It is a mistake to think that Jesus brings pastoral ministry to the church as one distinct group meeting the needs of another distinct group. There is only one group, one people. Feeding Jesus’ sheep is a relationship of mutuality and community. After having asked Peter three times, “Do you love me.” Jesus says, “Feed …

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Heidelberg Catechism – Lord’s Day 38 103. Q. What does God require in the fourth commandment? A. First, that the ministry of the gospel and Christian education be maintained, and that I diligently attend church, especially on the Lord’s day, to hear the Word of God, to participate in the holy Sacraments, to call publicly …

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Nouwen’s observation emanates from the growing sense of irrelevance that Christian leaders can have in a society that expects leaders to demonstrate a competence that leads to a control of circumstances. This demand that leaders provide certainty and security sees Christian leaders transform their roles in ways that provide certainty and security, or leave their …

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