Pastoral Ministry

Celebrate Pastoral Ministry: An Essential Role in the Christian Church

Jun 12, 2024 – The Ordination and Installation of Pastor Erik Saunders | Romans 10

Ordination Highlights

Today, we gather to witness a truly unique and increasingly rare event in our time: an ordination. The act of ordination is an immense blessing, as it signifies the receipt of holy orders directly from the Lord Himself, rather than from the congregation, the district, or any specific church organization.

Throughout history, God has chosen men to be the messengers of His Word. While the events at Sinai were accompanied by thunder and lightning, God now uses humble individuals like Moses, who initially resisted his calling. Yet, God insisted and declared, "You are my mouth to the people."

The pattern continued with prophets like Jeremiah, who felt unworthy but were still called by God to be His mouthpiece. That is similar to what happened to Isaiah when he was chosen to speak for God and had coal placed on his lips. God chose Isaiah to deliver the message despite his initial reluctance.

Today, we witness the bestowal of holy orders upon Erik, designating him as the vessel for the Lord's Word. This appointment is not random but a deliberate choice made by God, who has appointed Erik and said, "You shall be as my mouth. Let them return to you."

The Essental Role of Pastors

It should come as no surprise when we read words in Romans that challenge the prevailing culture. The Christian Church needs pastors. Without the Office of the Holy Ministry, the Christian Church cannot exist. Paul asks, "How will they hear without a preacher?" Pastors are essential for our congregations, as they speak God's Word, call us to repentance, and offer forgiveness of sins.

Our Lord Himself proclaimed this office is about the forgiveness of sins. In Romans, we read, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things."

That repeats the prophecy of Isaiah, delivered by someone uncertain yet chosen and set apart by God. These words lead us to the famous passages of Isaiah 52 and 53 about the suffering servant, crucified for our salvation, laying down His life. That is the answer to true righteousness—not through our obedience to the law, but faith in Christ alone.

Your pastor is called to share this true righteousness, to proclaim what Christ has done. Paul reminds us that we do not need to ask, "Who will ascend into heaven for us or descend into the abyss for us?" Christ has already come down, been crucified, and been raised in the flesh for us.

The Word became flesh for us. The eternal Son of God became one with our flesh—an incomprehensible mystery yet central to our faith. Jesus said that God loves the world. John affirmed in his epistle, "God is love." God did not leave us without guidance. He gave His own Son to preach and ensure that ministers follow Him.

Pastors as Shepherds

The role of a pastor is unlike anything in the world. The world may question, saying, "This is just an ordinary man. How can he be the mouthpiece of God?" Jesus teaches in John's gospel that the Holy Spirit works through the preacher. Yes, Jesus is the Good Shepherd above all, but we all need a shepherd.

John 10 warns of false shepherds—hirelings who do the bidding of the congregation. Concerning God's Word, His law, and the gospel of Christ's atoning sacrifice, there can be no substitute. In many American churches, pastors have been rejected.

Your pastor has undergone four years of training, immersing himself in God's Word, because one can never hear enough. As he works among you on a daily basis, he will require that word as much as you do. He delivers it to you, teaching its meaning. He has tools like the Small Catechism to help him do this, but knowledge of the scriptures is essential. He must communicate with you what the scriptures say and how they apply to your life, empowering you to live rather than perish.

In a sense, the pastor becomes a living embodiment of the Holy Spirit. That may sound strong, especially in the American context. Your pastor is indeed the work of the Holy Spirit in your midst. The Holy Spirit calls, gathers, enlightens, sanctifies, and keeps. That is the work of pastoral ministry. The Spirit uses men like Erik to declare God's word so that you might receive God's gifts.

Celebrate Pastoral Ministry

Today, we rejoice in the great mysteries that surround us. Your pastor realizes how challenging the Office of Holy Ministry can be, especially when exhorting others with the law to bring about healing. He will confront obstacles, as do all pastors. It is not an easy journey, and the goal is not to make money.

Paul reminds us that workers are entitled to their wages. Support his family; he will look after you, and they will pray for you as you pray for him. Consider God's blessings, particularly in a world where many churches are dwindling and disappearing. Having someone preach to you is a great joy and reason to celebrate.

Let us praise God the Father, who in His mercy sent His Son in the flesh and poured out His Spirit through pastors in the church, so that we, in our weakness, could be strengthened by Him. In Romans, it is written, "How will they hear without a preacher?" and "How shall they preach unless they are sent?" Your pastor has been sent by God after years of education and life experiences that have brought him to this point.

May others be sent from this congregation, as is the manner of the church. Just as those departing from pastoral ministry hope their positions will be filled, the church continues its cycle of death and resurrection: one departs, another rises. This is how the church has endured over the ages. The church's sole foundation is Jesus Christ our Lord. Now, like Elijah handed over the mantle to Elisha, your previous pastor has been succeeded by another.