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SUMMARY
As all contexts are different, as are the personality and gifts of each individual
pastor, so in order to fulfil ones vocation it is necessary for every pastor to
have a biblically founded, Reformed (role-taking), but at the same time personal
(role-creating) vision of being a pastor. Ihis is where pastoral theology as the
theological reflection on pastoral identity and the pastor’s role may be of help.
In my dissertation I first examine what the Bible says about different functions
and roles in the church before looking at the changes in the idea of pastor from
a church historical as well as a pastoral theological viewpoint. The social context
is examined because of the expectations of the pastor; next, I introduce the
identity model that presents the relationship between the person and his/her
roles within one structure. My thesis is that when examining the meaning
of being a pastor, it is important to study the question from the aspects of
both role(s) and identity. Roles are born in the in-between space of external
expectations and inner motivation, the dialogue with our environment. Identity,
on the other hand, is a meta-level of the self, in which living out the role of pastor
and of other roles happens inwardly and concurrently. On the level of identity
our convictions, attitudes, self-image, and life history together help us to react
to everyday events. As I see it, the main point where the vocation of a pastor
differs from other vocations is that the pastor does not only face the questions
and challenges of living the Christian life as other believers do, but , models"
and teaches these. From time to time, whether from the pulpit, in a religious
education class or in a personal conversation, the pastor „makes available” his/
her relationship with God, as well as his reflections on the world and himself.
This is a lifestyle that continually looks for connections between the Bible’s
testimony and today’s world.
Learning to live the vocation of pastor is a process that consists of different
phases. In the course of the interviews conducted with thirty-three pastors,
while following the ,,core-narrative” (Kernnarration) of their lives, 1 examine
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