The Work of Shepherds (4)

…to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 1 Corinthians 9.20-22

The Book of Pastoral Rule
Gregory the Great (ca. 540-604)
“Since, then, we have shewn what manner of man the pastor ought to be, let us now set forth what manner he should teach. For as long before us Gregory Nazianzen of reverend memory has taught, one and the same exhortation does not suit all, inasmuch as neither are all bound together by similarity of character…Therefore according to the quality of the hearers ought the discourse of teachers be fashioned, so as to suit all and each for their several needs, and yet never deviate from the art of common edification.”

This quote introduces a lengthy section in which Gregory, with great wisdom, explains how to apply the Word of God to various types of people. His focus here is on application, and on leading Christians to a fuller experience of eternal life through the ministry of the Word. Gregory assumes that pastors will know their flock well, and thus be able to apply the Word to their situations and needs with great care and effect. Being effective in the application sections of a sermon requires that we “preach through to the ground,” to where our people live and serve day by day. And we cannot do this unless we know our people, and something about their individual callings, challenges, opportunities, and struggles.

How specific are the applications you make of your preaching and teaching? Specific enough to induce real change in those needing it?

T. M. Moore

Fan into Flame
Our book, Fan into Flame, is a handbook on the work of pastors and shepherds. It explains the context and calling of the shepherd, as well as the tools available to us for this work; and it provides useful tools for assessment and planning to improve in the Lord’s calling. This is an excellent resource for leadership training or personal growth into Christ. Order your copy by clicking here. Or contact me about our Pastoral Hope Initiative, during which series of assessments we walk through this handbook and various other resources together. Watch this brief video, then drop me a line at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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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).