Summary: <blockquote><p>The gospel-centered pastor is shaped by Christ and him crucified.</p></blockquote> <p><span id="more-1013"></span></p> <p>What does it mean to be a gospel-centered pastor? It means that the pastoral office is itself created by the gospel. If there is no gospel the pastoral office ceases to exist. Pastoral ministry is not merely a intellectual or helping profession; pastoral ministry is a saving profession. The pastor needs to understand that he only holds his office because of the finished work of Jesus. Second, it also means that the gospel is what the pastor preaches; the gospel shapes the theology of the pastor. The gospel must be communicated to needy sinners. It is the means of salvation, entrance into the local church, and sanctification. The gospel cannot be exhausted. The gospel-centered pastor is shaped by Christ and him crucified. Lastly, when the character of the pastor is driven by the gospel of Christ then we can rightly be called “gospel-centered.”</p>
