. Scope and Limitation:

This research is limited only to Old Riphyim Baptist Church.

5. Method of Research:

The researcher will apply an empirical method using questionnaires and library
related to the given topic.

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6. Previous Research

As per the knowledge of the researcher, no previous research has been done by
anyone on this topic concerning Old Riphyim Baptist Church.

7. Structure of the Research:

The thesis has 4 chapters, besides the general introduction and conclusion. The first
chapter highlights a brief historical background of Old Riphyim Baptist Church;
chapter two describes the definition of a pastor. The third chapter presents Analysis of
the data. The fourth chapter discusses the implication to Old Riphyim Baptist Church.

2
 CHAPTER 1
BACKGROUND OF OLD RIPHYIM VILLAGE

Introduction

Riphyim Old is a village under Wokha1 Block of Wokha district in Nagaland. It is one
among the 6 villages of Englan Range2 of Wokha district located 14 kilometers away
from Wokha town.3 It is also surrounded by several hills and ridges which makes it a
scenic tourism. Traditionally, like the other Naga Tribes, Old Riphyim Village has
very strong socio-religious practices. They followed their own customary law and
social system not only to exist as a community but also to govern them by time
immemorial. Therefore, in the following discussion, this chapter will deal a brief
about the background of the village, social and economic life and the coming of
Christianity.

1.1. The Origin of Old Riphyim Village

According to tradition, the Lotha's started moving out from the Eastern part of China,
passing through Malaysia, Indonesia, and Burma. After many years of nomadic life
they reached a place what is known as Khezakhenoma. It is located between Manipur
and Chakesang (the present-day Phek), where they settled for a short period of time.
From there they moved towards the present day settlement of the Lotha's i.e. Wokha.4
And it is told that the settlers of Old Riphyim came from different villages most of
them who move from Phiro, Elumyo and Wokha5 to settle/established a new village.6
There is no clear written record to determine the exact date of the establishment of the
village. However, based on the oral traditions and Jubilee Souvenir7 the origin of the
village is traced back to about A.D. 17th century. It is believed that the earlier settler
first stopped at Tumbaki Chumbo (Morung) at Yikhum village and took the survey of
the land which they already have in mind to establish a village. They would go up and

1
Wokha is one of the District in the State of Nagaland and home for Lotha Tribes.
2
Englan range is under Wokha district which consists of six villages namely, Old and New
Chungsu village, Old and New Riphyim village, Englan and Yikhum village.
3
“Old Riphyim”. https://indikosh.com/vill/281421/riphyim-old (Accessed On 23 July 2018).
4
V.K. Nuh, Origin of the Nagas (Kohima: Vision Press, 2002), 17-22.
5
The villages under Wokha District.
6
Interview with James Tungoe, Old Riphyim Village (Wokha, Interview, 12 th June 2018).
7
Z. John Patton, Riphyim Yanhen Baptist Ekhumkho Platinum Jubilee: Souvenir 1936-2011
(Tsumang Colony: Wokha, 2011), 9.

3
go around the places again and again and clean the jungles toward the plain site of the
fertile land called Hayi yankho which is the present day A-khel and return to the
Yikhum village until they sighted where they had laid their hands to established the
village but it was not materialized. After a thorough survey from all corner they
started cutting the jungles towards the big papal tree (menkitong) which is presently
situated at C. khel today and on a big tree they put a mark with a big leaf (yokhen)
and return home. After that, they could sight their hard work appearing beautiful and
magnificent from other village and that's the reason at first the village was named as
riphi yan- which means going around the place again and again (surveying the place
again and again) which presently is known as Riphyim village.8

1.2. Social Life

Generally, the people of Old Riphyim are humble, hardworking, generous and self-
respecting. The village has existed since the 17th century having a strong sense of
community living. Like any other Lotha village, Riphyim village is also a traditional
home of 7 clans9 with colorful dances and folk songs and folk lores. The villagers
were not much into head-hunting except in rare conflicting fights with
the neighboring villages. They live in a steeply pitched thatched roof looking towards
Mt. Morashen10. The male members wear shawls indicating their social status with
their Naga tribal man’s haircut. The prestigious social shawl for women is Opvuram11
and Longpensu 12 for man. Traditional social systems and customaries laws have
sustained till the present days headed by a village chairman and gaonburas where in
olden days the Pvuti (chief) headed the village. It is known that after nine years of
establishing a village they built a community get together center by the name
"Chumpo" meaning "Morung" where all social living were taught to the younger
generation.13

8
M. Patton, Rephyim Yanhen Baptist Ekhumkho: Motsu 1936-1986 (Gospel Printing Press:
Dimapur, 1986), 3.
9
The clans are: Patton, Odyuo, Kithan, Tungoe, Ngullie, Ezung, Humtsoe.
10
Mt. Morashen is a mountain and tower above the village.
11
Women shawls traditional in Lotha Naga. This is ethnic wear worn by Lotha Naga women
in Nagaland.
12
This is a typical Naga shawl worn by the Lotha tribe.
13
Interview with James Tungoe.

4
1.3. Economic life

Looking back to the history of the village economy and it's livelihood we can see that
agriculture has played an important part in the life of the Old Riphyim village. They
practiced Jhum cultivation and almost everyone depended on agriculture for its
livelihood, average incomes were low. But that does not mean the villagers are poor
instead they lived a satisfied life from all the rich vegetables, fruits, and rice that come
out in abundance from their cultivation. The villagers are talented in making
handicrafts like baskets from bamboo and their weapons are doas, spears and
matchets. Most of the woman folks are creatively intelligent in weaving traditional
shawls and mekhala. The villagers are very hard working people; they usually wake
up very early before 5 am and go to fields. They are fond of rearing pigs and other
livestock like hens, duck and cows. They love lots of spices and thick gravies, where
bamboo shoots and yam is as much as staple as rice and pork. They love community
feasting and what they don't produce in their own, they barter or buy from a neighbor,
and their lives are self-contained and contented.14

Electricity has played a vital role in improving the life and living standard of the
villagers. Education and road building with National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
(NREGA) 15 scheme or agri link road has progressed a lot. There has also been a
substantial expansion of medical and public health facilities. Integrated farming and
farms are introduced and sponsored through the government. Schemes to the villagers
with a very receptive community and with the help of the government projects and
funding the village council, church, and Student bodies together have transformed the
Old village into a tourist model village. This has made Old Riphyim to come into the
picture as one among the pioneer village in Nagaland having a tourist lodge with
facilities for visitors or tourist to stay in any season of the year. The present-day triple
peak Mt. Morashen has also become a commanding view of the Doyang valley and
the reservoir dam is becoming a perfect setting for ecotourism, integrated community
farming, conservation of forest and wildlife and that even the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has elicited willingness to
include it in its MAB16 programmed. It has really become a potential tourist spot for

14
Interview with James Tungoe.
15
National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.
16
Man and Biosphere.

5
hiking as well as for sightseeing and for sports like mountain biking which will attract
visitors all through the years from all corners of the world. The areas surrounding the
Doyang dam is one of the primary roosting site of the famous migratory birds, Amur
Falcons. Nagaland has been recognized as the Amur Falcon capital of the world.
Starting from October every year, these areas witness a huge flock of Amur Falcons.17

1.4. Religious life

The people of Old Riphyim were very religious even though they were not so certain
of their God. They did not worship any form or figure, nor did they belong to any
major religion of the world, but they believed and feared the spirits. They believed
that the spirits are present in all nature and thus respected it. Nature dictated the
various activities to be carried out in the village.18 They have a traditional belief that
after they die the departed soul goes to Mt. Tiyi19 so they never built their houses
looking towards Mt. Tiyi which they believe it brings bad omen. Before Christianity,
they did not have a clear idea of heaven or hell. One would say: "he has gone to the
land of the dead". They believed that life in the village of the dead was similar to life
on earth. It was believed that when a person is seriously sick or dies the soul goes out
of the body and wander away. When sacrifices were not made seriously to return to
the body, the soul would go on to the land of the death. Before reaching the land of
the death, the soul would visit the close relatives and friends with some distant voice
or sound informing of his or her departure from the present world and the soul would
go to the land of the dead, called Mt. Tiyi, situated just above Wokha Town itself.20
Above the village is the revered Mt. Morashen, a triple peak hill which is believed to
be owned by the god of Morashen. According to tradition, when we go to war or any
kind of competition like head hunting or sporting activities it brings victory because
the god of this mountain protects and help them. There is also a belief that the god of
this mountain protects the villagers from all kind of plaque, famine, and disease.

17
Interview with James Tungoe.
18
“Lotha Religious Life,” http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/48812/9/09%
20chapter%201. pdf (Accessed on 23 July 2018).
19
Mt. Tiyi is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Wokha, Nagaland at the height of
1969.61 meters above sea level.
20
“Lotha,” http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/93324/6/06_chapter%201.pdf
(Accessed on 23 July 2018).

6
Therefore, god of this mountain is well regarded and honored and worshiped by these
early villagers.21

1.5. Coming of Christianity

In the month of November 7th 1936, the gospel of Christ came to the village. The
villagers were strong in their traditional beliefs and in such condition the light of
Christ entered the village through Wonimo22 and his team from Okotso23 village with
permission from Pvuti (the Chief). Secondly, by Yibonsao, an evangelist and some
elders like Rulamo Okotso, Shanchamo Yikum, Nkhao Yikhum, Chichamo
Evangelist from Pyingsa village continued to spread the gospel. There was no
particular place of worship till 1940, therefore services were conducted at homes and
Christmas event were feasted at Yenchio Patton’s24 residence. With the donation of
Rs. 5 from Nyamo Tungoe and one table from Lilamo Patton, by December 24 th,
1940, a thatched house was built and the church building came into existence. The
church was constructed in the year 1964 having three Cross to signify that the Church
believers will grow and make two new churches. And Pongtong Village Church came
into being in 19th November 1972 and Serika Village Church in 12th November
1972.25 Since then, the Old Riphyim Baptist Church celebrated its 75 years (1936-
2011) from November 5 to 6, 2011 with the theme “The Lord Is Our Banner”
(Ex.17:15).26

Conclusion

From the above discussion it is noted that the establishment of the village was not
easy to come into the settlement at once. They went through a lot of difficulties
throughout their journey. But even in such a situation they were not discouraged, they
stood firm and with great courage endured all the challenges and they were successful
in making the small area into a beautiful village. It is understood that the villagers
practice a high moral life; economically they were self-dependent. They were
religiously confused, though they had a belief in the ultimate creator; they also

21
Interview with James Tungoe.
22
One of the missionary from Okotso village.
23
Okotso is a village placed in Sanis circle of Wokha District in Nagaland.
24
One among the first converts.
25
Patton, Riphyim Yanhen Baptist Ekhumkho Platinum Jubilee: Souvenir 1936-2011. . . 9.
26
Patton, Riphyim Yanhen Baptist Ekhumkho Platinum Jubilee: Souvenir 1936-2011. . . 9.

7
worshiped the benevolent and malevolent spirit. We see that the religious leaders
who bought Christianity into the village did not face many challenges in their mission.
They were successful in converting the religiously confused people into Christianity.

8
 CHAPTER 2
DEFINITION OF PASTOR

Introduction

This chapter highlights an introduction to the various aspects of life and work of a
Pastor, the Pastoral role, including its qualifications and the nature of Pastoral
ministry which also includes practical component to Pastoral visitation.

2.1. Definition of a Pastor

The root meaning of Pastor goes back to the period of the Israelites. The root word
“Raah” in Hebrew word is ‘to tend’ meaning pasturing flock, refers to the Shepherd
of sheep 27 and the ‘Raah’ is translated from the Greek word ‘Poimen’ (shepherd)
“meaning tend or pasture”. One who tends or cares for the flock is Poimenas or Pastor
(Eph 4:11) or Poimen (Jn 10:10). Pastors guide as well as feed the flock.28 In New
Testament, Christ declared himself to be the good shepherd who laid down his life for
the sheep and who is known by its sheep (John 10:11 &14). Jesus never called himself
a Pastor but he did refer himself as a shepherd. From the idea of the shepherd as a
protector and leader of the flock, came the concept of God as the shepherd of Israel.
The same idea is applied in the English term Pastor, which means shepherd.29 The
Word Pastor in its adjective form ‘Pastoral’ refers to the life and work pertaining to
tending and caring in general. Sometimes a Pastor is also referred to as ‘minister’ in
Latin form. The basic word of a minister is selfless service rendered to people. The
other Greek word for service of this nature is diakonia, referring to menial service
done to serve the other like those waiters at the table. The work of Christ and for that
matter, all Christian work can be referred to as diakonia (Deacon’s work).30

The foundational principles of Pastoral leadership are expressed in 1 Peter 5:1-3: Be

humble and do the work of shepherding the flock. John the Baptist and Paul are good

27
Chen Rengma, A Handbook on Pastoral Ministry: Designed for Those Involved in Church
Ministry (Zunpha: The Council of Rengma Baptist Churches, 2010), 1.
28
Warren McWilliams, “Pastor,” Holman Bible Dictionary, edited by Trent C. Butler
(Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 1991), 1073.
29
Burdick Donald W, Wycliffe Bible Dictionary, edited by Charlesh F. Pfeiffer (Chicago:
Hendrickson Publishers, 2003), 1238.
30
Ezamo Murry, Thomas K. Matthew and others, comp., Zubeno Kithan, Pastoral Care and
Counseling (Kolkata: ESPACE, 2013), 1.

9
examples of humility. The keys to humility include confidence in God's power,
commitment to God's truth, and a commission by God's will, a compulsion by God's
omniscience, and a consuming passion for God's glory. The primary objective in
shepherding God's flock is to feed them. Besides this, a shepherd must exercise as an
overseer over the flock and provide them with exemplary life for them to follow. A
Pastor cannot do his job with an unwilling spirit; neither can he/she do it for the sake
of monetary gain. Furthermore, a Pastor must obey scriptural commands to be faithful
to the biblical truth, bold in exposing and refuting error, exemplarily in godliness,
diligent in ministry, and willing to suffer in God's service.31

2.2. Who is a Pastor?

A Pastor is the one who knows the Lord Jesus Christ as his/her personal savior, has
experienced the call of God in his life for full-time Christian service. He/she is the
administrative head of the local church, which is authorized to act and take a decision
on behalf of the church, which may involve reproving and encouraging as part of his
or her leadership responsibilities as administrator. A Pastor is a peacemaker, preacher,
and teacher of the word of God. A Pastor is a comforter and counselor, he or she
should have a genuine love for his people; love that heals, love that care and love that
encourages. A Pastor is a servant, willing to respond to the call of the master at all
time and be available for the service of others.32

Three verses in the New Testament include the word “Pastor.” Ephesians 4:11, Acts
20:28, and 1 Peter 5:2. In Ephesians 4:11, Paul discusses that Christ build the church
and he intends for “Pastors and teachers” to serve in the church. The expression
“Pastors and teachers” identifies a single group. In Acts 20:28, Paul again refers to
Pastors. Here, however, he uses the verb form of the word, which is translated “to
feed” or “to care for.” Pastors feed, tend, and protect the church. They are to do all the
things that a shepherd would do for a flock. Similarly, in 1 Peter 5:2, Peter encourages
these servants by saying, “Tend the flock of God.” The word “tend” is again the verb
poimaino, which W. E. Vine defines as, "to act as a shepherd." From these verses, we

31
John MacArthur, Rediscovering Pastoral Ministry: Shaping Contemporary Ministry With
Biblical Mandates (Nashville: Zondervan Publishers, 2009), 19.
32
Robert C. Anderson, The Effective Pastor (Chicago: Moody Press, 1985), 4.

10
learn that Pastors are to act like shepherds by caring for the flock, and this care
includes teaching.33

2.3. Qualification of a Pastor

The qualifications of a Pastor must first include a divine calling (Acts 13:2). Those
who answer the call to become Pastor or ministers should be mature, Spirit-filled
Christians who possess an intense love for Christ and their fellow being. They should
show signs of the appropriate gifting in their inclined field of ministry, and seek to
enhance these through applied study and training by attending a Bible college or
seminary if possible.34 In light of this understanding through a slight variance in the
terms, it is used for the person filling the role of a Pastor, elder, or bishop, most
churches use 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9 as their guideline for selecting a person
to fill the role of a Pastor. When reviewing these guidelines, at least five areas of
consideration can be seen:

2.3.1. A Pastor Must Have a Sound Mind and Common Sense (1Timothy 1:2)

Pastor should possess wisdom and tact in dealing with people, and be able to
communicate clearly and authoritatively. He/she must understand how people live,
work and struggle, and be able to be empathic and compassionate to their concerns.
Their own financial affairs should be in good order, and should have a strong
understanding of the business aspects of a church.35

2.3.2. A Pastor Must be an Impartial Person (1Timothy 3:3)

Pastor must have love and passion for the souls of people, and a longing to lead them
to a personal relationship with Christ to contribute to their spiritual growth and
development. One of the Pastor’s greatest characteristics must be patient, as people
are very difficult to deal with, and only someone endowed with an unusual measure of

33 Jason Jackson, "What Is a Pastor?" https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1178-what-

is-a-pastor (Accessed on August 16, 2018).
34
Dale A. Robbins, What People Ask About the Church (Nashville: Victorious Publications,
2015), 87.
35
Robbins, What People Ask About the Church…, 88.

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patients can tolerate the ordeals of humanity. The heart of a pastor will be that of a
shepherd one who leads, feeds, cares for, and protects the flock.36

2.3.3. A Pastor Must be Blameless (Titus 1:6-7; 1 Timothy 3:2)

Being blameless (“above reproach”) literally means “not to be held” in a criminal

sense. This is the most important character qualification for the Pastor, and the list of
qualifications that follow elaborates on what it means to be “blameless.” There is to
be no unrepentant sin that can be publicly named or pointed to in which the church or
civil community is aware of. It doesn’t mean he/she is sinless or has never sinned, but
that he/she can’t be held in contempt, either criminally, morally, socially, or
ethically.37

2.3.4. A Pastor Must be Husband/Wife of one Husband/Wife (Titus 1:6; I

Timothy 3:2)

A Pastor must be absolutely loyal to the one he/she marries. It’s not referring to
his/her marital status but to their sexual purity. It doesn’t mean he/she can never have
been widowed or be single, for example, but that Pastor is to be solely devoted to one
spouse if he/she is married. This qualification comes immediately after the necessity
of being “blameless” because the area of sexual purity is where many church leaders
fail and thus, become disqualified to serve as Pastor.38

2.4. Qualities of a Pastor

Every Pastor ought to be possessed by the inescapable conviction that has been called
by God. Pastor choice of the ministry should not result from the desire for
professional distinction, personal gain, increased leisure time or control over people.
It is expected that anyone who will be in a position of authority among God's people
in the church must qualify and must develop some specific skills and qualities that
equip them in this area of service. Titus 1:9 talks about what God wants the Pastor to
do, but first and foremost, verses 6-8 tell who he/she is to be. A Pastor should be
innocent, holy and righteous in his or her character and actions having more than

36
Robbins, What People Ask About the Church…, 88.
37
Robbins, What People Ask About the Church…, 89.
38
Mark Dever, “Pastors Qualification,” wteville.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/UBC-
Pastor-Qualifications.pdfww.ubcfayet (Accessed on 01/03/2019).

12
preaching ability or other gifts, a minister of the Gospel must be a person of
exceptional character, endowed with spiritual fruit, devoted to prayer and the study of
God's Word. 39 Here are some of the following major qualities pastors need to
develop;

2.4.1. Humility (1 Peter 5:2): Some Pastors tend to be aggressive/assertive types. But
Pastor should deals with genuine humility. They have to work at this and sometimes
they struggle with it. But the best genuinely see themselves as servants for others and
strive to put the needs of others before their own.40

2.4.2. Vision (Ephesians 3:16-17): Pastors must envision things that others do not.41
They must be able to see the opportunities others miss. They must anticipate the
problems before they become problems and should know how to think strategically.42

2.4.3. Perseverance (Ephesians 6:11): Pastors should never give up on anything

critical without confronting. Pastors should assure that there will always be opposition
and roadblocks to accomplish great things in their ministry. But he/she must play a
role of perseverance that they don’t run over people, but they are also not deterred at
the first sign of opposition and they don't allow temporary setbacks and defeats to
determine their future.43

2.4.4. Decisiveness and Risk Taking (Matthew 14:28-29): Pastor establishes

direction and makes decisions.44 Effective Pastor must always weigh the risks and
rewards of their decisions, and they must also be willing to fail.45

2.4.5. Communication Skills (Ephesians 4:29): Effective Pastor are nearly always
effective communicators. Effective Pastor have strong interpersonal skills, sometimes

39
MacArthur, Rediscovering Pastoral Ministry: Shaping Contemporary Ministry With
Biblical Mandates…, 87.
40
Ezamo Murry, Introduction to Pastoral Care and Counseling, rev. and enl. (Delhi: ISPCK,
2018), 194.
41
Charles R. Foster, The Pastor as Religious Educator: Agent of Vision in the Education of a
Community Faith, edited by Robert L. Browning (Birmingham: Religious Education Press, 1989), 20.
42
Scott Wilson, The Challenge of Leadership: What do you do Next (Jorhat: Barkataki, 2000),
33.
43
Robert H. Welch, Creating Efficiency for Effective Ministry: Church Administration
(Nashville: B&H Academic, 2015), 29.
44
Malcolm Webber, Leading: Spirit Built Leadership 3 (Elkhart: Strategic Press, 2003), 9.
45
Wilson, The Challenge of Leadership: What do you do Next . . . 74-75.

13
demonstrate strong listening skills by initiating conversations with parishioners rather
than waiting for others to speak first.46

2.4.6. Encouragement and mentoring (1Timothy 3:2): Pastors know how to

encourage others. He/she constantly praise others and build them up. They love to
help others succeed and be their best. They exercise restraint in criticism but pursue
praise and encouragement with a passion. Successful leaders mentor others and help
others hear God’s call into ministry.47

2.4.7. A Personal Relationship with Jesus Christ (1Timothy 4:11-16): It would be

very difficult to lead a congregation of Christians to grow in the grace and knowledge
of our Lord Jesus Christ, if the Pastor fails to do the duty of a Pastor. This is the most
important characteristic of effective Pastor; it is the foundation upon which the rest of
the ministry will be built. Effective Pastor pursues the spiritual disciplines, are
involved with others in accountability groups, and earnestly seek to grow in their
relationship with Christ.48

2.5. Nature of Pastoral Ministry

The goal of Pastoral ministry is to minister as Jesus Christ did, since Jesus Christ is
the chief shepherd of the Christian community, and the ultimate model of ministry.
What Jesus Christ did during his earthly life, what he commanded, and what is
believed he could have done if he were in the world today are generally considered as
guiding principles of Pastoral ministry. Since Jesus Christ came to serve and not be
served, Pastoral ministry has service (diakonia) as its primary target. Service of God
and neighbor is the bedrock of all Pastoral ministries. Pastoral ministry is therefore
not targeted at financial gain, even if a certain financial remuneration may be part of
it. Pastoral ministry therefore, takes place in the context of a Christian community, as
part of the community service towards the promotion of the kingdom of God. Since it
involves a community, every exercise of Pastoral ministry is public, not private
action. One should be accountable to the Christian community for the Pastoral
ministry exercised within it. Pastoral ministry must also attend to wider community
challenges in areas such as individual/group counseling, healthcare, politics, inter-
46
Welch, Creating Efficiency for Effective Ministry: Church Administration. . . 30.
47
Alexander Strauch, A Christian Leader’s Guide to: Leading with Love (Hyderabad: GS
Books, 2017), 148.
48
Adam Hamilton, The Qualities of an Effective Pastor: Leading Beyond the Walls,
Developing Congregations with a Heart for the Unchurched (New York: Abingdon Press, 2015), 88.

14
religious dialogue, ecumenism, education, justice and peace, respect for life, family
life, morality, liberation, and human development. Furthermore, Pastoral ministry
engages in the Pastoral care of a range of people in need in the church and society
such as orphans, children, youth, singles, engaged couples, the married, the elderly,
the sick, the dying, the bereaved, refugees, immigrants, widows, subjugated women,
oppressed workers, alcohol and drug addicts, the homeless, the poor, the unemployed,
the physically challenged, people living with HIV/AIDS, prisoners, students, the
depressed, the lonely and the unloved.49

2.6. Functions of Pastoral Care

Pastoral care consists of helping acts, done by representative persons, directed
towards the healing, sustaining, guiding, reconciling and nurturing of persons whose
troubles and concerns arise in the context of daily interactions and ultimate means and
concerns.

2.6.1. Healing: Healing is one of the Pastoral functions that aim to overcome some
impairment by restoring the person to wholeness and by leading them to advance
beyond their previous condition. In biblical imagery, the shepherd bound up the
wounds and supports the process of healing.50

2.6.2. Sustaining: One of the shepherding functions of Pastoral care is sustaining. It

is a ministry of being with the afflicted in their helplessness, powerless, when they are
hurt and frightened, helping them to find strength in knowing that they are not alone.
Helping a hurting person to endure and to transcend a circumstance in which
restoration to their former condition or recuperation from their malady is either
impossible or so remote as to seem improbable. It is the ministry provided in the face
of imitate trauma or in the midst of a crisis.51

2.6.3. Guiding: Another aspect of the shepherding function of Pastoral care is

guiding. As a shepherd leads the sheep through the wilderness, so the Pastor leads
parishioners through the deserts laces in their spiritual journeys'. Moses served as a

49
Bob Gordon and David Fardouly, Master Builders (Secunderabad: OM Books, 2005), 150.
50
Kent D. Richmond and David L. Middleton, The Pastor and the Patient: A Practical
Guidebook for Hospital Visitation (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1992), 23-24.
51
Richmond and David L. Middleton, The Pastor and the Patient: A Practical Guidebook for
Hospital Visitation…, 25.

15
shepherd to the Israelites as he led them through their sojourn in the wilderness. The
Pastor's task is to guide the sheep through their wilderness.52

2.6.3. Reconciling: Seeking to re-establish broken relationships between human and

fellow human and between human and God. Historically, reconciling has employed
two modes – forgiveness and discipline. Reconciliation is the antithesis of alienation
and may be seen to be the ultimate purpose of God. The Christian Disciplines of
repentance, confession, and restitution work together with the grace of forgiveness to
accomplished the task.53

2.6.4. Nurturing: Enabling people to develop their potentialities, throughout the life
journey with all its valleys, peaks, and plateau. Nurturing and guiding are the Pastoral
care functions in which education and counseling are most intertwined.54

2.7. Pastoral Preaching

Pastoral preaching is personal counselling in a group context. A Pastor needs to utilize
parching to minister to the needs of the members. Preaching helps those who are
currently dealing with personal problems and crises. The problems may include grief,
marital relations, physical sickness, emotional illness, spiritual problems, and so on.
Pastoral preaching always deals with people in crisis whenever they preach. Thus,
Preaching is an act of counselling. Therefore relying upon the leading of the Holy
Spirit is important because that will help him determine the most essential factors to
be included in the sermons and to answer specific human needs. The Holy Spirit not
only guides the Pastors to the passages he/she should preach but also provides
insights, illumination, and discernment while preparing the sermon. The Holy Spirit
also provides boldness at the time of sermon delivery. This unifies the audience
attentiveness, convict men to sin, and causes them to grow closer to God.55 The Pastor
not merely counsels, preaches but bring changes which is precisely the growth and
progressive of the Church. Pastor’s job is not to thrill his congregation, nor should his

52
Middleton, The Pastor and the Patient: A Practical Guidebook for Hospital Visitation…,
27.
53
Jeremy Pierre, The Pastor, and Counseling: The Basics of Shepherding Members in Need
(Illinois: Crossway, 2015), 133.
54
Pierre, The Pastor, and Counseling: The Basics of Shepherding Members in Need …, 133.
55
Coppe Mero, Psychology of Counseling (Dimapur: S.P. Printers, 2000), 140-141.

16
goal be to stimulate emotions or intellect, his job is to preach God's word for the
purpose of change.56

2.8. The Pastoral Task

The Pastor’s main task is the communication of the good news of God’s salvation in
all human situations. When the Pastor communicates, the people wait anxiously to
hear what precious direction will come out of the Pastor's communication.57 The aim
of the Pastoral task is summarized as being ‘to prepare God’s people for works of
services, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the
faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the
whole measure of the fullness of Christ (Eph 4:12-13). Pastors have to carry out a
series of activities, appropriate to their situations, to help bring their congregations
nearer to this goal. There should be no disparity or contradiction between the aims
of the ministers. They should certainly not compete with each other or cause
confusion in the minds of any particular congregation. In essence, Pastors must look
after their congregations as a shepherd looks after sheep. The aim of Pastoral work
can be considered according to the activities usually used to carry them out. 58 There
are at least 6 broad categories of Pastoral activity:

2.8.1. Equipping: Ephesians 4:11-16 indicates the principle task of the special
minister given to the church is to equip the saints for the work of ministry. The
equipped saint may be considered one who has been made perfect for the job or who
have completely adjusted to it. They are completely qualified to carry on that
ministry. Their equipping duties lie principally in his or her particular area of
responsibility, specifically in the task of Pastoring or shepherding the sheep. 59 The
ordained minister has one function: to equip all the members for their ministry. In
other words, the ministry is not a monopoly of the clergy; it is the responsibility of
all and the role of the clergy is to help them to fulfill it. 60 The central challenge is to

56
John F. Macarthur, Wayne A. Mack, and others, Introduction to Biblical Counseling: A
Basic Guide to the Principles and Practice of Counseling (Nashville:Grace to India, 2007), 304.
57
Ezamo Murry, An Introduction to Pastoral Care and Counseling (Delhi: ISPCK, 2009),
132.
58
William. K. Kay and Paul C. Weaver, Pastoral Care and Counseling: A Manual
(Secunderabad: Authentic Books, 1999), 39.
59
Anderson, The Effective Pastor…, 157-158.
60
Lesslie Newbigin, The Good Shepherd: Meditation on Christian Ministry in Today’s World
(Park Town: The Christian Literature Society, 1974), 73.

17
sustain the emphasis on freeing the laity for significant ministry while at the same
time maintaining the Pastor's role as a leader. This can be done by describing the
Pastor as both leader and equipped. An equipped is a leader who actively sets goals
for a congregation according to the will of God, obtains goals ownership from the
people, and sees that each member is properly motivated and equipped to do his or her
part in accomplishing the goals.

2.8.2. Shepherding: A person who is a Pastor is a shepherd. The Pastor is to

shepherd God's flock. They should not behave bossy or arrogantly like some
servants in public service. Pastor themselves must involve in shepherding activities.
They are not to begrudge, feeling compelled to do so, but voluntarily, willingly,
according to 1 Peter 5:2. Shepherding should be one of the most desirable and
gratifying areas of Pastoral ministry. If the Pastor refuses to engage in such a
ministry or engage unwillingly, they should not be Pastoring. Furthermore,
shepherding is not to perform merely for financial remuneration but it is to flow out
of a genuine desire to serve. 61 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (Ps 23:1) is
a declaration of all that is meant by Pastoral work. The shepherd is one who provides
full and complete care for all his sheep.62

2.8.3. Leading: According to 1 Peter 5:3, Pastors are called to a position of

leadership who enables other to achieve their goal.63 The Pastor should not exhibit a
haughty, superior, or overbearing attitude. In other words, Pastor leadership should
not be a dictator. A leader is not someone who whips the people from behind,
arguing them to get or keep going. Leaders are someone who goes in front, setting
the pace and inviting the people to follow them. At the same time, they are careful
not to get too far ahead. On the other hand, the spectrum from domineering
leadership is indecisive leadership, which really is not a leader at all. Inherent in the
job of a shepherd is the task of leadership. 64

61
David Stancil, “The Ministry of Shepherding,” Preparing for Christian Ministry: An
Evangelical Approach, edited by David P. Gushee and Walter C. Jackson (Grand Rapids: Baker Books,
1998), 205-206.
62
Jay E. Adams, Shepherding God’s Flocks: A Handbook on Pastoral Ministry, Counseling
and Leadership (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1986), 5.
63
C. Peter Wagner, Leading Versus Enabling: Church Management and Leadership
(Dimapur: Isa Gospel Ministries, 2017), 167.
64
Anderson, The Effective Pastor…, 159.

18
2.8.4. Preaching and Teaching: Those who are called out to preach the word of
God is to cling to the word of God, adhere to it closely, and zealously use it as a
basis for teaching so that there will be no objection in doctrinal position in sound.
One should do careful exegesis of the text and present the findings to the
congregation in the light of proper hermeneutic. Preaching is to be used for two
purposes: to exhort and to refute errors, especially the errors which contradict our
Christian teaching. Since Sunday service almost attracts a large audience, Pastors
should take the opportunities to exercise the preaching-teaching ministry. As
exhortation, the Pastor’s message should aim for some type of decision. A cognate
purpose of the teaching-preaching ministry is the refutation of error. In refuting
error, it will be wise enough for the preacher to use the word of God to attack the
ideas rather than to attack the people.65

2.8.5. Correcting: According to second Timothy 2:24-26, a Pastor is to be gentle

when he or she corrects those who oppose him or her. The only prudent manner for
giving such correction is a personal confrontation. The Pastor is expected to speak
to the offender in person, humbly lay out the problems, give the person a chance to
explain, and then quietly, humbly with confident, a pastor must show that person
from scripture where he or she is wrong. Two waves of abuse are frequently seen in
many of the churches. Some Pastors are so reticent to engage in a personal
confrontation that they use their pulpits to whip those they consider to be an
offender and thus, the entire congregation gets the same medicine which brings
confusion among them. Other Pastors are so quick-tempered that they seldom
involve themselves in corrective action with another person. 66

2.8.6. Evangelizing: Ephesians 4 defines an office of an evangelist as distinctly

different from the Pastorate. Paul instructs young Timothy to ‘do the work of an
evangelist' (2 Tim 4:5). A Pastor may not feel called or qualified to occupy the
office of evangelist and he or she may not be the best resource to equip the saints for
the work of evangelism but still, they must be faithful in their calling by preaching
all aspects of the Word including evangelism and by serving as an appropriate

65
Anderson, The Effective Pastor…, 159-160.
66
Micah Felber,“ThePastor’s Role in the Local
Church,”https://s3.amazonaws.com/symp.csm.usp
rod/ministriesbju/ files/dba/dba9ec8a3ae79510e6fd0845f1fd30b0. pdf (Accessed on
01/03/2019).

19
model for the people in that the Pastors themselves should actively engage in the
work of evangelism. The Pastor is to preach the word of God and that ministry of
preaching will find its expression in such things as reproof, rebuke, exhortation, and
evangelism. In doing so, Pastor faithfully preaches through the Bible. 67

2.8.7. Motivating: Pastor must perform the act of motivating, of inspiring followers
to stay to the task. Motivation is not the primary goal of preaching, seeing lives
transformed by the gospel is. But motivation is near the top of the list of priorities in
preaching. At the end of our expounding of the Scriptures, people need to know
what to do with what we just said, and they need to be provoked to take action lest
they are hearers of the Word and not doers. Jesus set the example for our motivation
in this life: “My food is to do the will of him who sent Me and to finish His work”
(John 4:34). Jesus was concerned with pleasing his Father, and so should we be
motivated by that same concern. He always did the Father’s will, motivated by
pleasing Him through obedience (John 8:29). Pastor’s motivation should be the
same as his, the obedience by which we prove we are truly his. “If you love me,
keep my commandments” (John 14:15).68

2.9. Pastoral Visitation

Pastoral visitation refers to the Pastor's home visitation, hospitals, and jails with a
desire to be of spiritual help. It is a way of showing the Pastors care and concern for
the spiritual welfare of the people.69 Next, to preaching, visitation should be the most
important aspect of a Pastor's ministry. Pastoral visitation is essential not only for
effective preaching but also for bonding with the church family.70 Pastoral visitation
has a representative function. In visiting, the Pastor represents the presence and the
loving care of God in the person of Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd. Psalm 23 is
about shepherding, Jesus took the image of shepherding as a primary metaphor to
represent his relationship to humanity.71 Pastor’s visitation also represents the Church

67
Anderson, The Effective Pastor…, 161-162.
68
John Mac Arthur and others, Rediscovering Pastoral Ministry: Shaping Contemporary
Ministry with Biblical Mandates (Neshville: W Publishing Group, 2009), 302-303.
69
Mero, Psychology of Counseling…, 131.
70
David R. Barnhart, Pastoral Visitation (Melbourne: Abiding Word Ministries, 2015), 428.
71
David Stancil, Preparing for Christian Ministry: An Evangelical Approach, edited by
David. P. Gushee and Walter C. Jackson (Grand Rapids: Bakers Books, 1998), 205.

20
as the body of Christ, the community of faith.72 Visitation is an effective way to keep
a Pastoral relationship with his congregation unbroken and be familiar with the need
of his/ her people. Visiting believers by their Pastors and deacons is a very important
aspect for the spiritual growth and spiritual well-being of each church as a community
and of every saint. Only through Pastoral visits they understand the living conditions
and find out the problems, the joys and the concrete needs of the people. Only when
the Pastors know the state of the believers well, then they will be able to serve them
according to their needs and fulfill these needs.73

Conclusion

From the above discussion we have learnt that a Pastor is the one who provides
spiritual leadership to the members of a church. His/her duties include preparing
weekly sermons, preaching and conducting worship services. It is also Pastors
responsibility to interpret biblical scripture for the congregation and provide care and
counseling to church members and assist them in crisis situations. To work as a
Pastor, one must have comprehensive knowledge of the Bible and a strong religious
conviction. He/she must be ordained by a church or accredited body. Beneficial skills
may include: Strong character, Impartiality, Public speaking, Compassion for
struggles and concerns of others, Ability to communicate clearly, Education
Requirements.

72
Richmond and David L. Middleton, The Pastor and the Patient: A Practical Guidebook for
Hospital Visitation…, 15-17.
73
Barnhart, Pastoral Visitation…, 498.

21
 CHAPTER 3
ANALYSIS OF THE DATA
Introduction

In the previous chapter we have discussed about the responsibilities of a Pastor and
his/her duties in officiating the ministry from the biblical understanding. This chapter
describes the analysis and evaluation of the distributed and collected data from the
respondent by means of questionnaires. The contributors include church workers,
government employees, teachers and students. Getting to know their view and opinion
on Pastoral Ministry, 40 sets of questionnaires were distributed. However, only thirty
of the forty responded. Here, the researcher tried to bring out the data analysis to give
accurate and correct information through questioners. The given tables are being
calculated from the respondent’s response. These are some of the following question
required to be considered. They are as follows:

3.1. Who is a Pastor according to you?

Pastor Total no. of Respondent

Motivator 22
Trainer 2
Navigator 3
Supervisor 3
Total 30
Figure 1

Collecting their opinion on the asked question, who is a Pastor, the majority of the
respondent expressed that a Pastor should be a motivator, followed by 10 % of the
respondent said; a Pastor should be a navigator so also 10% suggested that a Pastor
should also be a supervisor. Therefore, according to this table, a Pastor should be a
motivator who provides a reason or stimulus to do something.

3.2. The role of Pastor

Role Total no. of Respondent

Shepherding 24
Discipline 0
Spiritual Father 2
Servanthood 4
Total 30
Figure 2
22
According to this table, 80% of the respondents responded that the role of a Pastor
should be shepherding, 13.3% mentioned that servanthood is also considered as the
role of a Pastor, while 6.6% pointed out as spiritual father whereas 0% was considered
on discipline. This table gives us a clear picture that, a Pastor should shepherd his/her
flock of sheep in the right direction.

3.3. The Qualities of Pastor

Qualities Total no. of Respondent

Abilities to perform duties 18
To initiate 5
To gain respect 1
To Communicate 6
Total 30
Figure 3

From the above table, the kind of qualities a Pastor should possess 60% responded as
the ability to perform duties. While 20% suggested that a Pastor should have the
communication skill, 16.6% answered that a Pastor should initiate further 3.3%
viewed a Pastor to gain respect. Therefore, a Pastor must be able to carry out his/her
duties producing beneficial ideas and initiate with physical involvement and
communicate them.

3.4. Pastoral Task

Pastoral Task Total no. of Respondent

To lead 14
To Motivate 11
To navigate 2
To Supervise 3
Total 30
Figure 4

From the above table 46.6% of the respondent on the Pastoral task is to lead, 36.6%
responded to motivate, 10 % responded to supervise while, 6.6% of the respondent to
navigate. Therefore, Pastoral task is to lead and fulfill the expectation of his/her
congregation interest, a Pastor must know them personally so as to make meaningful
contribution for the achievement of the Church, organization, and the goal of the
followers because a good leader helps people to find meaning in accomplishing
something which is important in their life.
23
3.5. Kinds of Relationship

Relationship Total no. of Respondent

Cordial relationship 7
Mutual relationship 9
Good relationship 14
No relationship 0
Total 30
Figure 5
According to this table, taking the opinion of the respondent the kinds of relationship
a Pastor should possess with his/her congregation, 46% responded on Good
relationship, 30% agreed on the mutual relationship and 23% profane on Cordial
relationship while 0% on no relationship. Healthy relationship is important in the
ministry; therefore, relationship with Church members is utmost importance since it
prompts up all section of people to come forward to cooperate with their leadership.
Having a good and healthy relationship can be extremely beneficial for the Pastor.
3.6. Expectation of Pastor by the Congregation

Expectation Total no. of Respondent

Power 12
Command 7
Position 8
Possession 3
Total 30
Figure 6
From the above table shown, 40% of the respondents expect a Pastor to have Power,
26% indicated Position, 23% expect command while 10% suggested for Possession.
Thus, according to the respondent people’s expectation is in terms of Power when it
comes to leadership. Therefore, fulfilling their expectation lies in one’s ability to hit
the targets of the Pastor without getting lost in the weeds of individual expectation.

3.7. Failures of a Pastor

Failure Total no. of Respondent

Failing to produce a leader 6
Failing to accept other advice 3
Without a vision 15
Failing to meet the needs 6
Total 30
Figure 7

24
From the above table, 50% of the respondents have responded by sharing their
opinion that a Pastor without a vision leads to failure in the ministry. 20%
recommended that failing to meet the needs of the congregation also leads to failure,
and 10 % suggested as failing to accept other’s advice. Therefore, a Pastor should
employ himself/herself as a visionary servant of God. Thus, it will be good for a
Pastor to communicate the vision.

3.8. Achievements of a Pastor

Achievement Total no. of Respondent

Soul winner 28
Heart winner 0
Influential 2
Total 30
Figure 8

According to the above-shown data, majority 93% of the respondents stated that the
greatest achievement of a Pastor would be a soul winner, while 6.6% suggested that
Pastor can achieve through influence. Therefore, Pastor has to carry out the task of
Jesus in winning the lost soul.

3.9. Congregation attitude towards Pastor

Attitude Total no. of Respondent

Preacher 15
Teacher 6
Counselor 7
Delegator 2
Total 30
Figure 9

Congregation attitude towards Pastor, half 50% of the respondent agreed that Pastor
should be a good preacher, 26.6% to be a good counselor, 20% suggested that a Pastor
must be a good teacher while 6.6% have opined for delegator. Therefore, a Pastor is
expected to expound God’s word more details and satisfy the spiritual hunger of
his/her congregations.

25
3.10. Making Pastor Successful

Successful Total no. of Respondent

Education 0
Commitment 25
Hardworking 4
Creativity 1
Total 30
Figure 10

The questioned put forward regarding what makes successful Pastor, 83.3%
responded that Pastors' Commitment in his/her ministry makes a Pastor successful in
their ministry. 13% indicated hardworking as a key for a Pastor to success while 3.3%
choose creativity. Therefore, commitment is required for the Pastor because it keeps
them going in their called ministry or assigned task.

3.11. Data Analysis

To explore the role of Pastor, the assessment paper is being done through the
circulation of questionnaires to different individuals to get findings and opinion for
further suggestion. The first step the researcher took was transcribing the interview
data. Then, the researcher sent data to participants for approval. Majority of the
participants approved of the transcriptions and responded positively. Secondly, the
researcher used the credibility method74 to deals with how the findings of the research
match reality. In other words, the research is concerned with the truthfulness of the
researcher's findings. There are several methods used in the research that ensure
credibility; these methods are structural corroboration, consensus, and control of bias.
In order to demonstrate credibility, the researcher utilized structural corroboration.75
The term used for data sources and observers, first, the researcher compared and
contrasted the data then compared the transcriptions with observations to affirm the
credibility of the data. Second, the researcher used a member check. This involved
sending emergent findings to interviewees for correction or acceptance. Utilizing
member checks was extremely obliging. It was helpful especially, in knowing that the
findings were authentic. Therefore, basing on the respondents answers the data has

74
Credibility method is the quality or power of being trusted or trustworthiness
75
Structural corroboration is a “means through which multiple types of data are related to
each other to support or contradict the interpretation and evaluation of a state of affairs”.

26
been calculated to interpret Pastoral role. Many people viewed a Pastor to imitate a
Christ-like character in their ministry leadership. Here are some of the following
Pastoral role model from the finding data

3.11.1. Leader: As a Pastor, shepherding is one of the important tools for Pastors.
Since shepherd play the role of feeding the lambs and the sheep, bringing them to
good pasture lands and water, grooming and clipping them, delivering new lambs,
leading them and teaching them to stay together, going off after the wandering lost
ones, and protecting the sheep in the field and in the fold. Having such character
produces intimacy between a Pastor and the followers. Since Jesus came to save and
seek the lost, a Pastor should give the topmost priority to bring back the lost souls. We
are all under-shepherds and Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd. Each congregation is
made up of diverse gifts and talents on many differing levels. God has a specific
calling for each local body of believers to make disciples and yet that will look
different in every church. The Pastor should be shepherding his/her congregation into
the truth of God's word and away from dangerous false teaching. He/she ought to be a
gentle and nurturing caregiver in this regard in order that the congregation’s trust with
the Pastoral ship grows.

3.11.2. Motivator: Another dimension of character for Pastoral ministry is the

motivator. It is important for the Pastor to create motivated work atmosphere within
the group or individually to keep the desire to win or achieve targets. Jesus set the
example for our motivation in this life: “My food is to do the will of Him who sent
Me and to finish His work” (John 4:34). Jesus was concerned with pleasing His
Father, and so should we be motivated by that same concern. He always did the
Father’s will, motivated by pleasing Him through obedience (John 8:29). His
obedience extended all the way to the cross where He humbled Himself and “became
obedient unto death” (Philippians 2:8). Pastor’s motivation should be the same as
Jesus did through obedience. “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John
14:15).

3.11.3. Commitment: One of the essential virtues that a Pastor should possess is
commitment. Commitment is not only living according to the will of God but
committing oneself to his/her own task. Today most of the dedicated Pastors fail to
see success in their ministry because they lack in commitment, taking things for

27
granted, just for profession, fame or popularity. The principle of Commitment for the
Pastors is a must because one has to sacrifice for it. It requires full attention, self-
discipline, self-awareness and requires diversity. A person who processes the quality
of commitment to work must be a responsible person.

3.11.4. Vision: Visionary is what is demanded by the believers but many Pastors fail
to understand and meet the demands of the congregation. To lead or to get going, a
Pastor must have a vision or a set target to achieve. But success doesn't happen
overnight. Looking at our present context, ism seems to be very predominant in
decision making. Hence, when it comes for electing or selecting, they prefer who is
from their own never knowing the fact whether he/she is capable or not. When such a
person comes to leadership with a backdoor appointment, they are unable to perform
and fail to reach the target or the vision. Therefore, the appointment of a Pastor in the
church should be done through proper channel so that the believers can rely on their
leadership in taking them into a new level where the church can dream high in
achieving their set targets and goals.

Conclusion

From the above data analysis, we have learnt that the Pastor is to equip the body of
believers, motivate and lead the members for the work of the ministry with a
qualitative characteristic that are discussed in the tables above. He/she is to do by
understanding with cordial relationship and communicating the word of God in such a
way that the congregation understands their ministry. From the findings, the
researcher will give an implication and recommendation in the next chapter. Thus, in
conclusion as a Pastor one need to be equipped with the word of God and use as the
foundation for the Pastoral ministry.

28
 CHAPTER 4
THE ROLE OF A PASTOR AND ITS IMPLICATION TO OLD
RIPHYIM BAPTIST CHURCH

Introduction

We have discussed from the previous chapter about the Pastoral ministry, the
researcher felt the needs of the believers and the importance of Pastoral ministry in
Old Riphyim Baptist Church (ORBC). Therefore, this chapter is to draw out the
implication for the Pastoral ministry to Old Riphyim Baptist Church for an effective
ministry and also to attempt comprehensive qualities concerning the role of a Pastor.
Thus, it is inevitable for us to depict from the biblical understanding of Pastoral role
as the basic weapons for the Pastor.

4.1. Present Context

Looking at the present context of the Church, the members of the Church believers
are at the stage of spiritual dryness which leads to degradation of the Church.
Therefore, to give proper remedial in the light of Pastoral role is the need of the hour
for ORBC. In this juncture to lead, guide, heal, counsel, and comfort the member is
imperative. Studies show that attendance in amajority of the Church is declining. To
investigate the reason behind the Church declination, an interview was taken. Jenisao
Patton76 stands on the opinion that one of the reasons why the church is declining is
because of the lack in teaching the word of God. He goes on to say that Pulpit is not
enough for the believers to received proper knowledge of God, but the Church has to
play a role and emphasis on Home visitation.77 S. Kilo Kithan78commented that, the
spiritual life of the believers is weak, 80- 90 % of men don't attend church services
because of various reasons: he stated that the advancement in science and technology
has enticed the hearts of the believers and much of their times are spent in their own
pleasure not knowing that it is God who deserves our worship and he also said that

76
Ex, Youth President Old Riphyim Baptist Church and Ex-Chairman of Old Riphyim
Village.
77
Interview with Jenisoa Patton, Ex-Chairman, Old Riphyim Village (Wokha, interview, 3 rd
November 2018).
78
S. Kilo Kithan is presently working as Asso. Pastor of Old Riphyim Baptist Church and
Pastor in Pongtong as a deputation for one year.

29
Alcohol is also one of the factors that makes the believers a weaker Christian. 79
Chibeni Tungoe 80 viewed that the light of Worship has become cold and the
worshippers are no more interested, lack of understanding, having different opinion
among the leaders, not free to express what they want to speak is the reason causing
the church into declining state and as to why she further suggested that in order to
bring them back the Church needs to organize different biblical camp. 81 Ralamo
Patton 82 assumed that the spiritual lives of the believers are in a bad shape. The
members are no longer open to listening to the word of God even if attempted time
and again. He further suggested that conducting seminars, Bible camp, and crusade
programmes for the youths and Bible schools for the Children are the demanded
strategies in bringing the believers back into its normal setting. 83 Therefore, having a
closer look at Old Riphyim Baptist Church, the researcher would like to give an
implication on congregational mobilization and the role of the Pastor:

4.2. The implication to Old Riphyim Baptist Church

The role of a Pastor is to teach the lost believers, to guide, counsel, comfort and
strengthen their spiritual life. To maintain the spiritual life of the believers, Pastor has
to guard against all spiritual odds and feed them with sound with biblical teaching for
their spiritual growth. A Pastor needs to serve God with the right motivation. In all
situation of life, Pastors need not worry about his/her job security but look to the Lord
who is the source of all. The Pastor is to love his/her sheep, teach the word of God
and allow God to do the rest. Pastors should evaluate themselves on how many future
leaders he/she is raising up in their ministry and how often they visit the sick or does
home evangelism. They should have Pastoral care as a primary ministry activity and
must develop leaders and train others to do Pastoral care. Pastors should have
leadership development as a major component of their job description. If leadership
development isn’t in their job description, it will never get done. All individuals
serving in professional ministry should be equipping–not just the Church leaders.

79
Interview with, S. Kilo Kithan, Asso. Pastor Old Riphyim Baptist Church (Wokha,
interview, 3rd November 2018).
80
Woman Pastor, Old Riphyim Baptist Church.
81
Interview with, Chibeni Tungoe, Woma Pastor, Old Riphyim Baptist Church (Wokha,
interview, 3rd November 2018).
82
Working as Youth Director at Old Riphyim Baptist Church.
83
Interview with, Ralamo Patton, Youth Pastor, Old Riphyim Baptist Church (Wokha,
interview, 3rd November 2018).

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Equipping is not the role of a certain pastor only. All ministry leaders in the church
should be equipping others; this includes all from children’s ministry to senior
citizens. God intends for everyone to be involved in ministry. Therefore, the Church
leaders should not rob others opportunity by doing all the works by themselves. Equip
them, trust them, and then start challenging them to develop leaders.

4.2.1. The Pastor Must Teach the Believers

The Church members are not being equipped and rooted in the word of God, bland in
Christian character not knowing how to live life as believers and the ignorance causes
the church to become weak. Therefore, the Pastor must teach the word of God in
order to make them understand and educated them to live a good Christian life.
Teaching can be an emphasis as it plays an important role in bringing changes in the
life of the believers. There are many areas of life in which we have to educate them;
the Christian doctrines are fundamental in the church, believers must be taught the
doctrines very thoroughly. Believers must be taught how to give an offering to God,
how to handle their wealth, how to nurture their children, how to build the church,
how to worship God, how to praise God, and above all how to love God; this is the
foundation or fundamental of the Christian life. As aforesaid, sound biblical teaching
in the church is very essential to regain the decreasing strength of the churches today,
and this task of teaching must be taken up by the Pastor of a church. By doing so, the
churches will regain their strength again to run the race.

4.2.2 The Pastor Must Guide the Believers

Guiding is one of the important factors which can help the church to grow with the
knowledge the believer get from the teaching of the Pastor. With different
personalities, teaching alone is not enough for the believers to comprehend what they
heard from the teaching. ORBC members do not know the knowledge they have
gained and are confused in what way they can utilize. Training them theoretically and
not giving them insight on how to apply in practical life is also one of the problems in
ORBC today. The members are going farther away from the faith they claim to be
practicing filled with hypocrisy. Therefore, Pastors must not only teach but guide the
believer’s everyday day life to live as a faithful follower of Christ in reverence and
obedience to God. The guide is the closest caretaker of a person’s footstep if a Pastor

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is guiding a believer he or she will be in close handling of a Pastor's hands. This will
be helpful to restore the fellowship of the church.

4.2.3. Pastor Must Lead the Believers

At this point, the church is experiencing a lost sighted focused more on materialistic,
monetary thing. Many who once valued God's word are getting weaker because they
are confronting with the worldly pleasures rather than knowing God. Another factor
of declining of church is because most of the members are cultivators by profession
and they does not know how to manage their time when to work and when to worship
as to why many are Sunday Christians. Since, leading is one of the essential
requirements for the Pastor. The Pastor must walk in the right path, and lead others
also in it. He/ She must not neglect the power of leading the believers to the direction
where God indented, because it is the strategy to make the church grow in the truth.
Finally, Pastors must be active in illuminating the spirit of the church believers. When
the spirits of the believers are dried down in their sins, it is the duty of a Pastor to fuel
the flame, so as to ignite their zeal to love God and serve Him. In order to do this
Pastor must initiate spiritual awakening programs through sermons. Thereby the
dying church will revive again and shine again in the dark for the glory of the
everlasting Heavenly Father.

4.2.4. Home Visitation

Home Visitation is one of the important tasks a Pastor needs to emphasize in his/her
ministry. The Pastor must know his/her flock so as to minister suitably to their needs
because preaching on Sunday is not enough for the believers to move on. It will be
impossible for the Pastors to preach an effective sermon unless he visits them
regularly and understands the problem they are facing. The Pastor is who does not
visit his/her flock often is a ministerial failure because a Pastors visit is more than a
social call. Appropriate visiting need to be based on mutual consent, they may
unconsciously develop a pattern of visiting to meet their own parish needs rather than
the dying souls. The best way for a Pastor to have a good relationship with his
members is to visit homes. By doing this, he/she will come to know the whole
situation of the members and will feed them according to their needs. The Pastoral
visits aim and object should be Christ-centered and in all situations, Pastor should
give an assurance of hope in the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. Basic methods such as

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preaching, and visiting people and taking them through God’s word, have been the
key elements everywhere that the church is growing in numbers and maturity. Here
are some of the following benefits that result from a well-organized pattern of faithful
Pastors Visitation.84

4.2.4.1. Where there is a well-organized system of house visitation, the Pastor can
more often become aware of potential problems before they become serious.

4.2.4.2. When there is regular annual visitation; there is at least one opportunity each
year for the members to express any concerns that they may have about what is going
on in the church. This helps the Pastor to "nip in the bud" the potential problems.

4.2.4.3. Pastor visits valued members of the church. People are significantly
encouraged and comforted when Pastors visits them.

4.3. Recommendations

The following recommendations can be made in view of the above findings and
conclusions. These recommendations are not intended to suggest a complete remedy
in regard to the role of a Pastor. They are tentative, limited, and are thought of as
temporary bridges until the church finds time to restructure its programme and
organization in order to embody. With this in mind, I suggest: firstly, the church
should consider the children's ministry as vital and important for Church growth. It
should be noted that the church will not advance according to God's will without an
intentional ministry for children. Children should feel that they are needed in the
church and that they are part of building God's kingdom. Secondly, church leaders
should concentrate on empowering Christians for the work of the ministry. They
should not use Christians as helpers in fulfilling their own vision; rather, they should
assist them to attain the spiritual potential that God has given them. If leaders are
faithful in their responsibility to empower the church, then the aspect of ministry will
fall into the right perspective. Thirdly, it is evident that a Christ-like ministry will

84
Karl Dahlfred, The Power of Pastoral Visitation (Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust,
2010), 67.

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yield dividend in attracting people to church. Fourthly, there must be a clear vision
and purpose statement in the church, and every member must be aware of this
motivating vision and be committed to it. It should not be something that belongs to a
higher hierarchy of the church; but every member, including children, must be
exposed to the vision and mission of the church. Fifthly, there should be a mission
structure which will be responsible in the local church. It is true that the Pastor of the
church cannot do the leading of this ministry by him/herself; nor can any single
individual. The researcher would recommend that this ministry is led by one of the
inner core people from the leadership team, but with the Pastor ex officio as one of
the members of the committee. He/she needs to give guidance, but someone must take
leadership with authority to execute the work. A clear job description should be laid
down for that leader. Sixthly, the whole church must be taught about stewardship and
giving towards mission while in the same vein, the leader of the congregation should
devise a clear, concise plan for missional work and gain a reasonable idea of costs and
time. It may be argued that the lack of written goals and objectives is usually a sign of
slothfulness on the part of church leaders, and this must be changed.

Conclusion

From the above discussion, the researcher felt that the church needs more refresher
courses for their spiritual life than normal Pastoral role as investigated in this
research. God’s will for every believer is spiritual maturity and the ultimate goal of
spiritual growth is to become like Jesus. The most practical and powerful way to get
believers headed to the direction of spiritual maturity is to help the members
established habits that promote spiritual growth. The Pastor must be aware of the
church's happenings, no matter how insignificant in order to maintain a sense of order
and organization. The Pastor is responsible to God for every person in his
congregation and therefore must take great care to pray without ceasing for wisdom
and guidance and be constantly studying the Word of God. Thus the following is
suggested to be the basis from which the minister should develop his/her ministry:
First, a Pastor must be one who has a servant’s heart. Secondly, a Pastor must see the
primacy of preaching. Thirdly, a Pastor must have a balanced approach to ministry.
Solid preaching, but should also know the necessities of leading, visiting, counseling,
discipline, etc. Administrator, but should also be one who leads by example and can
delegate ministerial tasks to others. So, the Pastor is the great communicator of God’s

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truth to God’s people, but he is also the Lord’s shepherd to care for the souls of the
Lord’s people. Therefore a Pastor must concentrate on their giftedness, and develop to
the extent possible and must also be willing to do any task.

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 GENERAL CONCLUSIONS

The overall purpose of the study was to determine what attribute a Pastoral role
exhibit which positively affects the growth of Old Riphyim Baptist Church and makes
recommendations to Pastor to help become more effective leaders in the church. The
first chapter dealt about the background of the village, social, economic and religious
life and the coming of Christianity. Chapter two highlighted an introduction to the
various aspects of life and work of a Pastor, including its qualifications and the nature
of Pastoral ministry which also includes practical component to Pastoral visitation.
The third chapter evaluated the distributed questionnaires to get accurate and correct
information of the research. The fourth chapter described the implication for the
Pastoral ministry to Old Riphyim Baptist Church for an effective ministry and also to
attempt comprehensive qualities concerning the role of a Pastor.

Summing up the research, we have learnt that Pastor is the one who provides spiritual
leadership to the members of the church. He/she is a preacher and teacher of the word
of God and also the head of the church. Every pastor has its own duties and
responsibilities to carry out includes caring, guiding, feeding, comforting, correcting,
nurturing, reconciling and healing. His/her duties include preparing weekly sermons,
preaching and conducting worship services. It is also Pastors responsibility to
interpret biblical scripture for the congregation and provide care and counseling to
church members and assist them in crisis situations. In addition, working as a Pastor
required officiating at special services, such as confirmations, baptisms, weddings,
and funerals. Administrative duties include: Assisting the church financial matters,
Overseeing management of all areas of the congregation's ministry, Supporting,
overseeing and evaluating congregation staff. Pastor is to equip the body of believers,
motivate and lead the members for the work of the ministry with a qualitative
characteristic and with cordial relationship.

The role of the Pastor is not to do everything in ministry, but to delegate everything in
ministry by the natural process of preaching, teaching, and leading by example. The
Pastor should be diligent in seeking out those whom God would have to take
leadership roles in the church and pour himself into such people so multiplication of
leadership can occur. In conclusion, the Role of the Pastor is to equip the body of
believers for the work of the ministry. He is to do so by understanding and

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communicating the Word of God in such a way that the congregation gains an
understanding of their role in ministry and service to Christ. He also has the role of a
shepherd; to teach correct doctrine and protect the congregation from false teaching.
Lastly, the Role of the Pastor is to be the overseer of the local church, the responsible
administrator who maintains order and organization so that the church can function
efficiently and effectively. The role of the Pastor is to attune himself/herself to the
word of God and understand it so thoroughly that he/she may communicate it to the
congregation in order that they may, in turn, be moved to service. Therefore, to
conclude from the above discussion, the role of a Pastor is vital for the Old Riphyim
Baptist Church who is ought to carry out all the assigned responsibilities sincerely and
faithfully for the growth and development of the church.

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