The role of the minister in a community is crucial for the way in which that community develops in the good practices of the Lord and in the spirit of the Church. He represents a vital figure in the society and a respected individual of the community as a whole. However, this role and this position is provided not necessarily by the specific clothes he wears but by their significance in relation to the teachings of God.
Pastoral Theology
How theology has meaning for the pastoral ministry
The role of the minister in a community is crucial for the way in which that community develops in the good practices of the Lord and in the spirit of the Church. He represents a vital figure in the society and a respected individual of the community as a whole. However, this role and this position is provided not necessarily by the specific clothes he wears but by their significance in relation to the teachings of God. Theology plays in this case perhaps one of the most important parts in improving the knowledge of the priest and in this way in better knowing the advice and guidance the priest must provide to believers in every day situations as well as trying conditions.
The priest needs first and foremost a particular gift or divine guidance that is revealed in the dedication with which he studies the word of the Lord. "Many are called, few are chosen" is stated in the Bible. The future priest must exercise an inner calling from the early ages of adulthood and must live his life in full accordance with the rules of the Church and in complete harmony with the community he is based in. This is one of the first indications of his future calling and his commitment for the world of priesthood.
Another element that is crucial for a good priest and a worthy voice in the community is that of the parents of the future priest. Education starts at home since the early years of life. A balanced education, with loving parents and considerate to the needs and requirements of the child is vital because it contributes to a balanced and harmonious development.
The most important part in becoming a good priest however lies in his desire and will to study theology as a means through which he can improve his skills and knowledge about God and develop new tools through which he can help the congregation. The interpretation of the will of God in a manner that is in accordance with the Church is crucial for the well being of that congregation.
The leanings achieved through the study of religion allow the minister to consider aspects related to his own sermons and exercise as a priest. In this sense, for instance, "the fact is that our congregations comprise people who have indeed adhered to Jesus Christ and who are conscious both mentally and practically of what faith is and requires. For such people the sermon is an exhortation to help them proceed on the blessed path they have chosen. On the other hand, a good part of our Church constituency is formed of nominal Orthodox, who know of the Christian faith but have never been actually challenged by the message of salvation" (Tarazi, 1981). Therefore, the research conduced on the word of God can be a useful means through which a priest can become a better preacher by adapting his sermons in such a manner as to insure that he does not exclude certain parts of his community and addressing only the ones that believe or the ones than need to be shown the path of God.
Another important role played by theology for the priest is the knowledge that this exercise provides in better understanding the word of God in the way that it becomes accessible to all the community, regardless of background. More precisely, the Holy Book although speaks of generally applicable truths, has a lot of interpretations. The study of theology allows the priest to be in deep contact to these interpretations and be aware of the teachings and adapt its sermons. Also, it is important for the preacher to understand that the truth he sees through the interpretations of the Bible are not necessarily accessible to all the community.
The priest, in his capacity as the intermediate between God and his community, must ensure that the messages sent across reflect both the specificities of the community and the laws of the Church. More so, for instance, in communities where the divorce rate is rather high, it is the duty of the minister to try to guide the believers on a path of belief and God. Therefore, the study of theology and the knowledge this provides to the priest ensures him a more varied set of tools through which he can address the community and the problems facing that community.
You’re 82% through this paper. Sign up to read the full paper.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.