We learn from Ephesians 4:11I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, (Ephesians 4:1)1 That the pastor and the teacher are closely connected—one is not without the other. It is vitally important that this connection be understood and maintained. The apostles have passed off the scene and the dark, confusing day in which we live requires faithful, diligent pastoring and teaching.
A teacher unfolds truth while the pastor applies the truth unfolded. Teaching provides Scriptural understanding; pastoring requires understanding of the state of soul. A teacher is occupied with the Word—a pastor with the soul. The teacher’s work is often public—the pastor’s private.
Notice that in the verse quoted, the moral order places pastoring before teaching. If teaching is done without knowing the moral and spiritual state of those being taught, it will tend to be discouraging to the taught, resulting in fruitlessness. “Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks” (Prov. 27:2323Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. (Proverbs 27:23)).
On the other hand, if one pastoring has not a clear understanding of the doctrine and principles of the Word of God, those he seeks to shepherd and guide will end in spiritual confusion and disaster.
Another has said, “Teaching imparts immense moral power to the pastor, while pastoring imparts affectionate tenderness to the teacher.”
Christian Truth (adapted)