The Work of Shepherds (2)

Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 2 Timothy 1.6

The Book of Pastoral Rule
Gregory the Great (ca. 540-604)
“For there are some who are eminently endowed with virtues, and for the training of others exalted by great gifts, who are pure in zeal for charity, strong in the might of abstinence, filled with the feasts of doctrine, humble in the long-suffering of patience, erect in the fortitude of authority, tender in the grace of loving-kindness, strict in the severity of justice. Truly such as these, if when called they refuse to undertake offices of supreme rule, for the most part deprive themselves of the very gifts which they received not for themselves alone, but for others also; and, while they meditate their own and not another’s gain, they forfeit the very benefits which they desire to keep to themselves.”

Read over again that list of “virtues” and “gifts” required of those who are called to pastoral ministry. Do these describe you? Charitable to a fault? Abstaining from the lusts of the flesh? Feasting on doctrine? Patient, wielding authority justly, gracious, kind? Gregory sought such men to serve as pastors in the Church, and he urged those already serving as shepherds to work hard at seeking and cultivating these virtues and gifts. What guidelines do you pursue for your own growth in the Lord and in His calling? Which virtues are you working to cultivate? How are you increasing in love for God and your neighbors? Which gifts do you strive always to improve? How are you growing into Christ? We who are pastors and shepherds must diligently seek such virtues and gifts as Gregory commends, for the work of shepherding God’s flock requires them.

What plan for ongoing personal growth and pastoral development do you presently follow?

T. M. Moore

If Men Will Pray
Paul explicitly declared that men everywhere should lift holy hands in prayer, so that the Gospel could flourish (1 Tim. 2.1-8). So how is it with the men of your church? Are they men of prayer? Do they take no rest, and give God no rest, seeking Him in prayer? Men at Prayer provides resources for you to use in enlisting, equipping, and encouraging your men for prayer. Watch this brief video, then begin developing a strategy for leading the men of your church to take their place on the wall, seeking the Lord for revival, renewal, and awakening in our day. If you need helping thinking this through, or you’d like to talk about this effort, send me an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Fellowship of Ailbe is supported through the generous and faithful gifts of those who benefit from and believe in our work. Does the Lord want to use you in this way? Please look to Him in prayer over this question. You can contribute to The Fellowship of Ailbe by using the Contribute button at our website, or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Thank you.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.All quotations are from Gregory,The Book of Pastoral Rule,in Philip Schaff and Henry Wace, eds., Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 12(Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1895, 1995).