Timeless Wisdom for Pastors: Counsel from the Church Fathers

You don't learn how to pastor in school. You learn as you go; it's OJT ("on-the-job training"). Those "practical ministry" courses—tips and tricks on marrying, burying, and officiating—don't prepare you for what's coming. When you first encounter a real ministry problem, all the classes fly out the window!

That's why every pastor, especially those starting out, should have a mentor and listen to what the Church Fathers say about pastors and pastoring.

Augustine, Gregory of Nazianzus, and Pope Gregory the Great will mentor you. If you listen, they will offer timeless wisdom and great counsel for all pastors—even you.

Wise pastors learn from other wise pastors

The Church Fathers were wise pastors

These three men weren't professional theologians or stuffy philosophers. They were working pastors who wrestled with the challenges you face—leading diverse congregations, dealing with wayward saints, battling personal doubts, and navigating cultural chaos.

Augustine was a churchman in Hippo who dealt with heresies, church conflicts, and endless administrative duties. Gregory of Nazianzus, a reluctant recruit into vocational ministry, wrestled with demons, doubts, and insecurities. Pope Gregory the Great, a monk-turned-pope, navigated the Church through a crumbling civilization. The collective wisdom of the three, gained in the trenches and memorialized in their written work, serves as a roadmap for modern ministry.

So, what insights do they offer today's pastors?

Augustine: Love is the goal of preaching

Augustine learned that pastoral ministry is fundamentally about love—love for God and love for neighbor. He believed this “twofold love” is the goal of everything a pastor does, from preaching to counseling (De Doctrina Christiana 1.35.39). If you ask him, he will tell you that every sermon must inspire people to love God and one another more deeply. If that is not achieved, the sermon misses the mark.

He will also tell you that your preaching must be lucid (to aid understanding) and relevant (to facilitate application). Pointed application is essential because the sermon must touch heads and hearts to transform the lives of those who hear.

Finally, if you read Augustine's sermons aloud—at the same pace you typically preach—you'll discover that most of his sermons were relatively short by today's standards. Many would have taken 15 to 20 minutes, others 30 minutes. On special occasions, such as holidays and festivals, or in addressing serious theological questions, he would have preached for 40 minutes. But this was the exception to his norm.

Takeaway: Your preaching must be clear regarding the meaning of the text, focused on its application, and short enough to prevent listener fatigue.

This is great wisdom from one of the most influential preachers of Western Christianity.

Gregory of Nazianzus: Sanctification is the goal of ministry

Gregory of Nazianzus called pastoral ministry the “art of arts and science of sciences” (Oration 2, §16). The pastor acts as a spiritual physician who accurately diagnoses what ails the soul and provides the appropriate treatment. A soul is cured when it becomes more like Christ. The goal of his ministry is to help those in his care share in God’s divine life—the sanctification of the saints.

But he warns pastors to begin with their own spiritual lives; they must first be holy themselves before turning their attention to the rest of the flock. He cautioned pastors about the necessity to purify their hearts and minds, to train their senses, and to discipline themselves in following Christ. Pastors, he stated, should outshine their flock in virtue, not to show off, but to inspire through example.

Takeaway: The aim of your ministry isn't to teach or preach; those are merely means. The objective is to support the spiritual growth of those in your care. You will falter if you neglect your own spiritual life. Do not allow the urgency of tasks to distract you from what matters most in ministry.

Gregory the Great: The pastoral wisdom of balance and humility

Pope Gregory's Pastoral Rule is a how-to manual written by a wise and devout pastor for churchmen. Gregory saw ministry as a mix of teaching, administration, and soul care. Pastors are like shepherds, leading the flock to salvation by preaching truth, correcting sins, and living as examples of righteousness.

What sets Gregory apart is his focus on discernment. He knows every person in a church is unique—some sin on impulse, others plan it out; some need a gentle word, others a stern warning. In the Pastoral Rule, he counsels pastors on how to deal with different spiritual struggles; it is a playbook for pastoral ministry. He wisely suggests a strategic approach to ministry. Let minor faults slide when necessary to tackle bigger ones (Book II, §38).

Gregory also warns pastors to guard against the seductive power of pride. He warns us that the high status of leadership can puff up your ego, leading to a fall. He urges us to continually monitor our hearts, remember our weaknesses, and stay grounded in Christ (Book IV).

Takeaway: Be a wise leader who knows every member of the church well, thinks strategically, and clings to humility as an anchor that will keep us from drifting.

Collective Wisdom for Pastors

So, what is their wise counsel for today's pastors? Pastoral ministry is about guiding souls to God. Whether it’s through love-fueled preaching (Augustine), cultivating our own spiritual lives (Nazianzus), or humble and discerning leadership (Gregory the Great), our goal is always to help people grow closer to Christ. They all stress:

• Scripture as the foundation: Your teaching must be biblical, clear, and tailored to your people’s needs.

• Personal holiness: You can’t lead others without walking the walk yourself.

• Humility and prayer: Stay dependent on God, avoiding the pride that comes with leadership.

• Personal care: Know your flock and meet them where they are, whether they need a hug or a challenge.

• Big-picture purpose: It’s all about salvation, transformation, and preparing people for eternity.

A Word of Encouragement

Hear the wise counsel of Augustine, Nazianzus, and Gregory: lean into God’s grace, protect your heart, study His Word, love your people fiercely, and always remain humble. You’re not a business leader—you’re a shepherd. Your job is not to grow the church, it is to guide souls to the Good Shepherd.

© Lavern E. Brown, 2025. All Rights Reserved