In 1 Timothy 1 we uncover a message that, though written centuries ago, holds a profound significance for today’s pastoral roles. Embedded within this passage is a subtle yet compelling invitation for pastors to embrace a dimension of their calling that often goes unspoken—the role of an apologist, hence “pastoral apologists.” Through Paul’s heartfelt words to Timothy, especially highlighted in 1 Timothy 1:5, we see the delicate choreography of nourishing a flock while also guarding them against deceptions. This requires both a discerning heart and courage.
A pastor must blend the gentle art of shepherding with the strength of conviction.
This nuanced approach to ministry, where pastoral care meets the defence of faith and truth, is not explicitly spelled out. Yet it is very much applicable to the church which, through the ages, has faced several significant challenges emanating from heresies. The words of John Calvin mirror this concept profoundly when he notes, “The shepherd hath two voices: one for the sheep, another for the wolves. To the sheep he doth speak gently, to the wolves he doth speak sternly.” Herein lies an unspoken truth about pastoral duty—a dual calling that is as relevant today as it has been through church history.
By their very calling, pastors are equipped and expected to stand as pillars for the defence of the faith. Simultaneously, they must blend the gentle art of shepherding with the strength of conviction. Drawing on Paul’s exhortation, in this series of three articles I’ll suggest four essential dimensions to the pastor’s calling: doctrine, discernment, defence, and discipleship. These embody the comprehensive role of what might be termed a “pastoral apologist.”
In this, the first article, I will define what a pastoral apologist is and their role; in the second I’ll double-click on “doctrine” and “discernment”; then in the third we’ll consider “defence” and “discipleship.”
Who Is a Pastoral Apologist?
The term “pastoral apologist” isn’t new. However it isn’t commonly found in classical theological literature or mainstream discussions. Despite this, it represents a crucial blend of pastoral care and Christian apologetics. This concept resonates through the teachings and discussions of various theologians and authors who emphasise the interconnection between a pastor’s duties and their responsibility to defend the faith.
This is a recurring theme in the teaching of Albert Mohler, for example. He contributes to this discussion by highlighting the role of the pastor as an intellectual and theological defender of the faith. Mohler stresses the importance of pastors standing as defenders of doctrinal truth, thereby highlighting the apologetic facet of pastoral work.
The pastoral apologist aims to cultivate a resilient and informed congregation.
The pastoral apologist, therefore, is a spiritual leader who embodies the dual role of nurturing guardian and discerning defender of the faith. This individual utilises a compassionate voice to guide and care for the flock. At the same time he adopts a firm and assertive stance against the wolves that threaten the integrity and purity of the faith. Through this balanced approach, the pastoral apologist aims to cultivate a resilient and informed congregation, capable of identifying and resisting the wolves and their false teachings as they holistically grow and develop their spiritual life.
The Role of the Pastoral Apologist
In the New Testament, false teachers who spread misleading doctrines are described as wolves. Jesus warns of “ravenous wolves in sheep’s clothing” (Matthew 7:15). Paul alerts the church leaders in Ephesus about “fierce wolves” who would attack the flock (Acts 20:29). But the role of a pastor as a protector and defender, or pastoral apologist, is often overlooked. The common view of a pastor is similar to the one found in Psalm 23. He provides, leads, and cares for his sheep. While this image is accurate, it doesn’t fully capture pastoral responsibility developed by Paul in 1 Timothy 1.
The pastor must protect the flock from those who would lead them astray.
Beyond just hunger and thirst, the flock faces other dangers. The pastor must protect the flock from those who would lead them astray. Tim Keller argues, “Preachers must be apologetic, not just in the pulpit but in counselling, in planning congregational worship, even in administration. We must think of ourselves as both shepherds and soldiers.” In other words, he says pastors must adopt an apologetic stance across all aspects of ministry, not just in preaching. Pastors need to be both caregivers and defenders of the faith.
Similarly, Joshua Chatraw explains how pastor-theologians have had to intuitively take on the role of apologists, calling for a retrieval of the pastoral apologist Chatraw argues that, historically, pastors were also apologists. They’ve always actively defended Christian doctrines against misconceptions and heresies. Just consider an early church leader like Athanasius.
The Apostle Paul’s Charge
Let’s conclude this article by looking at Paul’s charge, in 1 Timothy 1. “As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:3). He doesn’t ask or request. Paul urges Timothy, which means something like earnest pressing. Without suggesting it’s comprehensive, I want to suggest two circumstances that make urging necessary.
Paul is warning Timothy about a significant danger with serious consequences.
Firstly, it seems clear that Timothy wasn’t particularly keen on undertaking the task. Paul’s tone implies that there were significant challenges associated it. Secondly, Paul’s urging conveys the importance of this task. We might compare it to a parent emphasising the need for their children to stay in school; to complete their education. The parent, much like Paul, stresses the importance of continuing on the path due to the potentially dire outcomes of deviating from it.
So Paul is warning Timothy about a significant danger with serious consequences. This, he emphasises, demands an appropriate response. Paul’s primary concern wasn’t simply for Timothy to stay in Ephesus and teach correct doctrine. Rather, his focus was on the threat of individuals distorting the gospel.
In conclusion, the role of a pastoral apologist is both vital and demanding. In the next article, I’ll outline two facets of the pastoral apologist’s role: doctrine and discernment.
